A Simple, Conscious Christmas
Over the past few weeks I’ve been thinking consciously about small ways to use less and help others during the Christmas build-up, and I thought I’d share some of those ideas with you.
Our Christmas shopping is limited anyway, as we only buy presents for the children in our family now. Many years ago we decided that what we really wanted was simply to enjoy being together. That decision has taken so much pressure out of the season and allowed us to focus on what matters most.
For my Mum and sister, I have a long-standing tradition of buying Christmas tree decorations. This year mine came from the RNLI - a cause close to my heart - and I made a donation alongside the purchase, as they do such an incredible job.
Most of my other gifts are bought locally. I love sourcing things like local honey, gin, and cheeses from nearby fairs, and art materials from my local Cass Art for my nieces. It feels good to support local makers and businesses, and the gifts always feel more personal.
Homemade Gift Wrap
This year I have made my own wrapping paper using newspaper, painted with an off-white paint left over in a tin from a past client. I lino-printed on top to add pattern.
For gift tags, I reused a cardboard box, cutting and painting it, then once fully dry I will be adding a little old glitter I found tucked away in Mums Christmas decorations box! I usually love adding a sprig of greenery, so I will see if the local Christmas tree sellers have any tiny bits
The paper is drying so will start wrapping next week!
Homemade Decorations
For my art show in Glasgow, I really enjoyed making decorations for the Nicholls Gallery window. I used shiny card and Mokulito prints that hadn’t quite worked out. By spray-mounting two pieces together, I was able to cut double-sided discs. I then hand-sewed each one with cotton thread so they spun and caught the light — simple, but very effective.
At home, my decorations often start with sticks I find on walks or runs. Last week, out running on a particularly windy morning, I spotted a few perfect ones scattered across the park floor under a tree. I ran home clutching a handful, which made a lot of people smile. I always choose sticks with lots of sections, so there’s plenty of space to add decorations.
Advent
I love having an advent calendar or candle. This year I chose an Angela Hardingadvent calendar ordered from Tinsmiths — such a special shop and one I return to often for gifts. I also bought my charity Christmas cards there this year. My blank white cards from last year, bought with the intention of printing my own designs… are still unprinted. Next year!
Cooking & Coming Together
I’m hoping I’ll still find time once work finishes to make mince pies and gingerbread. My sister and her husband are cooking Christmas dinner this year, and I can’t wait for us all to be together.
I’ll be bringing dates and bacon to make Devils on Horseback — I’d completely forgotten how much I love them until the Royal Academy Christmas party this year. Fortnum & Mason did the food and bubbles, which was superb.
Christmas really settles in for me on Sunday, when we go to hear my Mum singing carols at a local church followed by The Nutcracker at the Coliseum on Monday — a perfect pairing.
And finally, I always make small donations to various shelter charities at this time of year.
A simple Christmas doesn’t mean a lesser one — for me, it feels richer, calmer, and more meaningful than ever.
For me: Making, reusing, and finding beauty in what’s already there - I hope you enjoyed my notes on a conscious, creative Christmas…
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