Nostalgic Sustainable Christmas Decorations That Feel Like You Stepped Into a Storybook

Summary

This is a charming list of low-cost, eco-friendly Christmas decorations to celebrate the holidays.

Decorating with sustainable Christmas decorations is a festive way to wish peace on Earth to Mother Earth. While shopping for new stuff always feels joyous in my book, it feels even better to waste less and savor the simple things.

These eco-friendly ideas for holiday décor give you a creative, one-of-a-kind look for the season, while bringing in nostalgic vibes from Christmases past. Are you thinking “Little Women” or ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas?” Good! ‘Cause you’re already on your way to adding history, charm, and old-fashioned resourcefulness to your holiday.

Sustainable Christmas Decorations for Those Who Love a Good Story

There’s something so lovely about sustainable Christmas decorations that tell a story. Using materials you already have or seeking pre-loved items that need a new home will bring uniqueness to any decoration. It also saves money and is much better for the environment.

If you’re not very crafty or just simply lacking motivation, this list of eco-friendly holiday decorations might spark your imagination. Most are easy to do, too!

These green holiday ideas are reminiscent of times when merrymakers were literally making the merry. They didn’t have the endless blocks of storefronts or thousands of online options with two-day shipping. What they did have was ingenuity and heart (plus random found objects)!

After reading, you’ll be able to put your own spin on the holidays with sustainable ornaments, gifts, and décor.

This is post is all about sustainable Christmas decorations.

Why Have Sustainable Christmas Decorations Become So Popular?

Price: Choosing sustainable Christmas decorations can save you money since you’re repurposing and upcycyling what you already have.

Environment: Buying less and using your current resources will instantly reduce your carbon footprint. Lowering our consumption levels also lowers the demand for certain items. Now, on the other hand, we ALL have to make a living, so supporting the economy can be a good thing, too. (Note: Not an economist here!)

What I try to do is seek out local artisans, small businesses, and brands that prioritize responsible, climate-friendly processes and give back to others. There are lots of vendors and craftspeople who use recycled materials and other eco methods to offset their impact.

Creativity: Handmade decorations and natural components create one-of-a-kind pieces that are unforgettable. (Even the ones that turn out way worse than you ever imagined!)

DIY decorations or arranging unique vintage vignettes will also be a part of your holiday memories and traditions you can pass on.

History: Many sustainable Christmas decorations have roots in eras past, including those of our grandparents and great-grandparents. Generations before us survived by being economical and inventive! When we do the same, we honor their hard work and the lessons they shared.

Simplicity: Many times, with only a few materials, sustainable Christmas decorations can look absolutely stunning in their simplicity. They’re especially appealing for minimalists. But since maximalists tend to love it all (I tend to love it all!), then it’s good for us, too!

Easy Sustainable Christmas Decorations

1. Greeting Card Garland

Instead of adding more to your recycling bin, repurpose your pretty greeting cards into festive garland.

One way to make greeting card garland is to cut out your favorite images, hole punch each one, then thread through with ribbon, jute twine, or another type of string.

Another way (the even easier way!) to make your garland is to attach them to ribbon with wooden clothespins and…done! This is also a creative solution to display the cards you receive during the season.

And since I didn’t have any hooks to hang up my garland, I used heavy hardback books to suspend them across my entry table. You could also use sturdy figurines and hang on the mantel. (Just make sure little kids or pets can’t pull them down.)

2. Popcorn Garland

Popcorn garland dates back to the mid-1800’s. Yes, that’s before microwaves!

This simple, but classic Christmas decoration might be for you if you’re looking to do a Victorian era type of Tannenbaum.

Materials You Need:

• Fishing line, dental floss, or another thin string: I love this cotton baker’s twine ribbon.
• Sewing needle
• Plenty of popcorn (plain without butter is the least messy): Newman’s Own Popcorn donates 100% of profits to charity.
• Optional: Some helpers that won’t eat all the popcorn. (This is a great opportunity to hang out with each other or watch a holiday movie together.)
• Cranberries, if you’re fancy. Cranberries paired with popcorn is undeniably charming.

Where To Display Your Garland

• Do as the 19th century Americans did and drape on your Christmas tree. You have now added a part of history to your home!
• Garnish window openings or suspend from your mantel.
• Wrap around a plant stand or ladder.
• Decorate your outdoor trees, while feeding the birds and other critters who frolic about in winter, trying to stay safe and warm. If you do this, avoid any unnatural materials, like shellac sprays, glitter*, or plastics. Keep is simple and animal-friendly with just popcorn and natural string! (The birds thank you. The squirrels do, too.)

*My advice: You may not want it, but you ARE on my blog, so here goes!

Glitter is pretty darn toxic for the environment.

“Say, Kat, glitter makes me happy…so what’s the big deal?“ I know, I know. I have been known to love me some glitter! But when I found out what it does us, I decided I loved me, you, and wildlife much more!

Glitter is teeny tiny plastic–microplastics–that negatively affect the land, water, air, animals, and humans. Even glitter that’s deemed “eco-friendly” can cause harm, which is the sad truth. (Sorry for that, but your Aunt Kat here knows a lot of sad truths!)

Ingesting (swallowing, breathing in, absorbing, etc.) these microplastics isn’t healthy for any of us…so much so that the UK banned many types of glitter. Thanks, sweet friends!

To avoid glitter in general, skip it for crafts, cosmetics, parties, and events. We shine bright without it.

3. Found Branches in a Vase with Twinkle Lights

You probably have a vase. You probably have sticks in your yard. (If you don’t have a yard, you probably know someone who could donate some sticks from their yard.) See how easy I made this for you?

Now for twinkle lights!

If you have a clear vase, you could tuck battery-operated or solar fairy lights inside. A level up would be to wrap your branches with the lights. (But if you’re all no fuss, no muss, plopping them in the vase definitely gets an A+ in my class!)

Another option is to add it to garland and wrap around the outside of your vessel.

If your fairy lights have magically disappeared, flameless candles can also look cozy inside your vase or just arranged around it.

Experiment with what looks good to your discerning taste and just have fun being creative!

4. Jam Jars as Candle Votives

Or any glass jar! Ate your last pickle? Wash the jar and now you’ve got a candle votive!

For pretty amber jars, I like to repurpose my natural moisturizer jar made with eco-friendly materials (glass and aluminum).

5. Pine Cones (or Ornaments) in a Pretty Bowl

If you haven’t noticed, we’re on easy street here! The world is particularly heavy right now and has been for a while. Because of that, we need easy peasy DIY!

If you have a pine tree in your yard or find some fallen pine cones on a trail, scoop ’em up and pop in a purdy bowl!

Now, some DIY-ers will say add glitter (NOPE), glue, and other not-so-great materials to spruce up your pine cones. But you can do this without those things!

Mix in some vintage glass ornaments, pearl beads, or seashells. See what other colorful trinkets or natural materials you have at home and create something new!

6. Beaded Necklaces as Tree Tinsel

Grab your beads, baubles, and bedazzled beauties and make a jewelry tree!

Dangle earrings can bring some sparkle to those evergreen boughs or winter branches.

7. Bread Twist Ties to Hang Up Ornaments

Bread and bagel twist ties are useful, so don’t throw those babies away! In addition to using as ornament hangers, you can utilize them for lots of other practical solutions:

• Tidy up unruly cord nightmares.
• Use to train climbing plants up trellises.
• Hold all of your ribbons together,

If you don’t like the look of twist ties on your tree, tuck the ends under the branches so that they hardly stick out.

Other Eco Ways To Hang Ornaments:

• Office paper clips
• Ribbon, twine, jute, string, fishing line
• Hanger loops that you cut out of your garments (These are usually pretty ribbon material that are perfect for hanging ornaments or attaching gift tags.)
• Carabiner clips
• Keychain rings or ball bead chains
• Rhinestone hairclips
• Small scarfs for larger ornaments
• Metal wire on top of champagne bottles (I like to break these apart so that small animals don’t get entangled in them. Once that’s done, the wire is handy, but be careful because it’s also sharp.)

8. Dried Florals or Pampas Grass to Complement Mantel Décor

Tuck dried flowers and grasses between holiday decorations or add to garland. Pampas grass is a great alternative for feathers!

Pampas grass could also be a unique alternative to hay for the manger scene. It also looks elegant between tree boughs or in wreaths.

9. Hair Bow Garland

If you have a fancy dog who has regular spa days, repurpose all of their cute hair bows into tree garland! Tie the bows onto string or use a tiny dot of glue to attach to ribbon. (There are recipes online for natural glue.)

10. Flea Market Figurines

If you have a penchant for figurines, I see you! Pre-loved treasures are awesome sustainable Christmas decorations. And there aren’t a million of the same ones everywhere! You’ll find something unique that has history and a delightful new story that you’ll give to it.

11. Lanterns Filled with Vintage Ball Ornaments

Lanterns are so dreamy and vintage, perfect for all kinds of sustainable Christmas decorating!

Add ball ornaments, miniature figurines, pine cones, dried flowers, seashells, and holiday photographs. Tuck in a tiny flameless, rechargeable candle for the all-aglow look!

12. Snowflakes Made Out of Compostable Coffee Filters

This traditional holiday craft is super easy and can be composted afterwards.

1. Fold an unused coffee filter several times.
2. Use scissors to carefully cut small shapes, like triangles, half moons, or other patterns you fancy.
3. Unfold and see your merry masterpiece!
4. Hole punch a hole for the ribbon.
5. Tie on ribbon and place on your tree!
6. After the holidays, plant in your garden or add to your compost bin.

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13. Repurposed Picture Frames with Christmas Carol Lyrics

What are your favorite holiday songs and Christmas carols? Display them in your home!

• Handwrite your lyrics on paper and pop in a frame.
• Type on your computer in a fun font or use a vintage typewriter if you have one. Your typewriter could be the display stand for the lyrics.
• Make an ornament out of old sheet music. Cut into a holiday shape, hole punch for a ribbon, and hang on the tree. Or create origami or another 3D type of paper craft.

14. Old Brass Bells From the Thrift Store

Give me liberty or give me brass bells! Nah, give me both. Both seem important.

I love brass bells. Once (or thrice) I went on a brass bell binge and then didn’t know what to do with them after I got them, so I gave them away! I regret that.

In my writing studio at work, our manager used to call meetings by ringing a brass cowbell. (He didn’t think we were cows, even though I think cows are quite lovely. We were, according to one of my coworkers, like the island of misfit toys: quirky writers. And that’s how quirky writers roll!)

You can find secondhand brass bells on eBay, Etsy, shopgoodwill.com, antique fairs, and your local thrift store. Pre-loved is always prettiest to me, too!

And what do you do with these bells?

• Arrange a vignette on your coffee table or mantel.
• Add them to your dining table décor,
• Attach the smaller ones to a holiday wreath.
• Make a DIY doorbell.
• Tie a ribbon around them to garnish your gifts.
• Hang on your Christmas tree.
• Annoy your housemates when you’re sick and need soup.
• Call family meetings with them!

15. Framed Sheet Music of Christmas Songs

Oh, who here’s a framed sheet music maven?

Decorating with your favorite songs is such a nostalgic and inspiring way to add personality to your home.

Also, sheet music looks so sophisticated and cultured, like you run with the upper crust and say things like, “ta-ta!” and “We’re summering in Monaco!”

And all you need is one frame to switch out songs throughout the year. This freshens things up! And who needs the French Riviera when switching out art is just as fun!

16. Christmas Tree Made From an Old Book or Catalog

One tree has already been killed for this catalog. Let’s leave it at that!

Real trees are lovely, traditional, fragrant, nostalgic, and elegant, as long as Daddy Griswold doesn’t pick yours out! However, for me, I’ve always thought that cutting down trees just to decorate for a few weeks wasn’t great. And don’t worry! I’m not judging if you do this because according to the National Wildlife Federation, a real tree is best. (We all learned something new today!)

The Deal With Real Trees VS. Artificial

Real trees can be composted, turned into mulch, and even used as retention fences to slow erosion. Experts say the trick is to buy locally, especially if you’re getting a tree that can be replanted.* Also, look for trees that haven’t been heavily treated with insecticides.

Now, if you already have an artificial tree and you enjoy it, I’d keep using it so it doesn’t end up in the landfill. The landfill is when everything goes downhill! I’d just recommend NOT buying a new artificial tree that’s made with plastic and produces lots of carbon emissions.

Here’s another article by The Nature Conservancy that details the benefits of a real tree. A few points they make is that Christmas trees being cut down, when forests are responsibly managed, can be good for the environment. Also, farmers plant 1-3 seedlings per purchased tree.

These recycling tips from the National Christmas Tree Association help you to properly dispose of your tree and give back to nature.

Now, back to catalog and book trees! How cute, right?! These are super easy as well.

I just do two folds, then set it out on a table. Some people add glue to keep it together, but I think it’s easier for storage (and a way to get out of using glue!) to just inconspicuously clip in the back with a paper clip or connect it with a little washi tape (which is compostable).

Also, don’t hook your hand on a wayward staple like I did.

*One year, my parents got a real tree that had its root ball intact, so that it could be planted after Christmas. I thought this was such a savvy way to bring nature indoors, then return it back to the earth and animals for shelter, shade, and beauty.

17. Seashell Ornament

You know the little seashells you have around your home that have natural ribbon holes? These can be ornaments!

You could even try a beach-themed tree or a tree based on your travels.

I used wire from the top of a champagne bottle as my hook. (Just be careful when disassembling because it can be sharp.)

18. Stockings Made Out of Old Clothes & Fabrics

Now this may requiring sewing skills, which I’m not wont to tell you how to do that!

But you might know a crafty friend or relative who can help you turn your ratty plaid pajama pants into rustic Christmas stockings or revitalize an old quilt for a homespun look.

19. Coffee Tin Candle Charger

To get that fancy reflective charger look, look no further than your coffee can! The silvery base of the tin is perfect for extra shine.

Before starting, remember to be careful! The edges can be sharp and we’re going for 0% emergency room visits this Christmas.

• Grab an ordinary can opener and use on the bottom of the coffee container, like you’re opening a can of beans.
• Carefully pop out.
• Place on table with your flameless candle votives. Instant ambiance!
• Optional: You could decorate the edges with rhinestones, ribbon, garland, or shells.

20. Cozy Quilt Tree Skirt or Crafted Decoration

Linus was right the whole time! The perfect little tree just needed to be wrapped in love.

If you have a blanket, quilt, or faux fur throw, there’s no need to buy a tree skirt!

Just clean the floor before plopping it around the tree or lay out an old bed sheet first, then place your blanket on top. If you want an extra cozy look, do a couple of cute throws or quilts.

Just make sure you use something that can be washed later. Sometimes old quilts are delicate and need gentle care!

21. Dried Oranges Made Into a Wreath or Garland

I discovered this old-fashioned eco-friendly Christmas decoration from a coworker and thought I’d try it out!

Materials For Dried Orange Garland:

• Oranges, sliced into the shape of a thin sugar cookie
• A kitchen knife to cut the slices (be careful and go slow!)
• Baking tray
• Parchment paper or a wire rack and time on your hands to flip (the oranges!) every so often
• Twine or thin string
• Hooks, washi tape, or heavier books to brace your garland
• A place to display your gorgeous garland
  • Add to other greenery.
  • Drape across a mantel, in a doorway, or at the front of a table.
  • Adorn your kitchen island.
  • Wrap around a window.

*Instructional video coming soon!

22. Your Own Childhood Ornaments

With all the stunning ornaments out there, it’s so tempting to want to redo the whole tree. But you probably already have a bunch of other ornaments…each with a story or memory!

Themed trees are definitely exquisite, but then those with an eclectic grouping of quirky and oddball ornaments always steal my heart.

One way to indulge in new ornaments is to purchase or create one to add to your collection each holiday season. It can represent a memory from your year, a life change, or something meaningful to you. These ornaments can also become family heirlooms that you pass down to younger generations.

23. Framed Calendar Prints

Have you seen calendars lately? Or ever? Calendars are excellent sources for art and décor!

Since I was a kid, I’ve saved calendars because the pictures intrigued me. My mom did the same thing with her National Geographic planners and my great-grandma cut out beautiful illustrations from her almanacs, too. We’re calendar girls!

Along with calendars, catalog art, vintage signage, old posters, album covers, greeting cards, and postcards can be very cute framed as holiday decorations. It’s about keeping an open mind and finding beauty in unexpected places.

24. Vintage Ornament Wreath

If you have a bunch of ornaments you don’t use, why not create a one-of-a-kind wreath? You could either add to an existing wreath or start from scratch.

Not crafty at all? Maybe you know an artist who could help you!

Another sustainable wreath option is to treasure hunt for one at vintage markets or thrift shops.

25. Art Deco Purses

The chain link flapper purses of the 1920s won’t hold your gargantuan iPhone but they will fill your heart with sparkle!

One day, I decided that I shall collect Art Deco evening purses. ‘Tis a small collection of two, but I do love them and have them displayed on my wall.

BUT, these purses are great for a twinkling tree! You could even do an Art Deco Christmas tree!

Add a purse, pearls, glitzy earbobs, fishnet bows, and some pampas grass in place of feathers…and you’ve got a twenties tree, doll.

26. Cookie Cutters Converted Into Ornaments

If you wish you were one of those holiday baker types, but just aren’t, join the no-bake club! We no bake all year!

My mom used to make us tea cakes, a recipe passed down from my grandma, that’s like part sugar cookie, part shortbread. It’s delish!

And to make these tea cakes, we used cookie cutters. To be fancy.

Since these ’80s cookie cutters haven’t gotten much use since then, I’m going to try them as ornaments. (If you do this, make sure not to cut your hand on any sharp sides! My cookie cutters are plastic, so no dangerous edges, just detrimental to the earth…but don’t get me started!🤣)

Not only are they festive, but they’ll bring back sweet memories of Grandma’s tea cakes.

Mary Ellen’s Tea Cakes

1/2 cup butter (melt at room temperature)
3/4 cup sugar (can reduce)
2 eggs
1 pinch salt
3 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon vanilla
Nutmeg
*Can probably substitute butter & eggs for vegan alternatives

Beat butter & sugar.
Add eggs.
Add vanilla.
Add flour.
Add baking powder.

Press out dough with rolling pin.
(Roll out dough thin on wax paper or a clean countertop.)
Use cookie cutters or a cup to make shapes.
Place on baking sheet.
Sprinkle lightly with sugar & nutmeg.
Bake at 375 degrees for 8-10 minutes.

27. Holiday Mug or Plate

Vintage mugs can be cute dining table décor, placeholders, desk accessories, or to leave out a treat for St. Nick himself!

And they’re really not hard to find! I spotted several shelves of cheerful Santa mugs at a vintage market. It just takes some shopping prowess, which I know you have!

Conclusion: Sustainable Christmas Decorations

I hope you found some eco friendly Christmas decoration ideas that strike your fancy! Remember, it’s about using what you already have, repurposing something from history, and adding in a little imagination.

What were your favorite sustainable Christmas decoration ideas? Please share in the comments!

Merry Christmas & a Non-Crappy New Year!

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