Health and Happiness Club

Sometimes the holiday season takes its toll on those who feel like they have enough “stuff” and that the malls, commercials, and catalogues in December create a massive push to buy stuff, give stuff, exchange stuff, and buy more stuff.  Isn’t there a comedic routine about the “stuff” we all have?  Oh yes, George Carlin.  Anyhow, here are a few ways to decorate and create unique gifts while minimizing the impact on your wallet and the environment.  The idea is to use things you already own to create a festive atmosphere with minimal effort.    

1. JAZZ UP YOUR TREE.  What you already have: solid-color ornaments.  What you need: glitter glue and stick-on embellishments.  I like Darice self-stick gems, which you can find at Michael’s.   Any local craft store will have a greater variety of colors.  The self-stick gems are great because you can stick them right on the ornament in whatever pattern you choose.  No glue-gun required! 

 Take another ornament and work some magic with the glitter glue.  I embrace glitter glue almost as much as my five year-old niece does.  It’s hard to mess up and if errors occur, the good news is that most are washable.  Try making gold swirling patterns on a gold ornament, red on red, etc.  This usually looks the classiest on the tree.  But also feel free to try something bolder, like silver on blue. 

  2.  NATURE, BUT BETTER.  What you already have: pinecones, ornaments, and a vase.  What you need: just the glitter glue!  Explore your backyard to see what interesting pieces of nature await.  Inspiration may not strike until you actually see what’s out there.  For city dwellers, keep your eyes open on your next walk or jog through the park.   Using that same glitter pen, dot some silver sparkliness along the tips of the pinecones.  Cover the top and bottom of the tips like so:     

Let the pinecones dry overnight.  Combine sparkly pinecones with silver ornaments in a vase.  Repetition is key, so fill a few vases with the same contents.  Instantly, a sophisticated arrangement graces your dinner table, coffee table, or mantle.  

 3.  EASY CANDLE ARRANGMENT.  What you already have: candles and a tray.  What you need: greens from the great outdoors.  This works best with a few same-color candles.  Arrange a few on a tray and spread the greens, pinecones, or acorns around them.  Place the finished product in your bathroom or on two end tables.  

4.  RECYCLED GIFTS.  Ok, so getting crafty just isn’t for you?  Check out these practical, eco-friendly gifts online.