I’m Dreaming of a Green Christmas
I recently received a copy of Anna Getty’s I’m Dreaming of a Green Christmas. I’ve been living “green” at Christmas for quite a while now, so I was pleasantly surprised to read a brand new book with new creative ideas on how to have a greener (if not, more sane!) Christmas that is full of beautiful photography, inspired ideas, gourmet recipes and a gentle sense of encouragement that yes, Virginia, it is possible to have a more meaningful Christmas for both you and the planet and still have fun!
Anna Getty’s book is packed, quite literally, with all things good for the entire Christmas season. If you’re looking for gourmet, good for you recipes that will still inspire and awe your guests, it’s in there. If you’re looking for craft ideas and activities to do with the kids – or on your own – it’s in there, too. And there’s plenty of practical information on how to go green throughout all aspects of the Christmas season, from energy use to how to pick caviar and everything in between.
Interspersed throughout I’m Dreaming of a Green Christmas are short stories of how Christmas is celebrated throughout the world as well as personal tales of going green at Christmas from celebrities and other notables in the field of green living.
I’m Dreaming of a Green Christmas is not just a craft book, it’s not just a recipe book, and it’s not just a green living handbook. It’s a hybrid of all of these things which makes it a go-to book for the holidays that you’ll be able to enjoy year after year. I’m Dreaming of a Green Christmas is a fabulous addition to anyone’s library. I know I’ll be pulling out my copy every Christmas, and you’ll want to, too!
I really enjoyed reading I’m Dreaming of a Green Christmas, so I’m thrilled that Anna Getty shared some of her thoughts with me about writing the book. Here’s what the author has to say about dreaming up a green Christmas book that aims to help everyone simplify their lives during Christmas – both on a personal level and on a global one, as well.
What inspired you to write a book about going green specifically at Christmas time?
Between Thanksgiving and The New Year the United States’s waste output increases by roughly 30%. I felt that it was important to address this statistic in the book and then create a book that would help people be less wasteful and more resourceful. It also seemed that with such a stressed out nation that it would be nice to encourage people to slow down and create more meaningful traditions. Lastly, if Christmas is about giving why not give more to the planet?
Where did you come up with the craft ideas and recipes in the book?
Many of the crafts and recipes where part of my childhood traditions like the Walnut and Salt Dough Ornaments as well as the Butternut Squash Soup and Apple Strudel. Others I came up with along side my friend who worked on the crafts with me and then others I had seen or heard of and decided to do my version of them like the Recycled T-shirt Pot Holder.
If someone new to living a greener lifestyle were to make just one switch this Christmas, what would you suggest?
Forgo traditional conventional wrapping paper. Most of it is made from virgin tree paper sources and then coated with toxic ink and are non-recyclable. Instead make your own reusing maps, magazines, newspaper and sheet music. Save paper shopping bags from the grocery store (most are already made from recycled paper) and do blocking printing with sponges, cabbages or potatoes like in the book.
How does your daughter feel about living a greener lifestyle at Christmas?
My daughter has only experienced Christmas in our home. I know she cherishes taking nature walks around the holidays and being a part of creating traditions such as giving away some of her own toys every year, making and decorating cookies and making homemade ornaments. As she grows she asks more questions about the way we have chosen to live our lives but with discussion she seems to understand. We try to find balance by minimizing plastic toys in the house and she knows why. I know she values wonderful experiences with her parents more than she does toys but she still receives gifts from Santa, a little bit of a greener Santa.
