Fairy lights yes or no?
How to create a Christmas spirit despite saving energy
© mirkadirka / Adobe Stock
Whether with dried orange peels, nuts, candles or Advent garlands – we reveal how you can create a lasting Christmas atmosphere in your home.
In many households, the fairy lights will probably remain in the basement or in the attic this Christmas season. Because it saves energy! No reason to give up the Christmas decorations completely. Luckily we have ingenious sustainable tips for decorating. Put on the Christmas playlist and look forward to the ultimate Advent feel-good factor in your own four walls.
1. Nuts & fruit for the eyes
Regardless of whether they are dried or fresh: tangerines, berries, walnuts, peanuts, apples and pomegranates do not cost much and can be placed beautifully in decorative bowls or on elegant plates. Biscuits are of course also allowed, they whet the appetite and provide Christmas flair.
2. Mmh … enjoy the anticipation of Christmas with all your senses
If you already save on lights, the sense of smell should be stimulated for Christmas. With cinnamon or vanilla sticks, cardamom, dried orange peel, anise stars or cloves, you can bring Christmas scents into your home nest. Simply arrange beautifully. For example, attach it to the advent calendar in the bedroom, place it in bowls in the bathroom, or hang it on the window in the living room. Smells good and looks nice.
3. Advent feeling inside and out
Instead of fairy lights, you could make your own beautiful window decorations using cotton, felt, fabrics, colored cardboard, and paper. Or you can buy window paint or pens and paint beautiful Christmas motifs on the panes. Another creative option can be pine cones that you attach to the curtain rod with thread. A lot of Christmas tree balls at the window also look particularly beautiful.
4. Of course, candlelight is a must!
Ecologically produced scented candles or essential oils also create a natural Christmas atmosphere. When it comes to candles, it is best to make sure that they are sustainable, free from paraffins, conventional palm oil, sulfates or other artificial chemicals. If you make your own DIY scented candles, you can put together your own favorite Christmas scents. You can find great instructions and tips here.
5. If you can’t live without Christmas lights…
You don’t want to do without fairy lights completely? Then at least the power-saving version is recommended this year! In contrast to conventional light chains, LED light chains are the modern, energy-saving way of bringing mood lighting into the booth. They reduce power consumption, costs and Co2 emissions. They also last much longer than traditional halogen or incandescent bulbs. According to the Consumer Center light chains or light tubes with LED lamps only need about 1/10 of the electricity compared to conventional incandescent or halogen lamps – and last about 100 times longer.
6. Where does my Christmas tree come from?
Fir trees quickly create a Christmas atmosphere. The best thing to do is to look for an ecologically certified Christmas tree. Another option is the tree in a pot, for rent. There are many environmentally friendly alternatives.
7. How about a minimalist Advent wreath?
Have you ever seen a wooden Advent wreath? Yes, you can easily carve your own advent wreath out of wood. Or you can buy an ecological Advent wreath and decorate it with natural materials. And hey presto, you have atmospheric Christmas vibes at home.
8. Decoration from nature
The next walk is into the forest. There you can find many natural materials for decoration – and for free! Whether twigs, branches and moss or cones and chestnuts – all these things ensure natural comfort.
9. Christmas garlands add color to the room
Who needs fairy lights when you can make your own beautiful garland. With a little handicraft skill, you’ll soon be snipping and sticking together a Christmas garland made of cardboard or fir trees. The natural variant becomes an eye-catcher thanks to the color and immediately creates a festive flair in any case.
Sources used: Verbraucherzentrale.de, grueneerde.com, wwf.de