Have Yourself a Meaningful, Sustainable Christmas

There are as many differing thoughts on the holidays as there are needles on a tree. I have entertained practically all of them as I have grown and learned about the interdependence of social and ecological systems. I love the lights, the cookies and cheer of the season, but I don't love the obligation to buy. It's unsustainable, of course, for our pocket books, and it's also unsustainable for the earth.

In an attempt to reject commercialism and consumerism, I have gone through periods of refusing to buy gifts during the holidays. I have celebrated Christmas by decorating a living tree in my yard, and I have "celebrated" by not decorating a Christmas tree at all.

Sometimes, by trying so hard to maintain my philosophies on living responsibly, I have Grinched the whole season and moved on to January, probably hurting some feelings along the way.

But, as I appreciate magic and the balance of nature more and more each year, I think I have finally reached my own sense of balance during the holidays.

For example, Richard and I have been planning to take down a hemlock tree which has been leaning on the power line by our house for years. (After all, it is a safety issue and we will be planting 1,000 more trees next spring.) I thought perhaps we could use the top of that tree for Christmas this year, since we were cutting it down anyway...

And that would have been a fine option.

But when we had no plans to cut that tree any time before January, and Richard got a job harvesting trees at the very sustainable permaculture operation down the road, I thought that might be an option, too.

This "tree farm" is nothing at all like a monoculture. It is a diverse forest which has been altered by humans so that all the trees are crowding each other, and few trees have any room to grow.

So, the humans running the property now have decided to alter the forest selectively, in a way that benefits the overall health of the ecosystem. Some of the overcrowded tree population is removed (and used for a little seasonal magic) so that others are allowed to grow into healthy adults. Then, they are better able to contribute to their forest community the way we hope adult humans will do. 

A healthy Maine forest with a festive wreath.

And when Richard came home to surprise me with a tree from that forest one day, I was elated! I ran out into the cold to greet him (and our new tree) with bare feet and a huge smile.

One day soon, we will use that tree as new acidic soil for our blueberries, which will raise support for our programs and eventually be planted in our orchards. For now, I am enjoying our beautifully decorated tree and the togetherness and magic that it brings.

Richard and I embrace the season and pose before our sustainably harvested tree.

If you are interested in giving the gift of sustainability this season, please consider one of our holiday trees. Time is running out, so please order at www.retreeus.org before December 20th to receive your certificate on time.

A student at one of our participating schools hugs a tree.