Whether you’re dreaming of Christmas, Channukah, Kwanza or some other holiday, everyone is going green!

Well, it’s not just for the warmer climates anymore! It seems that everyone is thinking about going green this year, whether they’re dreaming of snow or not!

So, naturally, being the green guru that I am, I sat down to do a little research to make sure that my holidays were as green as possible. And, all I can say is, kudos to the media outlets of the world! Let me just tell you, I have seen more crazy ideas than the number that pop out of my own head on any given Tuesday!

There seems to be one unifying message, and it’s one of my favorites! Reduce, Reuse and (can you guess?) Recycle. But, there was another idea which I don’t think is as prevalent in our society: Don’t Go Overboard and Purchase in Moderation!

I think that our society has learned to discount gifts from the heart as tacky or cheesy. When you think “home-made” you automatically think of the hideous sweaters of old or lopsided clay ashtrays. A recent e-mail got me giggling when it suggested using feminine napkins as slippers.

All joking aside, there’s plenty of room for fun in the hand made. Kids need a creative outlet, so let them help make gifts for the rest of the family. Also, don’t forget that giving gift certificates or tickets for an activity are just as good as a plastic toy. Let’s face it, any reason to get out of the house right after the holidays to do something other than returning gifts and looking for bargains is a plus!

I’m not advocating turning your back on all man made goods, that won’t do anything but sink our economy further into trouble. But, perhaps it’s possible to shop and gift responsibly. In reality, the gift are symbols of something much bigger – the fact that you care for the person enough to think about what they want. And, many times, what they want is more time with you doing things they like doing.

So, when you’re sitting around your potted, living Christmas tree or your home-made menorah with organic wax candles, with LED lights shining around you, handing each other unwrapped tokens of hand-made affection and gift cards for experiences, reading your e-mailed holiday cards, singing songs about ending global warming, and drinking fair-trade hot cocoa and locally grown cider, remember, we are too!

Happy Holidays from FrootSalid.com!