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From recycled wreaths to fabric Advent calendars: 12 genuinely reusable Christmas things

By · Via The Guardian Money · Published by Everything Blog

In short

Households are turning to durable, long-lasting holiday decor to build cherished annual traditions while embracing environmentally conscious alternatives to disposable items. Curating collections over time allows families to celebrate with sentimental keepsakes, ranging from vintage-inspired velvet Advent calendars to screen-printed cushion covers. Handcrafted options, such as wreaths made from recycled saris by Fair Trade-approved suppliers, offer unique decorative solutions designed to be enjoyed for decades. Classic pieces like Swedish angel chimes also bring enduring charm to seasonal celebrations.

Key points

  • Choosing reusable decorations reduces household waste while fostering sentimental family…: Choosing reusable decorations reduces household waste while fostering sentimental family traditions each holiday season.
  • Long-lasting decorative pieces like fabric Advent calendars can be refilled and enjoyed a…: Long-lasting decorative pieces like fabric Advent calendars can be refilled and enjoyed across multiple decades.
  • Durable, handcrafted seasonal keepsakes offer an environmentally conscious alternative to…: Durable, handcrafted seasonal keepsakes offer an environmentally conscious alternative to disposable holiday goods.

Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1

I met a woman one January who told me that every year she throws away her tree with all the decorations attached, and then just buys everything new the following year. Not only is this horrendous, environmentally speaking, but she’s missing out on the best bit, as far as I am concerned. For me, Christmas is all about nostalgia and sentimentality, and nothing speaks to that like taking the tatty little robin made of real feathers that belonged to my grandparents out of its storage box and nestling it into the branches of my tree.

My favourite day of the festive period isn’t actually Christmas Day, or even Christmas Eve. It’s the day that we get the decorations down from the loft. I’ll start sorting and unpacking from 1 December, sprucing up anything that needs some TLC – some of my stuff is older than me, after all. Although I do often treat myself to a couple of new, carefully chosen pieces, I love getting out all the bits and bobs I’ve been collecting over the years. It’s like being…

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