Holiday 2014 Issue of Green Child Magazine by Green Child Magazine

Deck the Halls

Naturally

Embracing the

Spirit of the Season

Holiday 2014

Our 4th Annual

Holiday Gift Guide!

More than a generation ago, a young mother and herbalist founded Motherlove to empower women with the wisdom and healing strength of nature. Today our commitment spreads around the world; helping women to discover the bond between motherhood and mother earth. Experience this wondrous connection yourself through our herbal care products for pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding, and babies; formulated to soothe and nurture both body and soul.

www.motherlove.com

Contents 8 EcoFab

A few of our favorite finds, inspired by nature & health

10 Staying Healthy this Winter

5 tips for keeping your family healthy during cold & flu season

12 A Conscious Thanksgiving

How to plan and celebrate an ethical, healthier Thanksgiving gathering

16 Look Listen Read

Our editors’ top picks in books, apps & more

18 Natural Discipline

How to set limits and follow through with consequences

22 Embracing the Spirit of the Season

How to nurture your child’s intuitive sense of wonder during the holidays

26 Conscious Kitchen

Recipes galore! From grain-free stuffing to festive cupcakes

38 No Battery Gifts

Play up your child’s imagination and creativity with low-tech gifts

40 Our 4th Annual Holiday Gift Guide

Make their season bright with inspired, sustainable gifts for everyone on your list

60 Deck the Halls Naturally

Simplify your decorating with elements of nature 3

Contents 62 With Every Christmas Card I Write...

On The Cover

66 Handmade Holiday Gifts

Deck the Halls Naturally p60

Green your holiday greetings

A roundup of eco-friendly DIY gifts with plenty of festive flair

69 Guided Relaxation

A beautiful meditation for your child on the essence of love

70 The More You Know Eco

Embracing the Spirit of the Season p22 Our 4th Annual Holiday Gift Guide! p40

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s greener? The real vs. artificial Christmas tree debate

72 Light amidst Darkness

Celebrating the Winter Solstice

76 Nutritional Nuggets

From healthy holiday party dish dilemmas to staying hydrated in winter, expert Louise Goldberg answers your questions

78 How to Wrap Gifts Sustainably From furoshiki to mason jars, this article explores the many ways to gift greener

80 New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Resolutions

A simple process for making - and keeping - your resolution for the new year

83 Ask Green Grandma

Questions from our readers answered

84 ReUse Craft

Make your own festive holiday crackers

86 Community Marketplace

More great green gift ideas from our collection of artisan shops & resources

88 Your Green Child

A peek into the families of our readers

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Cover Photography by

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1 in 3 families struggles to afford cloth diapers.

We can help. Visit our website to see if your family qualifies.

www.givingdiapersgivinghope.org

Publisher & Editor

Amity Hook-Sopko

Creative Director Amanda Hearn

Advertising Director Tracy Carter

Copy Editor

Megan McCoy Dellecese

Columnists

Mellisa Dormoy Liza Huber Megan McCoy Dellecese Louise Goldberg Hana Haatainen Caye

Contributors

Dr. Laura Markham Molly Westerman Kelly Bartlett Maggie Chilton Leith Hill Dr. William Davis Sandy Kreps Nichole Groat Hamblin Leo Babauta

Media & Other Inquiries media@greenchildmagazine.com

from our publisher & editor “There is more to life than increasing its speed.” ~ Mahatma Gandhi

To me, the holidays are about family, giving, and making memories. The funny thing about memories is that you have to slow down and be in the moment to make them. Life comes at us in waves. One weekend may be packed with a piano recital, basketball tournament, two birthday parties, and a school function. If we’re skilled at balancing our lives, the next weekend, the dust settles and we allow ourselves a much-needed stretch of down time. With the busy-ness of the holidays, the art of balancing these waves can go right out the frosty windowpane. Some of us get a rush from the rush. Some of us get completely overwhelmed. But in order to really enjoy the season, our bodies (and minds) need a break from the stress. To find the time to make those special “in the moment” memories, it helps to prioritize what’s important. While researching peaceful holidays, I came across the idea of a holiday priority list. So I made an optimistically realistic reminder sheet of what I really want to do this season. It’s simple, hopeful… and because I know I’m never going to make a Polar Express train out of confections from scratch, that’s not making the cut.

The goal is… every time you have the choice to do something you feel like you have to do, you choose something from your list instead. This doesn’t mean you ignore your bills or don’t go to work. It just means you keep these things as priorities. For a little extra accountability, I’m sharing mine here! My Holiday List

• Keep top of mind that people are more important than things. • Watch It’s a Wonderful Life and Mickey’s Christmas Carol with my family. • Breathe. • Hang the holiday cards we receive instead of letting them lay in a pile of mail. • Make Christmas cookies for Santa on Christmas Eve. • Relax & enjoy family visiting for the holidays. • Find a fun way to involve the whole family in giving back. • Stay up late reading a good book. If you’re so inclined to share your list, we’d love to encourage our community to keep the priorities they set. Because when we make a point to slow down and simplify life, these days may really be merry and bright!

-Amity

EcoFab

The kids’ table is always a lively spot for family gatherings. And these sustainable finds are versatile enough to make a festive kids’ party... while some of them will last throughout the year for meals and playtime.

Paper Straws All the trimmings. Add even more fun to the party with food safe, biodegradable straws. $5 from Kikkerland

Funkins Cloth Napkins Making spirits bright! No green party is complete without cloth napkins, and these double-sided, high quality fabrics might just find their way off the table and under the tree as gift wrap. $8 from Funkins 8

Re-Play Seasonal Set Re-Playâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s festive tableware set brings color and cheer to your holiday gathering. Deep scoop spoons fit just right in little hands and durable dishes made from recycled milk jugs add a greener flair to your party... and all year long. $30 from Re-Think It

Wood Place Card/Photo Holder Rustic holiday charm. Real wood place card holders bring natural balance to a colorful table. Set of 4 $10 from Kate Aspen

Reversible Tabletop with Storage This table will take your family from holiday dinners to hours of crafting fun. Choose white or chalkboard top, and handy storage bin organizes art supplies right under the table. $120 from Pâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;kolino 9

Tips to Keep Your Family Healthy

This Holiday Season!

With the holidays on the way, that means there’s plenty to do. Out and about with holiday gatherings, school parties, and shopping excursions can expose us to more germs than usual. And for most parents, there’s no time to be sick — or worse — have a sick child. There are several ways you can boost your immunity, and make it less likely that you will catch any type of flu this season. And it should be no surprise… the good, old common sense stuff your grandmother told you, like washing your hands and not touching your nose or mouth, really are the most effective ways to avoid a catching a cold. “Some of the building blocks for a strong immune system are good food, good sleep and good physical activity,” says Dr. Zak Zarbock, pediatrician and founder of Zarbee’s. “I recommend that my patients and their families protect their immune systems. Studies link deficiencies in zinc and vitamins A, C, D, and E to reduced immune function. This is why I suggest that children and their families make sure they are getting immune-supporting vitamins, minerals and nutrients they need with a quality supplement.” If your child does get sick this winter, these natural solutions can help shorten the duration of the illness and get him back to normal faster: 10

Nutrition – Make sure your child is eating

a balanced diet of whole foods that are high in vitamins like A, C, D, E, elderberry, and zinc. Avoid grains, sugars, and other high-starch foods to keep the immune system running at peak levels. According to Dr. Zak, probiotics have also been shown to reduce the incidence of respiratory illnesses.

Hygiene – Teach your child proper hand-

washing and explain the importance of keeping hands away from their eyes, nose and mouth... the gateway for infection. When soap and water aren’t available use a natural, plant-based hand sanitizer.

Sleep - The body needs adequate rest to re-

new itself. Don’t wait until your child (or you) gets sick to rest. Teach your child that when she takes care of her body, it will take care of her. If congestion or illness make it hard to sleep, keep her as comfortable as possible during the night and encourage naps during the day. To help protect your little one’s sleep environment from accidents and extra germs use an easily washable, organic mattress protector. We recommend the Naturepedic Organic Cotton Waterproof Protector Pad (seen right), which features two layers of organic cotton flannel with an ultra-thin waterproof membrane in the center for an absorptive and comfortable

sleep environment. This pad makes an excellent choice for parents seeking to remove potentially harmful chemicals from their child’s sleeping environment.

Hydration – Fluids help flush toxins out

of the body. See that your child gets plenty of fluids, water is your best option. Keep a humidifier in his bedroom. Try nasal saline spray or a neti pot (if the child is old enough) to maintain moisture in air passages. Warm drinks may also relieve congestion.

Vitamin D – The sun’s rays are the best

Developed by a Pediatrician Drug, Dye & Gluten-Free Fast, Effective, Natural Relief

source of natural vitamin D production. Fifteen minutes a day (without sunscreen) and with at least 40% of your body exposed to the sun is a good guideline. As the weather changes, you can still get outside or get your vitamin D through naturally occurring food sources like green leafy vegetables, or through foods that have been enriched with it. A daily supplement can also be a good source of vitamin D. The Naturepedic Organic Cotton Waterproof Protector Pad features two layers of organic cotton flannel with an ultra-thin waterproof membrane in the center for an absorptive and comfortable sleep environment.

Doctor Recommended

Giving Thanks

Celebrating a Conscious Thanksgiving

For a holiday that’s all about gratitude, it’s decidedly ungrateful that we waste 200 million pounds of food each Thanksgiving. “It undermines the spirit of the holiday and ignores the 50 million Americans who frequently don’t get enough to eat,” according to Food Tank. “The turkey we waste on Thanksgiving could provide a meal to every American in that category.” In the spirit of giving thanks, here’s how you can celebrate a more conscious Thanksgiving this year.

Serve a more responsible meal. Think further than just the turkey and try to reduce excess and waste for the whole meal.

Get an accurate guest count. With so many side dishes to fill their plates, your guests may eat less than a serving size, while some will forego mashed potatoes for sweet potato casserole. Be mindful of preparing a reasonable amount of food.

Choose a vegetarian menu.

Sure, this may run counter to your traditions, but it can be a great way to break out and try something new. Meat adds to your carbon footprint, and many turkeys live inhumane lives, so choosing to go meat-free is great for them, too.

Go organic and fair trade. Look for things like coffee, tea, fruits, baking ingredients, chocolate, and even your wine to come with certified organic and fair trade labels. These foods are better for the planet and better for the communities producing them, too.

Choose heritage, free range. If you can’t live without the turkey, at least go for one that’s had a humane, healthy life. Look for a heritage turkey that’s been pasture-raised and free-range. Your local farmer is the best bet for finding such birds.

Compost. Got leftovers and table scrapings? Compost food waste of all varieties to further reduce the carbon footprint of your meal. If you don’t have a compost of your own, either start one or donate your food waste to a local farmer who can turn it into black gold.

Serve with real dishes and glasses. Disposables are expensive and after being used once represent an incredible waste of resources. If you worry about needing help with clean up, don’t share the best family gossip at the dining table, save it for the kitchen.

Giving Thanks

Celebrating a Conscious Thanksgiving

Green travel to and from your Thanksgiving event. In addition to having the dubious distinction of being the holiday to produce the most food waste throughout the entire year, it also is implicated in travel eco-ills. More than 65 million people travel for Thanksgiving celebrations in the US, and that adds up to a lot of greenhouse gas emissions pushed into the atmosphere. You can reduce your Thanksgiving travel carbon footprint by taking some steps to make your holiday even more climate-friendly.

Choose a central location. If you’re bringing family together from far and wide, try to choose a location that’s central to everyone so that you minimize travel as much as possible. This is easiest if everyone is within driving distance but can also be done over long distances.

Go public transit. If you live within the same city as the celebrations, go by public transit rather than driving. Not only can this be safer (winter driving conditions and drunk drivers are both hazards), it is cheaper, too.

Choose rail over air. Traveling by motor coach or rail, especially if the distance is short, is usually less expensive and much better for the planet. Plus it can be a fun experience, too! 14

Carbon neutralize. Regardless of your travel choice, you may want to consider buying carbon offsets for the travel you’ve done. Choose ones that are certified by a third-party, such as those through Carbonfund, 3Degrees, or TerraPass. Celebrate an alternative Thanksgiving. If it all seems too much, you might want to consider one of these alternatives to Thanksgiving: • Donate food to local organizations that feed the hungry. • Help cook and serve a meal at a homeless shelter or soup kitchen. • Invite to dinner someone who otherwise would be alone that day. • Volunteer at an animal shelter. • Remember your elderly neighbors, and visit a senior center or nursing home. • Go hiking. If the weather is right where you live, pack some turkey (or Tofurky) sandwiches and head into the great outdoors to give thanks for nature’s lifesustaining wonder. • Plant some trees. The dormant, leafless state they assume in autumn marks an ideal time for successful transplanting. • Spend the day assembling care packages for U.S. troops overseas. One organization facilitating such care packages is Any Soldier, but the internet abounds with organizations that can help.

“I slept and I dreamed that life is all joy. I woke and I saw that life is all service. I served and I saw that service is joy.” -― Kahlil Gibran 15

Green Christmas: How to Have a Joyous, Eco-Friendly Holiday Season By Jennifer Basye Sander & Pete Sander.

This book provides a valuable resource on how to include more eco-friendly practices into your holiday season and traditions. Realistic green ideas on decorating, entertaining, traveling, gift-giving, and more are intertwined with the truth about the serious facts regarding holiday wastefulness, providing a wealth of information in a totally approachable manner. $3 at Amazon (free on Kindle!)

Acts of Kindness App With this free app, you can receive over 300 goodwill ideas to try out with your family this holiday season. From random acts of kindness (hence the name) to charitable donation suggestions (which you can securely make straight to the organizationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website, provided by the app), youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re sure to find a fulfilling way to give back. You can even inspire friends to try the same by sharing ideas, big and small, on social media. Free on iOS

Let It Snow: Three Holiday Stories

By John Green, Lauren Myracle & Maureen Johnson In this three-story narrative, a single major snowfall is the catalyst for three charming teenage love stories. A perfect teen read for the holiday break, these popular authors maintain their voices while creating a cohesive theme and believable, non-cheesy romances. $6 at Amazon

The Shortest Day: Celebrating Winter Solstice By Wendy Pfeffer

Here you will find an informative non-fiction book mixed with an easy-to-read narrative on the history and science behind winter solstice, all brought to life through illustrations by Jesse Reisch. Children may recognize some current traditions that hearken back to ancient solstice celebrations. Try out the simple science activities and celebration ideas included to create your own new traditions. $8 at Amazon

Santa Claus Is Green! By Alison Inches

Stressed about all the post-Christmas garbage at the curb, a young boy writes to Santa for help. This leads Santa to evaluate the things that he can change in his own shop that can help the earth. Riddled with tons of achievable, eco-friendly tips and fabulous illustrations, this book will appeal to any youngster making their own strides towards a better world. $5 at Amazon

Daddy Christmas and Hanukkah Mama By Selina Alko (Kindle edition and hardcover)

Holiday traditions collide beautifully in this uplifting story. Sadie gets to put out latkes and milk for Santa (theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re his favorite recipe!) and hang candy canes on the menorah branches! Whether your family is multi-faith or you just want your children to learn about the wonderful diversity of the world (and the fact that they can peacefully coexist), this book is a boldly-illustrated example to share. $13 at Amazon 17

Natural Consequences

How to Set Limits & Follow Through |by Kelly Bartlett As any parent who wants to raise a well-disciplined child knows, setting limits is important. However, sometimes it’s easy to set limits in the moment and have difficulty following through later. You may often find yourself giving a strong consequence to get a child to behave, and then forget about it later or realize it’s not enforceable. Maybe at one time you’ve declared, “Stop that right now, or you’re not going to the birthday party today!” while really having no intention of cancelling anyone’s plans. Or perhaps after a bout of backtalk and rude comments from your child, you proclaimed, “No TV or video games for a week!” Yet he somehow ended up back on the screens a day later.

Although it may be easy to set a limit and attach a consequence—especially when you’re stressed or feeling emotional—it’s much harder to actually follow through with those consequences. Sometimes the consequence you tossed out is one you can’t enforce or is easily forgotten, while other times you just don’t want to be the “bad guy” in carrying it out or have to deal with the emotional turmoil that is sure to come. When it comes to discipline and setting limits, here are a few tips that will help you attach appropriate consequences and be able to follow through with them.

During the holiday season, the weeks off of school and holiday stress provide even more opportunity for family squabbles and sibling conflict. Many parents use the upcoming giftgiving occasions as potential consequences to hold over their children’s heads as a way of inciting appropriate behavior. It’s a common occurrence in the holiday season for a stressedout parent to threaten to “tell Santa not to come” during a heated moment of a child’s inappropriate behavior.

When your temper flares because of your child’s behavior, the part of your brain that processes logic and reasoning is not communicating effectively with the part of the brain that regulates emotion. The emotions are intense, and you’re not able to access the logical, problem-solving part of your brain. Dr. Dan Siegel and Mary Hartwell, authors of Parenting from the Inside Out, call this “flipping your lid.” It means that your feelings of frustration have a tendency to override your ability to think rationally about appropriate discipline.

You may be able to think of all kinds of consequences with which to pressure kids to behave, but think twice before threatening just anything.

Pause.

When you try to discipline with a flipped lid, you’re not only more likely to be hurtful than

Natural Consequences

How to Set Limits & Follow Through

helpful… you’re also more likely to issue consequences that you won’t enforce. This sends a message to children that you don’t mean what you say, and that the limits you set aren’t important. When your child’s behavior gets under your skin, take a few moments to calm down and collect yourself so you can maintain access to your “logical” brain.

Ask yourself: Is the consequence related? Make sure that any consequence you give your child is related to the situation at hand. Spilled juice? Wipe it up. Fighting over a toy? Remove the toy. Hurting someone else? Find a way to make amends. Cancelling plans to go to the movies isn’t related to a child pocketing a pack of gum from the store; returning it to the store and apologizing is.

Ask yourself: Is the consequence respectful?

Blame, shame and pain do not help kids learn how to improve their behavior. When a child hears, “Why would you throw a ball in the house? I can’t believe you broke my lamp! Go to your room, I don’t want to see you right now,” he thinks, “I am bad.” When a child hears, “Oh no, the ball broke my lamp! Now I have to buy a new one. I need you to help pay for it with your allowance,” he thinks, “I made a mistake.” It’s a very different message and learning experience (fixing a mistake versus shame from a parent). You can ensure that the consequences you set for your children are respectful by aiming for problem solving over punishment.

Ask yourself: Is the consequence reasonable? When it comes to seeing through the consequences you’ve set, things get much harder if you’ve set a limit that is disproportionate to the problem, impractical, or possibly even hurtful. Keep the scale of the consequence aligned with the scale of the behavior. If you have to think too hard about what to do to a child to teach them a lesson, the consequence is probably too punitive and impractical. Instead think, “How can I work with my child to solve this problem?” for a more feasible solution.

Allow for emotional expression. Setting limits gives kids a set of boundaries and a sense of safety; they are healthy and necessary. However, kids will not always be happy about them. This might be the hardest part of holding a limit—the emotional reaction that follows in the wake. When you set a limit your kids don’t like, let them have their feelings about it. It does not mean you have to change the limit you set! Keep your boundaries and know that upset feelings are important for a child’s adaptive process. Letting out tears paves the way for a child to be able to access his “logical brain,” accept consequences, fix mistakes, and find alternate solutions to problems. With these guidelines, your disciplinary limits will always be appropriate and the consequences logical. This means that following through with discipline will be easier for you and will send the message to your children that you mean what you say, and say what you mean.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Many people think that discipline is the essence of parenting. But that isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t parenting. Parenting is not telling your child what to do when he or she misbehaves. Parenting is providing the conditions in which a child can realize his or her full human potential.â&#x20AC;? - Gordon Neufeld

Embracing the Spirit of the Season with Children

|by Dr. Laura Markham

“Love is what’s in the room with you if you stop opening presents and listen.”

— Bobby, age 7

If you have a deep faith and keep the rituals of your religious tradition, then you’ve probably given a lot of thought to your child’s spiritual development and have your holiday religious plans all mapped out. If, on the other hand, you wonder how to put what you believe into words and aren’t sure what spiritual beliefs you want to pass on to your kids, this article is for you. All humans have a spiritual dimension. You don’t have to believe in a supreme being to teach your child the great universal spiritual lessons. Whatever your beliefs, you probably want your children to know that life is sacred, that nature deserves a certain reverence, that your child’s presence in the world can contribute to joy and goodness, that things have a way of working out (not always as we expect), that the greatest joy usually comes from connecting and sharing with others, and that while we don’t always get what we want, we can always choose to make the most of what we get.

Some ideas for spiritual discovery, at the holidays and any time… Nurture your child’s sense of wonder. People who feel connected to nature are healthier physically and emotionally. Don’t feel you have to turn it into a science lesson, reducing the sacred whole to mechanistic parts. Just try to build in enough time so you can stop rushing your child past the wondrous moments of everyday life: sun glittering on the snow, the rising moon, candles in the dark, the fragrance of green things... all remind us that we’re surrounded by miracles. Let children hear the sounds of silence. Many of us use background TV and radio as a way to avoid being alone with ourselves. Children, even more than the rest of us, need quiet time to simply be present with themselves. Music is a wonderful part of setting the mood in your house, and singing is essential to celebration. But if radio or TV voices are intruding on the peacefulness of your home, it increases everyone’s tension level. Why not take the opportunity over the holidays to turn off the TV 23

Embracing the Spirit of the Season and radio, and lift the mood with inspiring music--or simply hear the power in silence? Take time as a family for reflection. If your tradition includes prayer, what better time than these special days in December, when so many religions celebrate the miracle of faith? But whether you pray or not, how about a family conversation about the deeper meaning of the holiday you celebrate? Maybe you’ll decide to open your holiday dinner with a special candle lighting ritual or gratitude ceremony to remind you why you’re all together. Model gratitude. Gratitude is a time-honored spiritual path that makes us happier and more generous regardless of our beliefs about the nature of the divine. The deeper our gratitude, the greater our ability to receive, and the more we get out of life. Of course, children don’t have the context to understand their many blessings, and guilt isn’t an effective teacher. Modeling is the best strategy; simply noting aloud, frequently, how lucky we are to have this sunny day, this bountiful meal, this reliable car, such a terrific teacher or neighbor, and, of course, each other. Family habits like grace before meals, counting our blessings, or a thank you at bedtime for the delights of the day plant seeds for your child to develop a deeper gratitude as she matures. Help your child find his inner angel.

Children (like the rest of us) find it puzzling that the world is so often unjust. It’s empowering for them to know that there are always helpers in the world, and that they can choose

to be one. Whatever your religious beliefs, you probably want your kids to know that the angels and elves -- literally or figuratively -- depend on our help. Generosity starts with a feeling of having plenty -- emotionally, more than materially -- and develops as we have experiences of making others happy by giving to them. Research shows that the experience of giving actually activates an area of the brain that gives us physical pleasure. If we want to teach our kids the true meaning of the holidays, we need to help them have the experience of giving to others, so they can discover their own joy in it. If you don’t already have a holiday tradition of giving as a family, why not help your child discover his inner angel by creating one? There is a great list of ideas to choose from on the Aha! Parenting website. Love is always in the room with you, no matter what day it is, or what your faith may be. What better time to help your child listen?

www.attachmentparenting.org

Photography by Liza Huber

|by Liza Huber CEO & Founder of Sage Spoonfulstm

Butternut Squash Soup Ingredients • 2 large butternut squash - cut in half lengthwise with seeds and stringy fibers removed • 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil • 2 medium/large yellow onions - remove and discard rough outer layer, finely chop • 4 large carrots - washed, peeled and chopped • 4-6 celery stalks - washed and chopped

• • • • •

3 tablespoons of fresh sage - chopped 4 sprigs of fresh thyme – tied in a bundle 1 bay leaf 12 cups of chicken or vegetable stock 2 cups of organic whole milk or cream (optional) • Salt and Pepper to taste

Directions 1. Pre-heat the oven to 425° F and line a baking sheet with unbleached parchment paper. Place the butternut squash cut side down on the baking sheet and place in the oven on the middle rack. Roast for 35-45 minutes until squash are completely cooked through and very soft. 2. While the butternut squash is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large pot over high heat. Add the onion, celery and carrots. Season with salt and pepper. Reduce heat to medium and cook for ten minutes, stirring frequently. 3. Add the sage, thyme bundle and bay leaf and cook for another 2 minutes. Add the stock and bring to a boil over high heat. Let boil for 2 minutes then reduce heat to low and let simmer.

4. When the butternut squash is cooked, remove from oven and let it sit for 5 minutes. Peel the skin off the squash or scoop the squash out of the skin with a spoon. Add the butternut squash to the soup and let simmer for 15 minutes on low. 5. Turn off the heat and remove the bay leaf and thyme bundle. Blend the soup until smooth directly in the pot using an immersion blender, like the Sage Spoonfuls Sage Baby Puree & Blend. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Add the milk or cream, if desired. 6. Serve and enjoy! 7. Butternut squash soup can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator and up to 3 months in the freezer.

Pumpkin Pie Puree, Stage 1 and Up The holidays are here, and this pumpkin pie puree incorporates many of the yummy flavors of the season! It’s easy to make and loaded with nutrients.

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 425° F and line a baking sheet with unbleached parchment paper. Place pumpkin half on the baking sheet, cut side This puree is suitable for babies 5-6 months and down. Roast on the middle rack in the oven for up. At this stage, the consistency and texture of about 40 minutes, until pumpkin is cooked all the puree should be smooth and creamy. Before the way through and very soft. Remove baking combining foods, make sure your baby has tried sheet from the oven and let cool for about 5 each one individually first with no reaction to minutes. it. Always check the temperature of baby’s food 2. Scoop the pumpkin out of the skin and place before serving to make sure it’s not too warm. into a mixing bowl. Add the banana and pumpkin pie spice. Blend until smooth using an immersion blender. You can also blend using a Ingredients food processor or standard blender. 3. Serve or store. Pumpkin Pie Puree will stay • 1/2 small baking pumpkin—cut in half fresh in an airtight container, like our glass Sage lengthwise, scoop out seeds and stringy fibers Spoonfuls jars, for up to three days in the fridge • 1 ripe banana and up to three months in the freezer. • 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice

Simple Recipes, Healthy Meals, Happy Babies Sage Spoonfuls gives you everything you need to make healthy, organic baby food with ease. sagespoonfuls.com 28

Photography by Liza Huber

Holiday Snowball Cookies

Recipe by Liza Huber

of Sage Spoonfulstm

This recipe has been in my family forever and my mom makes these cookies for us every year at Christmas. Baking these Snowball Cookies with her every year is something I always look forward to and I can’t wait to start making them with my daughter Hayden. *Please note that these snowball cookies are loaded with pecans, please omit the nuts if there is a food allergy.

Ingredients • • • •

2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour 2 cups ground pecans ¾ teaspoon salt 2 sticks of unsalted butter – softened

• ½ cup of granulated sugar • 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract • 1 cup powdered sugar for rolling the cookies

Directions 1. Preheat the oven to 325° F and line a large baking sheet with unbleached parchment paper.

on the baking sheet. These cookies don’t spread much when cooking so you can line them up relatively close together.

2. Place the pecans into a food processor and pulse until coarsely ground. Place the flour, ground pecans and salt into a large mixing bowl and sift together with a fork to evenly incorporate ingredients.

4. Place the baking sheet into the oven on the center rack and bake for 17-20 minutes, until the bottoms just begin to brown. Remove from the oven and let cool for about 30 minutes. Put the powdered sugar into a glass pie dish and roll the cookies to evenly coat in the sugar. Let the cookies sit for 30-60 minutes and roll them again in the powdered sugar.

3. Place the butter and sugar into a food processor and pulse until creamy. Add the flour mixture into the food processor and blend until the dough starts to come together. It will be a coarse dough. Remove the dough from the food processor and place into a mixing bowl. Roll the dough into 24-30 little “snowballs” with your palms and place them

5. Serve and enjoy! Leftovers will stay fresh in an airtight container for up to 5 days at room temperature.

North Pole Cupcakes

Recipe by Maggie Chilton of Maxwell Designs

This festive cupcake is adorable and perfect for holiday gatherings. The North Pole sign was created using a paper drinking straw and the end of a Q-tip placed in the end. Print the text or hand-write it, and a bit of tape will complete the look! A #846 piping tip is suggested to give height and sophistication to the cupcakes. Add a touch of Christmas by placing snowflakes from India Tree around the frosting (these can be purchased online through Amazon if in the states or select retailers within Canada). Please note that the snowflakes do contain soy, so please be cautious if considering food allergies!

Cupcakes Ingredients

Ingredients

• • • • • • • •

• 16 oz bag of organic fair trade icing sugar (or 4 cups) • 1/2 cup grass fed butter, salted • Organic whole milk (never skim as it needs that creamy texture.) • A dash or two of flavouring (Vanilla or hazelnut would compliment this cupcake!)

1 1/2 cups organic all-purpose flour 1 cup organic sugar 1 1/2 tsp baking powder 1/4 tsp salt 1/2 cup grass fed butter, softened 1 cup organic milk 2 organic eggs 1 tsp organic pure vanilla extract

Directions 1. Preheat oven to 375°F . 2. Mix together the dry ingredients (flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt) 3. Add in wet ingredients (butter, milk, eggs, and vanilla) and mix on med-high until smooth. 4. Scoop the batter into a tin with paper cupcake linings. Fill about 3/4 full. 5. Bake for 18 minutes, or until a toothpick poked into the center comes out clean. 6. Remove and let cool completely before icing. 32

Icing

Directions 1. Start with 1/2 a cup of soft butter, use a paddle and cream the butter to get it smooth. 2. To prevent lumps, put sugar through a metal sieve before adding. Add a half cup at a time until you have added 2-3 cups, add a dash of milk and 1-2 teaspoons of flavouring depending on taste. 3. If it tastes too “buttery,” add another half cup of icing sugar and taste again. I prefer this method to a recipe, as your taste buds will tell you when the taste is just how you like it.

Conscious Kitchen Ellarys’ Greens

Sweet Potato with Pickled Zucchini Recipe by Leith Hill Leith Hill, Wisdom Foods CEO and owner of the NYC restaurant Ellary’s Greens offers a deligtful and beautiful side dish for this year’s holiday season. Often called “the world’s greatest food,” sweet potatoes are a delicious source of vitamin A (in the form of beta-carotene). They are also a very good source of vitamin C, manganese, copper, pantothenic acid, and vi-

tamin B6. Additionally, they are a good source of potassium, dietary fiber, niacin, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, and phosphorus. Because of their natural sweetness, they are a big hit with all eaters: young and old! And they are a wonderful addition to any family’s table.

Ingredients

Directions

• 1 large sweet potato (cut in 1” medallions) • 2oz raw zucchini (skin on/ unpeeled) • 1oz fresh lime juice • 4 sprigs fresh cilantro (roughly chopped) • Pinch of salt (to taste)

1. Wash the outside of the sweet potato and scrub it gently to remove any dirt, if necessary. 2. Cut raw sweet potato into medallions 1” thick and place on a greased cookie sheet. 3. Bake the sweet potato at 350° F for 30 minutes or until tender. 4. While sweet potato is baking, thinly slice the zucchini (by hand or on a mandolin), then add the lime juice to the zucchini plus pinch of salt (to taste). 5. Once the sweet potato medallions are tender and golden brown, place them on a plate and top with 4-5 slices of pickled zucchini. 6. Garnish with fresh cilantro and ENJOY!

Wheat-Free Cauliflower Mushroom Dressing Recipe by Dr. William Davis Wheat Belly

People have been taught that the refined, processed carbohydrates in foods like white rice, white bread and traditionally baked goods are “bad carbs.” We’re told we’ll be healthier, happier and slimmer if we get stick to the “good carbs” in fruits, nuts and whole grains. Not true, Dr. Davis says – at least in the case of grains. “Grasses and grains like wheat are a great food source for goats, cows and the like,” he says.

That doesn’t mean you have to do without your favorite treats during the holidays. Just make them a different way.

Ingredients

Directions

• • • • • • • • •

1. Preheat oven to 350° F & bring 12 ounces water to a boil in sauce pan. 2. Toss in porcini mushrooms and turn heat down to maintain below boiling. Stir every couple of minutes for 20 minutes. 3. In deep sauce pan, sauté sausage in 1 tablespoon olive oil, along with celery and onions, until sausage is cooked. Drain excess oil. Place saucepan back on low heat. 4. Break cauliflower into small florets and add to sausage mix. Toss in drained porcini mushrooms along with approximately 4 ounces of the porcini broth, remainder of olive oil, green pepper, roasted red peppers, Portabella mushrooms and flaxseed. 5. Add onion powder, sage, thyme, tarragon, salt and black pepper and stir. 6. Transfer to baking dish and place in oven & bake for 45 minutes.

• • • • • •

“But humans have a different digestive process and different nutritional needs. Grasses are not only responsible for unwanted weight gain, but also more serious conditions, including Crohn’s disease and other autoimmune and inflammatory conditions. We just weren’t meant to eat them.”

1 ounce dried porcini mushrooms 1 pound loose ground pork sausage 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided 2 stalks celery, chopped 1 medium onion, diced 1 head cauliflower 1 green pepper, chopped 4-ounce can/jar roasted red peppers 8 ounces Portabella mushrooms, sliced 2 tablespoons ground golden flaxseed 1 teaspoon onion powder 1 teaspoon ground sage 1 teaspoon ground thyme 1 teaspoon ground tarragon Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

No Battery Gifts Play Up Your Child’s Imagination |by Amity Hook-Sopko

Remember your favorite toy from childhood? It was most likely with you from sun up till sun down. You didn’t buy it at any toy store… it was free. And it’s what could turn an empty box into a dollhouse or a broom handle into a light saber. Where can you find this long-lost treasure? It’s still with you – if you take the time to encourage it… Your imagination – would your childhood have been the same without it? And do you ever feel like our children’s generation is really missing out on the simple, creative joys of life?

From the day your child is born, you’re bombarded with singing, blinking, interactive toys with slick marketing campaigns to convince you of the advantages of “starting education early.” I wasn’t immune to the claims. When our son was a few weeks old, we asked our birth doula her opinion of black and white toys for visual stimulation. She kindly told us, “He’s been in a dark, quiet place for nine months… the world itself is enough stimulation for him right now.”

It’s amazing how a little perspective can add wisdom and common sense to your whole parenting mindset, isn’t it? Her response gave us the confidence in ourselves as parents to trust our own instincts rather than the commercials and magazine ads. It also gives us the strength to stand firm when our boys ask for the latest handheld video game or toys that walk, talk, and require no imagination on their part. Many parents don’t realize that no battery toys contribute to early childhood education. Wooden shape-sorters and kid-sized puzzles are a great way to boost critical thinking as well as problem-solving skills. They also foster a sense of satisfaction in doing things “all by myself,” as the independent toddler likes to announce. For kids with autism, battery-free toys encourage pretend play and can give them an edge with their social skills. Also, babies and children tend to play longer with a no battery toy as compared to one that does everything for them. Try this experiment with your child and see for yourself.

Why Battery-Powered Toys Are Not Eco-Friendly

How to Find Fun, Battery-Free Toys for Your Kids

When you choose toys that allow your child to think for herself, you’re usually doing the planet a favor as well. The environmental downside of battery-powered children’s toys is worth considering:

So, what kinds of non-battery-powered toys will your kids just love? Consider some of these classic options for battery-free toys:

»» Energy use: If you use rechargeable batteries (link) you’re plugging them into a charger and using electricity to restore them to their full energy capacity. But as you can imagine, unless you have solar panels, this contributes to air pollution and climate change. »» Battery waste: Americans go through close to 150,000 tons of battery waste every single year. Most of these batteries contain heavy metals, many of which are toxic to make and toxic when not disposed of properly. They can be recycled, which is preferable to sending them to the landfill, but this requires yet more energy. »» Microchip toxins: If it’s batterypowered, it’s likely fitted with at least one microchip. The process of creating microchips is incredibly toxic, involving hazardous gases, chemicals, and massive amounts of water. It also results in lots of hazardous waste, all of which pollute the environment. »» Toy waste: Once the batteries run out (some are built right in) or the toy breaks (and likely become irreparable), it turns into a pile of plastic, metal, toxic waste.

»» Wooden blocks and puzzles: Try to find wood that’s harvested sustainably with either the FSC-certified stamp of approval or from salvaged wood materials. »» Art supplies: Stimulate your child’s inner creativity with artist supplies such as paper, paints, crayons, chalk, glue, and so on. Just be sure to look for recycled content paper, recycled magazines, non-toxic paints, soy-based crayons, nontoxic glues, and other natural supplies. »» Dress up clothes: One of the most fun activities for children is to make believe they’re someone else. Help your kids dress up by buying secondhand clothing and accessories from your local thrift store. This is an inexpensive and eco-friendly way to help your kids become princesses, wizards, dragons, and mini-brides. »» Putty dough: Make your own squishy putty or dough that will let your kids sculpt their way out of boredom. There are many recipes online for natural dough you can make at home. If DIY is not your thing, give Eco Dough a try. »» Books: Learning about the planet is one of the best ways to stimulate a green attitude in your children. Buy them some books on earthly themes, like wildlife, oceans, forests, gardening, or science! They’ll be entertained while being educated.

Gift Guide Opener.....

Green Child Magazineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 4th Annual

Holiday Gift Guide 41

gifts for the

Little Ones in our lives Mushrooms Hoodie Made from soft and warm organic cotton french terry, these hoodies are cute and super comfortable. $52 from Winter Water Factory

Organic Baby Blanket This adorable double layered receiving blanket is made from 100% organic cotton & eco-friendly dyes. $47 from Mezoome Designs

Buddy the Dog Wearing the cutest striped PJs, Buddy is made from 100% organic cotton. $24 from Giggle

Pizza Teether Insanely smooth, this maple teether is 100% wood and made in the USA. $12 from Tree Hopper Toys

Birth & Baby Oil Perfect for giving baby a gentle massage, this oil is certified organic and cruelty-free. $9 from Motherlove

TushMate One-Size Diaper This Globe print diaper cover is printed with the front & back right side up, and each diaper is the same! Includes a snap-in stay dry liner & can be used as a pocket diaper. Fits from 8 to 40 pounds! $19 from TushMate 43

gifts for the

Children in our lives Owl Paint & Frame Your child can design their very own 3D owl painting. Made from wood & includes paints, brush & cording for the frame. $15 from Hape

Petit Fox Puzzle This mini 24-pc puzzle is simply adorable and made from recycled paper & vegetable-based inks. $5 from Petitcollage

Toy Blocks Wagon

Hand-crafted from quality solid oak. This heirloom quality toy will be a fast favorite. These large blocks are perfect for children from 6-months-old on and are made to promote creativity and imagination! $70 from A Summer Afternoon

Magbot Your childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s imagination is the limit with this fun magnetic wooden block set. Kids can interchange his parts to create a Magbot truly their own! $30 from Tegu

Victorian House Mix & match these recycled paperboard panels to create a unique house. Includes interior accessories and a paper doll. $40 from Treehouse Kid & Craft

Cooper Kit This activity box encourages imagination and time spent together - parent and child. Each box is different, and the memories are priceless. $65 from Cooper & Kid

gifts for

Children with special needs Cargo Plane Balancer This playful plane improves fine motor skills and increases understanding of weight distribution and balance. Includes 13 blocks. $25 from Pâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;kolino

Pat Bells This unique set is perfect for young learners with low muscle tone or delayed motor skills. Promotes eye-hand coordination and self-esteem, and fosters musical creativity. $145 from Playme

Magnetic Dress-Up Strengthen reasoning skills by followng themes, or encourage imagination and explore colors and patterns with this easy-carry matnetic set. $15 from HABA

Monkey Glockenspiel Balancing Ball Tracks Create a new track every time. This toy helps improve coordination, concentration, reasoning, and fine motor skills. $40 from Plan Toys

Helps develop a variety of physical and cognitive skills. Fits easily on a lap or table. $40 from Green Tones

Build-A-Town Dough Set Made with sustainable rubber wood, this dough molding set (dough not included) helps to develop imagination and fine motor skills. $20 from Plan Toys

gifts for the

Big Kids in our lives Needle Felting A unique gift that includes everything needed for 4 needle felted canvases + 2 bonus projects! $22 from Artterro

Electricity & Magnetism Safely experiment with electric current and magnetic fields using the colorful snap-together blocks and components in this hands-on kit. Ages 8+ $55 from Thames & Kosmos

Water Powered Clock No more batteries! Harness the power of ions found in regular tap water to operate this modern clock. $20 from BB&B 48

Personalized Bucket List World Map Budding world traveler on your list? Let them mark the places theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll go on this write on wipe off finish world map. $149 from Gifts.com

10% Recycled Journal Writing is good for the soul. Give them an inspiring quote and 150 recycled pages to express their thoughts. $13 from Ecojot

Retro Phone Case Lightweight, sturdy, and handmade in California... this wooden phone case brings an element of nature to a teenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s high-tech world. Available for all current iPhone models. $15 from Shop Froolu

gifts for the

Women in our lives

Polish No. 47 A beautiful shimmer “five-free” polish blend. Made in the US, cruelty–free, vegan, and free of the five major toxins associated with nail polishes. $16 from Côte

Cast-Iron Skillet Naturally non-stick, this heavyweight fry pan requires very little oil, making it an excellent choice for healthy cooking. $180 from Le Creuset

Mother’s Necklace Carry your nest with you. This handmade, recycled necklace comes with up to 5 darling birdies. $80 from Figs & Ginger

JOCO Cup Few things are better than a warm beverage on a cold day. This stylish cup just might make it better! $25 at JOCO Cups

Literary Scarf A sophisticated scarf for the bookloving lady in your life. Featuring favorties like Alice in Wonderland & Wuthering Heights. $42 at UncommonGoods

Lambswool Texting Gloves No more cold fingers or fumbling with removing gloves just to take a call. $25 from Etre

gifts for the

Men in our lives Upcycled Flask Made from old fire hoses, this flask is durable and stylish. $55 at Bambeco

Slate Coasters Made from black slate, these coasters are stylish and a bit rustic. Set of 4, and you can even leave a note in chalk. $17 from Boska Holland

All-Natural Shower Kit Created by a mechanic, these salves, scrubs and balms included are specially made to meet the needs of the working man. $50 from UncommonGoods

Bat Bottle Opener Upcycled from genuine Major League baseball bats used in actual games! Each bottle opener includes the team name and a unique ID number to guarantee authenticity. $95 from Tokens & Icons

GoSun Sport Perfect for outtings or home, this easily portable solar cooker can cook a meal in just 20 minutes. $269 from GoSun Stove

Microbrew Club Twelve hand-crafted beers each month from U.S. Microbreweries. Plus, a newsletter with detailed tasting notes, beer profiles, brewery histories, and suggested food pairings. $40/mo from Beer of the Month 53

thoughtful

Trinkets & Stuffers

Pine & White Sage Bar Soap Made with sustainably grown palm oil that supports reforesation and habitat restoration, this pine scented bar soap is ideal for him or her. And each carton is embedded with Blue Spruce tree seeds! $8 from Pangea Organics

PB Cups A favorite of our editors, these peanut butter cups are all yum! Price varies at your local grocer.

Squeaky Clean For the practical people on your list, Molly’s Suds’ line of eco-responsible household products are truly safe for your family AND the planet, formulated with pure, earth-derived ingredients! Prices vary from Molly’s Suds 54

Poppy Drops Vegetable based temporary tattoo earrings & jewelry. These are all of the fun, and none of the worry. $7 from Poppy Drops

Crayon Roll Veggie Tempera Paints Made from organic fruit & veggie powders, these wonderful paints are safe enough for curious mouths! $30 fro Wee Can Too

This Mess Eaters crayon roll includes ten European made crayons in an easy roll-n-go case. $10 from Pâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;kolino

Soap Saver Adorable bath buddies kids will love. $20 from SoapSox

gifts for our

Furry Friends Kitty Cave Hand felted from natural wool, this cat cave is perfect for sleeping or playing (inside or on top). This comfortable bed provides warmth and comfort for all those cozy cat naps. $63 from Love Cat Caves

Hand Stamped Tag Purrrrfect for your fine feline friend, this handmade tag is smoothed, buffed, and customized just for you. $8 from Furry Friends ID

Cat Scratcher Irresistible to any kitty. This wave design is made from heavy-duty corrugated cardboard, and is completely recyclable or compostable. $24 from Meow Mommy

Gator Bites These all-natural dog treats are wheat, corn, & soy free! Safe for dogs & personally approved by our very own happy pup. $12 from think!dog

Hemp Stuffed Bones Tug, throw, chew, or snuggle... the earth dog bone is made from a hemp canvas shell and filled with recycled polycotton. $9 from Earth Dog

Hide-A-Squirrel Help increase doggy IQ with this adorable hide-and-seek toy. Hide the squeaky squirrels inside the plush tree trunk & your pup will sniff them out! $8 from Kyjen 57

gifts that

Give Back Bracelets for Change Each purchase helps provide a job and income for rural women in Guatemala. $10 from Global Goods Partners

Lavender Box 50% of proceeds go directly toward helping the thousands of women in sub-Saharan Africa who make these wonderful products. $20 from Sheayeleen

TOMS Sunglasses Purchases of these stylish sunglasses help give sight to people in need. Starting at $98 from TOMS

Global Giving Biodegradable gift cards from GlobalGiving support a variety of worthwhile causes (such as educating girls in rural Niger and helping bring joy to terminally ill children in the U.S.).

Helping Paws $5 of the purchase price of each pillow cover sold will be donated to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). $17 from PB Teen

LSTN Headphones All style, pure sound. The Troubadours are beautiful headphones featuring real wood casing. Each purchase gives the gift of hearing. $149 from LSTN

Deck the Halls Naturally Steps to Simple Holiday Decorations

Holiday decorating is one of those things that can overwhelm this busy time of year. Thankfully it is possible to have a festive home without all the stress.

1. Less is More

It can be fun to see the glitzed and glammed homes, but that doesn’t mean you need to go all out on your own home. A few meaningful, symbolic pieces can celebrate the holiday while keeping cleanup and storage easy. Save the money you’d spend on 20,000 twinkle lights or a dozen poinsettia pots sprinkled all over the living room to instead pay down debt, save for vacation, or give a family in need a holiday of their own that they couldn’t otherwise afford.

2. Bring the Outdoors In

Pine cones and acorns make warm and cozy additions to centerpieces, candles, and even ornaments. Or try mixing whole, unshelled nuts as natural elements to your holiday decorating. Create your own landscapes inside an old apothecary or mason jar — spread cotton on the bottom and get creative with your still life.

|by Sandy Kreps 3. Neutral with a Pop of Color

White candles on silver stands are timeless. I recently gave away my cute-but-difficult-tostore set of reindeer dessert dishes that were used maybe once or twice a season — they were fun and whimsical and took up way too much space. My everyday white dishes look just as lovely holding those desserts, and I don’t have to figure out where to keep them for the other 11 months of the year.

4. Versatility of Ornaments

Glass ornaments are inexpensive at craft stores, and easy to personalize with paint, stickers or rub-ons. Leave them empty or fill them with fake snow, glitter or other small objects. Or try the Seven Blessings Ornament — simply decorate a plain glass ornament, then fill it with 7 strips of paper with written blessings for the coming year (Love, Abundance, Good Friends, etc. — make them personal!)

5. Pare Down & Organize

Limit your holiday decor to a certain number of boxes or bins. If it doesn’t all fit, it’s time to reduce. As you’re decorating, pay attention to any decor that doesn’t make the cut this year — it may be time to donate it before the holiday season, so it can give someone else joy without taking up any more of your valuable storage space.

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Keep an eye out for a special link in an upcoming newsletter!

|by Megan McCoy Dellecese

There was a time when people vigilantly selected their Christmas and holiday cards. Beautifully illustrated pieces of artwork filled with carefully penned words with news of the past year and kindnesses for the year to come. It’s like a scene out of a heart-warming old movie. But, this nostalgic moment is no longer reality for many of us today. The more hectic the season gets and the more cards that show up at our homes, the higher the stress level rises to get our own stack out in the mail. A once-wonderful tradition has turned into just another obnoxious obligation. Not to mention, the sweet “White Christmas” lyric has also turned into an ecological nightmare. With the glut of gift wrapping, tissue paper, boxes, bags, bows and other disposable items (fruitcake?) this time brings, we’re all looking for ways to cut back on the waste during the holiday season.

There are several ways to “green” your greeting card habits, ranging from massive changes to small considerations. Here we’re sharing just a few, depending on your realm of comfort.

#1:

The biggest change you can make in this tradition is simply not sending any. If this sounds severe, you can still try touching base with folks using less paperintensive means. Email or call friends with whom you’d love to chat (and even mention that, while you’re cutting out the card-giving, you just wanted to touch base with them and wish them the happiest of holidays). It may actually mean more to them in the end than a card.

#2:

If you’re interested in selecting a fun card that represents your family but still don’t want to add to the wastefulness, e-cards are a fun and modern way to show off the fam and give a warm greeting. Select from a variety of companies, like traditional Blue Mountain, cause-helping Care2 or the hilariously cheesy JibJab. You can also DIY it by taking your family’s picture, editing it using PicMonkey, Adobe Photoshop or Microsoft Publisher, and send it as an email attachment. This will also cut back on the costs of stamps and materials.

#3:

Use up what you’ve got. If you still want to send a paper copy, consider using up all the previous years’ cards first. Many of us have half-used boxes sitting in dusty storage, so put them to good use! While you may cringe a bit over the thought of someone accidentally receiving the same style as last year or that the design may not be your cup of tea anymore, just remember to speak from the heart when you write out your message. It’s doubtful that Aunt Rita will even remember that it’s the same snowman from 2012.

#4:

#5:

Think of a gift and card rolled into one. A lot of times, we send a greeting to friends and family we won’t be seeing for the holiday season. Think about rolling the greeting and a small gift into one! You can send a personalized picture postcard of your family to be framed or a hand-made card along with a small box of cookies or empty toilet paper roll filled with their favorite hard candy, wrapped and tied. If the meaning behind cards is to let someone know they’re appreciated and thought of fondly, stepping it up a notch and offering a kind gesture will mean even more than a store-bought card.

Pick some eco-friendly options. There are tons of companies, from mainstream to alternative, that offer environmentally sound holiday card choices. Check out Paper Culture, which plants a tree with every order and uses 100% post-consumer recycled paper, simple-but-fun designs from Girly Whirly, and if you prefer tongue-incheek, try Anne Taintor. Another favorite is to search for eco-friendly cards on Etsy, like these from Happy Dappy Bits, to not only select from some gorgeous, creative, environmentally-responsible choices, but to help out a true artist in the process. Buy local! Peruse and call local gift shops to see if there are any locallyproduced cards. You may be surprised to find an artist that uses found objects or other creative mediums to produce their awesome creations. Not only will you be sending very unique cards, but you’ll be helping your local economy and lessening the environmental effects of shipping. 64

#6:

Have a little get-together. Wait, what does a party have to do with holiday cards? Plenty. You can take the opportunity to have close friends over for a casual shindig well before the stressful part of the season hits as a way to relax and enjoy each other’s company. Let them know that this is their seasonal card replacement, and that no gifts are needed; just some friendly talk and sharing in some simple refreshments. (Online invitations will tell them the whens/wheres/hows of the day.) You can also host a craft party with your kids or your friends, offering up some recycled cardstock and art supplies (glitter!) to create some of your own custom holiday creations to send.

#7:

Buy local! Peruse and call local gift shops to see if there are any locallyproduced cards. You may be surprised to find an artist that uses found objects or other creative mediums!

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Handmade Holiday Fun |by Nichole Groat Hamblin

Founder of Wee Can Too

Buying gifts for the holidays and finding ways to include children in the fun can be challenging. The holidays are meant for families to come together and spend time with the loved ones we cherish… so shouldn’t gift giving be the same? • • • • • • •

We’ve found some simple and fun DIY gift ideas that the whole family can enjoy. Help your children set up their own little arts & crafts assembly line and create holiday memories for years to come!

Peppermint Foot Scrub DIY Designer Mugs Sock Monkey Toy Cinnamon Vanilla Candle Window Pane Photo Frame Sweater Sleeve Wine Bottle Cover Oven Mitt Gifts

• • • • • • •

Christmas Cracker Edible Gifts Lip Balm Coffee Scrub Button Ornament Scrap Ribbon Tree Hot Cocoa Kit

Find these ideas and more on our Green & DIY Gift Ideas Pinterest board!

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guided relaxation “Love ”

You are loved! I’m going to tell you a story tonight. Get comfortable, close your eyes, and imagine that you’re actually inside the story. Take in a deep breath, and when you let it out, feel everything around you getting calmer and quieter. Take in another long breath, release it slowly, and feel even calmer still. As you continue to breathe deeply and calmly, notice that the only thing you want to pay attention to is my soothing voice. Now imagine in front of you, a movie screen. On the screen, you see images from your own life. You see every time when you did something kind for someone. You also see every time someone did something nice for you. As you watch the movie, you see how happy you’ve made other people, and you see all the happy times that you’ve had as well. As you continue to watch this movie, you see a time when you helped somebody who needed you. You see how happy it made them. Just this thought makes you feel warm and fuzzy inside. Now switch to a time when someone helped you. Think how good you felt to know that someone was there for you. Feel all those wonderful good feelings come rushing back to your heart! Watch these beautiful moments of your life. Remember how happy you were and how wonderful you felt!

with Mellisa Dormoy of Shambala Kids

All these happy feelings - all those times you felt warm and fuzzy - were because of a very special feeling: love. These things you see in front of you happened because you loved and showed that love to someone else, and because they love you. Love is about taking care of other people, doing nice things, expressing your gratitude and showing kindness and patience. Inside of us, we are all really that – simply LOVE! That’s really who we are! When we can express this part of ourselves every day, as much as possible… our hearts are filled up with joy and such satisfaction that sometimes we feel we might burst from pure happiness! And that happy love feeling means that you’re a part of a community of people, a very important part of a very loving universe! I want you to remember all this love you have inside of you and how easily you can express your love with simply acts of kindness towards yourself and others. You are truly wonderful. You are pure love! Notice how the love feels like a soft, fuzzy blanket wrapped all around you. It makes you feel warm and peaceful and happy. Now take in a nice deep breath and exhale slowly. Continue to feel all the wonderful feelings of love and gentleness as you snuggle in for sleep tonight. Sweet dreams!

For more meditations and guided relaxation audios, visit Shambala Kids online.

the

More you Know

eco: Real vs. Artificial Tree |by Megan McCoy Dellecese

Until now. It seems that one side has a slight edge over the other, and it might come as a surprise that the suggestion is this: go natural. Yup. According to Growing a Greener World, the environmental impact of a faux Christmas tree far outweighs the concept that you’re actually cutting down a tree. Most fake trees don’t biodegrade when they are finally disposed of, unlike real trees. These trees are also made with potentially toxic materials, namely PVC plastics made from petroleum and heavy metals mined from the earth, sometimes including lead. Some states even require labeling that trees are hazardous to one’s health. The fact that many cities, towns and villages mulch Christmas trees when they’re discarded gives the real trees two lives; one as a heartwarming holiday remembrance, the other in townwide planting. Also, given the complex chore of simply getting a cut tree home, it can be assumed that we tend to purchase them locally. In comparison, the average store-bought cardboard-packaged artificial tree has traveled thousands of miles (often from China) to reach the 70

store, then several more miles to grandmother’s house we go. It may not sound like much, but the energy used to get that tree to its final destination adds up. If these facts aren’t enough, the numbers may be the best proof yet to switch to natural. This Treehugger article cites that the greenhouse gases produced by a natural tree, at 3.1 kg per year, are far less than an artificial tree, at 8.1 kg per year. Interestingly, it even states that an artificial tree would need to be kept for at least 20 years in order to have lower contributions to climate change than the natural alternative. The current average for each fake tree’s usage is 6 years. But, really, what matters in the end is what the tradition looks like to each of us. We can take this information to heart and make a concerted effort to “go natural” this holiday season. We can also decide that our year-round efforts are enough, and that this one choice towards the artificial isn’t a life-altering deal. We could also take it one step further and drastically decide to deck the halls in a manner that avoids both options, going tree-free or by decorating an outside evergreen instead. Whatever you choose is what’s right. This season is about our very personal choices in creating tradition, and if you were raised with a multicolored strung fake tree, go for it! If you were raised with the scent of fresh pine and sticky sap fingers filling the trough with water, enjoy it! But, let’s put this one eco-debate to rest once and for all.

Photography by Richard Hutchings Photography

We all have a different idea of what a traditional Christmas looks like. Some take solace while packing their tree away that it will be reused year after year, saving money and the lives of beautiful evergreen forests. Others feel the connection to nature while hunting down the perfect tree, safe in the knowledge that their tree will provide mulch after it has performed its cheerful holiday duty. And so far, both sides have seemed accurate in their assumptions.

Light Amidst Darkness Celebrating the Winter Solstice |by Molly Westerman

Winter’s cold and darkness can be mild or intense, the drag of a chilly brown landscape or the drama of very early sunsets and deep snowdrifts. For many, winter begins to feel endless after a while. But at winter solstice—although those of us in northern climates still have plenty of cold to weather—the balance has shifted. We are moving toward the light.

a time of extremes The word “solstice” brings together two Latin words: sol (sun) and sistere (to stand still). At the winter and summer solstices, the sun as seen from Earth appears to pause in its seasonal motion and then reverse its path. The winter solstice is the day of the year when the sun seems to rise least high in the sky, following its shortest and lowest arc, and rises and sets at its southernmost point on the horizon. This is also the shortest day and longest night of the year. The difference in daytime hours is more noticeable at high latitudes—closer to the North or South Pole, farther from the equator. In Minnesota, the difference between winter and summer solstice is far from subtle: it would be more accurate to say that it hits you over the head.

In the northern hemisphere, our winter solstice occurs around December 21st each year. (In the southern hemisphere, this date marks the summer solstice; June 21st is their winter and our summer solstice.) In many places and historical times, festivals of light have been observed right around the solstice, this rather dramatic peak of darkness. Winter festivals and personal observances of the solstice often involve these contrasting themes: • • • •

light amidst darkness death and rebirth turning inward to reflect looking forward to new light and warmth

In pagan traditions, this solstice marks the rebirth of the Sun King or Sun God after a journey through the underworld. The northern hemisphere’s winter solstice occurs just days before Christians celebrate the birth of the Son, the light of the world. Festivals including Hanukkah, Shab-e Yalda, Soyal, Yule, Kwanzaa, and New Year’s Eve also hit upon themes of light, warmth, community, and hope amidst the winter darkness. 73

Light Amidst Darkness

celebrating with children How tall is my shadow?

My favorite hands-on activity for understanding the seasons involves a yardstick and a whole year. Around noon on each equinox or solstice (or on the closest sunny day when you’re together), measure from your child’s toe to his or her shadow’s top. Have the child measure your shadow, too, and record the numbers. After gathering data on all four holidays, you can ask your child to guess which shadow was longest, compare your shadows’ changing heights with your own heights (when did it come up to your knee? when was it about as tall as you? when would it be too tall to stand up in your living room?), discuss the changing angles of the sun, read up on our solar system and the Earth’s seasons, and experiment with a flashlight and a globe.

Snowflakes

Snow and ice are fascinating scientific phenomena, beautiful subjects for art, and hugely important factors in the Earth’s climate and ecology. The winter solstice is a wonderful time to learn about how water freezes, how our home planet has been shaped by glaciers, why the polar ice caps are melting, and what snowflakes look like up close (look up “snowflakes under microscope” or check out Kenneth Libbrecht’s gorgeous books). It’s also a fun opportunity to make paper snowflakes, try to draw the patterns of frost on your windows, make snow people with play dough, or paint a snowy landscape. Those of us who spend the winter surrounded by snow can also get out there and play in it, possibly after reading Ezra Jack Keats’s classic The Snowy Day.

Welcome the darkness My family’s solstice tradition is to turn out the lights in our home, light a few candles on the table, listen to peaceful music, and simply wait for day to turn to night. At sunset, we drink hot cocoa. The perfect soundtrack for our celebration is Maggie Sansone’s album Ancient Noëls.

Light a fire

A bonfire, a fire in the hearth, or tons of candles can remind us both of humans’ ability to create light in darkness (both literally and metaphorically) and of the sunshine in our not-too-distant future. Or, if you’d like to delve deeper into the spirit of the solstice, try learning about and carrying on the rich tradition of the Yule log.

Give and serve

Midwinter is a harsh time for many families. One beautiful way to mark the solstice is by participating in local efforts to help those living in poverty, brighten homeless children’s holidays, and work toward social justice.

Looking forward, looking back

This observance can take place with your family or alone. On paper, out loud, or simply in your thoughts, reflect on these questions or others that suit you better: What would you like the coming year to bring? What do you hope to leave behind with this winter’s darkness? What lesson or skill—big or small—have you learned this season, that you hope to carry forward with you? What lights burn strong in your life, even in darkness?

Celebrating the Autumnal Equinox

Read

These picture books are great family readalouds for the winter solstice. • The Shortest Day: Celebrating the Winter Solstice (Wendy Pfeffer) introduces the science, history, and cultural traditions surrounding the winter solstice. This book also includes projects and recipes to try at home. • The intricate illustrations of “The Secret Staircase” (Jill Barklem) give life to this sweet midwinter celebration tale. The story can be found in the collection The Complete Brambly Hedge, which also includes a tale for each of the four seasons.

• The Tomten (Astrid Lingren), The Christmas Magic (Lauren Thompson), and Hanna’s Cold Winter (Trish Marx) bring our attention to the magic of winter’s light and darkness, cold and cozy warmth. • Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins (Eric Kimmel), Celebrate Hanukkah (Deborah Heiligman), Lucia Morning in Sweden (Ewa Rydåker), Celebrate Christmas (Deborah Heiligman), Too Many Tamales (Gary Soto), and many other excellent picture books explore various cultures’ winter traditions.

Nutritional Nuggets Expert Louise Goldberg answers your questions!

Between family, work, school and sports, our family attends nearly a dozen parties during the holidays. We’d love to bring festive foods and desserts that please the palate but aren’t loaded with sugar. Any ideas? The holidays can be a challenging time for finding healthy foods. A few suggestions that are lower in sugar or have no added sugars are: grapes wrapped in soft goat cheese and rolled in chopped pistachios (or your other favorite chopped nuts/seeds), dried fruits (check ingredients to avoid added sugars) mixed with nuts, veggie slices with a unique dip (perhaps curried yogurt or Tzatziki-a cucumber dill yogurt dip), strawberries or dried apricots lightly dipped in dark chocolate, lettuce cups or endive leaves filled with chicken or tuna salad made with yogurt and fruit (cranberries, tart cherries, chopped apples). I get dehydrated in the winter but water tends to get a little dull. Are there any low calorie beverages that are good for me? Water is the best choice, but if you get tired of that, consider adding a little 100% pure fruit juice (without additional sugar list on the ingredient list) to add flavor but not a lot 76

of calories. Or you can use sparkling/carbonated water mixed with juice. When it comes to “diet” drinks, avoid artificial sweeteners, like aspartame, sucralose and saccharin as there are studies suggesting these can alter with your metabolism or cause other problems. Stevia can be used occasionally, but always check the label that the brand you choose has not added any other ingredients. I’ve been reading about BPA and preservatives in canned foods, and I don’t know how frozen vegetables are processed. What’s the best option when fresh, organic veggies aren’t in season? It depends on what products you choose. Many veggies are flash frozen during the peak of their season capturing a wealth of nutrients with minimal losses. Canned vegetables are cooked so there is naturally some nutrient loss associated with that process. Both frozen and canned vegetables can still be excellent sources of vitamins and minerals, especially in the winter months when there are fewer fresh options. Try to avoid frozen foods with added sauces and look for “No Added Salt” and “BPA-free” on canned items.

how to wrap gifts

sustainably

• Fabric gift bags - Just drop the gift inside,

pull the drawstring, and tie a bow. For a great DIY project, you can even make your own fabric gift bags.

• Furoshiki - Furoshiki is an age-old tradition

in Japan. It’s the art of wrapping a gift in a beautiful fabric, scarf, or bandana, which can be used again & again.

• Kitchen style – Wrap your gift in a colorful

kitchen towel and tie a bow around it. Oven mitts make a nice pocket to slip a gift inside. Aprons are fun, and they already have the strings to tie up the present! And kitchen canisters can hold small gifts.

• Mason jars - Not only perfect for edible

gifts, mason jars make fun presentation for soaps, art supplies, or other small gifts. Add a bit of fabric or recycled tissue paper, or don’t – and let the gift speak for itself.

• Bucket list – Place gifts inside a small galva-

nized gardening bucket. Don’t worry about tissue paper or plastic. Just tie a festive ribbon on the handle and let the gift speak for itself.

• Paper revisited – Wrapping gifts in news-

paper is very practical, but not always appropriate for a nice occasion. Try some-

thing simple, elegant and uniform like in the photo at the top of this post. Old travel maps or sheet music make a creative presentation. If you’ve moved, save the packing paper to wrap a collection of gifts and add simple ribbons for a utilitarian look. • Don’t toss the box – December 26th isn’t

known as Boxing Day for nothing. Put those leftover boxes to use all year long by wrapping in gift boxes, hat boxes, lunch boxes, tool boxes… you get the idea.

• Season-themed containers – Make your

gifts stand out by placing them in an unexpected seasonal item: lanterns, ice skates, soup tureens, watering cans, or vintage bread boxes.

• Bring the outdoors in – Adding a touch of

nature makes your gift extra green. Bamboo or banana leaves cover a small gift. Or try a holly leaf, birch bark, or a bird feather to add a natural embellishment.

• Tags & accessories – Save beautiful images

from cards to use as a gift tag for the next gift you give. Punch a hole and tie a ribbon to dress up any present. Or try plantable gift tags. Made from paper embedded with seeds, your recipient can just plant the tag and watch it grow. Don’t forget the recycled trinket or ornament to add a splash of color to your gift.

Photography by Treefrog Photography

You’ve selected the perfect eco-friendly gift, now it’s time to wrap it without creating a bunch of waste.

Making { & Keeping }

Your New Year’s Resolutions |by Leo Babauta

‘Habits are at first cobwebs, then cables.’ ~ Spanish Proverb

While we love the optimism of New Year’s Resolutions, unfortunately, the enthusiasm and hope often fades within weeks, and our efforts at self-improvement come to a whimpering end. New Year’s Resolutions usually fail because of a combination of some of these reasons: • We try to do too many resolutions at once, and that spreads our focus and energies too thin. It’s much less effective to do many habits at once. • We only have a certain amount of enthusiasm and motivation, and it runs out because we try to do too much, too soon. We spend all that energy in the beginning and then run out of steam. • We try to attempt really tough habits right away. This makes achieving success difficult and we become overwhelmed or intimidated by the difficulty and quit. 80

• We hope to be “disciplined” and try very unpleasant habits, but our nature won’t allow that to last for long. If we really don’t want to do something, we won’t be able to force ourselves to do it for long. • Life gets in the way. Things come up unexpectedly that get in the way of sticking with a new habit. • Resolutions are often vague — I’m going to exercise! — but don’t contain a concrete action plan and don’t use proven habit techniques. That’s a recipe for failure. There are other reasons, but but those listed above are easily sufficient to block resolutions from succeeding.

The 6 Changes Method So what are we to do? • We only focus on one habit change at a time, so our focus and energies aren’t spread thinly. • We implement the habit changes gradually, so we don’t run out of steam.

• We start out really, really easily, so it isn’t intimidating. • We focus on enjoyable activities, so we don’t need “discipline”. • We have two months to do the habit change, so if something comes up, it’s but a small bump in the road. And because we’re publicly committed, we’re going to get back on track. • We have a very specific plan with actions built in, using proven habit change techniques. If you stick with the above method, you’ll do much better at keeping your New Year’s Resolutions than in the past. You’ll focus on creating long-lasting habits rather than trying to reach a short-term goal that fails. You’ll maintain your enthusiasm for longer and not become overwhelmed by the difficulty of change. You’ll have habits that will change your life, and that’s no small feat.

So how does the 6 Changes method work? It’s simple! • Pick 6 habits for the new year. • Pick 1 of the 6 habits to start with. • Commit as publicly as possible to creating this new habit in 2 months. • Break the habit into 8 baby steps, starting with a ridiculously easy step. Example: if you want to floss, the first step is just to get out a piece of floss at the same time each night. • Choose a trigger for your habit – something already in your routine that will immediately precede the habit. Examples: eating breakfast, brushing your teeth, showering, waking up, arriving at the office, leaving the office, getting home in the evening. • Do the first, really easy baby step for one week, right after the trigger. Post your progress publicly. (Read more.) • Each week, move on to a slightly harder step. You’ll want to progress faster, but don’t. You’re building a new habit. Repeat this until you’ve done 8 weeks. 81

Ask Hana Haatainen Caye

Jenn writes: My husband tends to go overboard when it comes to buying gifts for the kids. With the holidays coming up, I’m trying to find a way to convince him not to do that this year. Any suggestions?

the-game evening together, a “Get Out of Chores Day” card… Be creative. Only the two of you know what would really make your kids happy. Then make special “experience” coupons and wrap them the way you would any other gifts.

GG: Great question, Amanda. This is something I had to struggle with myself as my kids were growing up. We always overbought and the pictures we have of the piles of presents under the tree are disgraceful! One of the problems was that half of the things were seldom played with or worn. Many times, it’s hard to break habits from childhood. If your husband was accustomed to lots of presents, he is just doing what comes naturally to him. On the other hand, if he had the opposite experience growing up, he may be overcompensating for what he feels he missed out on.

To make up for less gifts, try stretching the time by taking turns opening gifts and really paying attention to what each present is. Or, hide one special gift for each child and have a scavenger hunt to find the gifts. Plant clues around the house and let everyone enjoy the hunt.

My best advice is to do a walk-through of your home with your husband, pointing out what you believe to be an excessive amount of stuff your kids own. Show him rarely played with toys. Count the number of stuffed animals each child has. Mention the effect clutter has on your moods. Help him to realize that love can be shown in ways other than showering/smothering the kids with gifts. Put your heads together and come up with ideas for some “experience” gifts – going to a special show or movie, a day trip to the zoo, a pick-yourown-date-night-with-Dad coupon, a you-pick-

By coming up with creative solutions, you don’t have to work as hard at convincing him that less really is more. It will just happen. Good luck!

Caryn writes: My husband insists on saying “Merry Christmas” to everyone and it embarrasses me. How do I get him to stop before he really offends someone? GG: My question to you, Caryn, is why does this matter so much? The fact is that December 25th is Christmas, regardless of one’s beliefs. Your husband has every right to share this greeting. I assume he’s not trying to offend anyone by saying this, so I’m not sure why you have a problem with it. Relax and be happy that he’s in a festive mood. Few people will actually be upset by the sentiment and, in fact, most will receive it in the spirit it’s intended. Please wish your husband a merry Christmas from Green Grandma.

Hana Haatainen Caye, is a wife, mother, grandmother, and author of the book Vinegar Fridays, who shares her passion for common sense greener and healthier living.

Kid-Friendly Craft

ReUse : Holiday Crackers Family tradition, festive décor, and fun way to wrap small treats or gifts… holiday crackers can be customized to any seasonal celebration. And they’re fun for kids to make! As the name suggests, traditional crackers opened with a bang when pulled apart by each end. Some even contained messages or words of inspiration. The great part about making your own is deciding what goes inside!

Materials: • Cardboard rolls • Recycled paper (or fabric) • String • Ribbon • Tape • Scissors • Bangers & embellishments (optional)

Instructions: 1. Wrap the paper or fabric around the cardboard tube. Tape at the back if using paper. 2. Neatly scrunch the paper at the end and tie with string or ribbon. 3. If using a banger, leave a small gap to feed it through. 4. Place small gift or message inside and tie up the other end. 5. Decorate with embellishments. 84

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Written by Hana Haatainen Cay, Vinegar Fridays offers tips on how to use vinegar for cleaning, pet care, diet, healthcare, car care, beauty and more. The perfect guide for greener & healthier living!

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