December is here again with its cool, crisp days and longer nights. The natural world around us has entered back into the more restful phase of its annual cycle.  Farmers are spending less time in the fields and more time fixing tools, and many of us look forward to some time off to spend with family and friends.

While the natural world is providing a calm backdrop, we are also experiencing increased pressure to prepare for the holidays. While some festivities are fun, and part of a long tradition of bringing light and love into the year ahead, the emphasis on doing our part to stimulate the economy can feel a bit out of sync with our desire to enrich our lives, while living lightly on the planet.

How we choose to celebrate the holidays is up to us. Some alternatives to traditional gift giving may be a welcome change. Check in with your family and friends. Do they enjoy giving and receiving gifts or would they be happy to scale back a bit? In my family we have decided to donate to each other’s favorite non-profits in lieu of gifts. Everyone, including my nieces and nephews, felt good about receiving less material items and giving to causes that they cared about.

Another possibility is to give someone you love an experience rather than a material object. Make a date with that person. It could be a walk on the beach, a night out (or in) at the movies, a play, or a baseball game—whatever you and that person would both enjoy doing together. These gifts don’t add to people’s clutter while giving one of our most valuable gifts- time with each other and fun memories.  We designed the Conexions Holiday Membership with this in mind.

If you’re the creative type, think about giving a homemade gift. Some of my favorite presents have been a hand-painted mug from a friend, a letter from my niece, and a photo montage from my husband. Gift making can also be a fun group activity such as baking together, wreath making, or making preserves. At the end of the activity swap what you made. This brings together the best of both worlds- time together and sharing creativity with each other.

However you choose to celebrate the holidays, may it be one that enables you, your loved ones and the Earth to thrive.