Given the consumer culture in which we live, Christmas is often equated with excess. Too much food, too many sweets, too much STUFF! Too much stress and too many bills frequently accompany what should be a time of spiritual reflection and meaningful connection with those we love.

Even though decorations and flyers start shortly after Halloween, the festive season does not have to leave your wallet empty and your closet full of questionable gifts. Consider the following as you gear up for the holiday season:

• if you have a large family (and not many young children) draw names from a hat in order to minimize the number of people you have to buy for
• if it is better to give than receive and you don’t want that wrong size, wrong colour or just plain unsuitable gift, revert back to making “wish lists” to avoid receiving or buying an item that may not be used or needed
• give the gift that makes a difference: there are many adoption programs out there where money donated goes to help an endangered animal or land. Why not make a donation to a local charity in honour of a loved one? As an example, check out www.cumberlandforestsociety.com
• forego shiny paper and wrap gifts in newspaper
• recycle old Christmas cards and use them as labels or to brighten up plain (unwrapped) boxes
• as you decorate your space get rid of any broken or chipped decorations. Donate excess to a local charity
• if it is your turn to host a meal, consider making it a potluck to ease the strain of shopping, cooking and cleaning
• when shopping, bring your own re-useable tote bag rather than accepting a separate bag for each purchase. Say, "I don’t need a bag" for small purchases

For those people you do exchange gifts with, consider consumables such as a bottle of wine or a new ink cartridge for the printer. Treat someone to an "experiential" present such as tickets to the theatre, a day at the spa or registration fee for a course. For overextended parents give the gift of time: create a home - made coupon book for services such as child minding, dog walking, a dozen home-baked cookies or a car wash. I recently read that people refer to home-made gifts as "double gifts", due to the thought and effort that goes into making them. Give loved ones something more meaningful than commodities.

Shop locally and choose products with the least amount of packaging. If an item has several layers of paper and plastic packaging, choose a similar product that leaves less waste. Last of all, once all of the festivities are over; take all your bottles, plastic, glass jars, flattened cardboard boxes and cans to your local recycling bank.