My Black is NOT Cracking.

I know.  You must be thinking, “As if 2020 didn’t suck enough, here she comes with this BS attempt to ruin our Christmas! I would never!  I am definitely not trying to be the Grinch that Stole Christmas! (For those that celebrate!) This post may also be a little late.  But, better late than never!

If you have been reading my blog, you know my intentions are always good.  My purpose is, and will always be to share healthful and helpful information.  First, I explain the issues that I have discovered and researched and then I try to offer suggestions and solutions to address those issues.

So, in case you haven’t guessed, this post is about avoiding a toxic holiday!  (And no, I’m not referring to dysfunctional families or a crazy drunk uncle!)  If you are following the suggestions of the CDC, crazy drunk uncle needs to stay his ass at home this year! 

The toxic holiday issues I’m referring to involve trees, wreaths, lights, candles and ornaments.  I know!  It never ends.

I think it’s pretty safe to say that most of us that celebrate Christmas, love the scents associated with the holiday.  We love the smell of the Christmas trees. (Unless of course you grew up with one of those metallic blue or white trees!)

In an earlier post, (probably several) I talked about toxic chemicals found in home fragrances, scented candles and room sprays. Ahhhhh! We love that scent of pine.  Unfortunately, it comes in many forms and most of them are toxic! If you want the smell of pine, then my suggestion is to get a real tree and leave the artificial tree in the box.  But, not just any tree…..

For many years I had two trees. I had one artificial tree and one real tree.  Then I bought a giant house that needed a giant tree and found this ginormous artificial tree. It was beautiful. It was so life-like that my holiday guests would constantly touch it because they couldn’t tell the difference. (And now that I think about it, why were you touching the tree? Did I ever come in your house and stroke your tree branches?  I would have to say no. But anyway….) It was large and easy to assemble, although I spent hours shaping it to perfection. Yes, reusable artificial trees save us money, but they do come with a heavy price tag. Most of them are full of toxic chemicals. Many contain lead.

So what’s the alternative? Get yourself a real tree! Surely that’s a better option. But is it? Not so fast. Conventionally grown trees are often sprayed with pesticides. Of course you can look for an organic tree farm.  Consider this! Maybe you might want to purchase a live tree in a pot that you can later plant! (Sure, chop that sucker down in a few years if you like. Just an idea.)

Okay, so now it’s time to decorate the tree.  Here’s the bad news.  You know those strings of lights you just spent all afternoon untangling and cursing at? Most of the cords are made with chemicals and lead as well. Best bet? LED lights!

Okay, let’s create some holiday atmosphere and decorate the rest of the house, shall we? 

What about candles? Sure. Just avoid those artificial and synthetic fragrances! Avoid toxins by burning candles made from beeswax or soy.  How about a homemade candle scented with the essential oils of cinnamon and clove? Yum.

Have a mantle or door begging for holiday cheer?  Try some garland made from natural greenery.  I loved the Pine Rope.  You can get that pine smell and it looks beautiful. But again, go organic whenever possible. Artificial wreaths and garland often contain PHTHALATES.  Remember those from my last post?  (They’re hormone disruptors!) Most of you reading this probably already have disrupted hormones!

Are you into that spray-on snow stuff?  If so, just be careful.  Those sprays contain solvents that can be harmful when inhaled. (Maybe leave that covid mask on, or even better, do that spraying outdoors! Or not at all.) Once it’s dried, it’s typically not that harmful.

Still hanging Great Grandma’s hand-me-down ornaments?  They may have sentimental meaning, but those vintage ornaments often contain lead paint and mercury.  (Of course, some of the newer ones contain toxic paints.) Try handling with gloves on at least wash your hands after handling them. 

Think about making your own ornaments from natural or up-cycled materials. I loved using ribbons with the wires in them that I could shape.  I also really love plain glass ornaments that reflect the lights. And yes, I’m a one-color-light kinda girl! Pick a color! Any color, but pick one! And OMG please do not have two different whites! (I’m pretty sure that’s illegal in some states!)

Okay. Back to ornament ideas. Try making some of your own ornaments. Remember Paper-mâché?  That might be fun. Dress up some pinecones with ribbons. Recycle some of last year‘s Christmas cards to make a really cool garland or some ornaments.  

What about the table? Perhaps a simple greens and pinecone centerpiece might be lovely. You know all that wine you’ve been drinking?  Maybe you could use those wine bottles as candleholders! Soak the label off (Or not) and wrap a bow or some ribbon around it.   Just keep that ribbon or bow away from the flame!

A friend of mine made the most beautiful holiday centerpiece one year.  Unfortunately, it went up in flames during dessert! It was tragically hilarious.  You really had to be there to appreciate it. 

Oh and skip the mistletoe and holly or leave it outside. Especially if you have kids or grandkids as they can cause illness in children if they eat those cute little berries. (And don’t little kids put everything in their mouths?) If you want to be kissed, just ask. (You know you need permission for everything now!)

Lastly, one final idea. If you would like the smell of Christmas without the toxic chemicals, try a stovetop potpourri!  Simmer some pine needles with some cloves and some other spices of your choosing.  Cinnamon might me nice. 

Many of us will not be spending this holiday with family and friends, but by staying put and staying safe, we are giving others and ourselves the most precious gift of all!  Health!!!!

I invite you to share your ideas on how to have a happy and healthy holiday! Have a happy and SAFE holiday season.