Yes, there are pros and cons about both choices, but which will you go for?

•  ARTIFICIAL TREE: A popular choice especially for commercial reasons.

The benefits of this tree are that they can be reused every year, are cheaper, easy to
assemble and store away. Another good thing about artificial trees is that they do not need to be watered and the needles will not drop off and make a mess in your house.

The downside of this is that the manufacturing process is usually harmful to the
environment, the artificial trees are not biodegradable and can’t be recycled so they
end up in a landfill.

• REAL (CUT) TREE: The freshness and natural aroma give a unique and distinguished atmosphere in the room.

The benefits of cut trees are that another tree is planted for each one harvested to
ensure a steady supply year after year and after Christmas, you could take your tree to a
recycling center, where the wood can be used.

The downside can be the transportation of the tree,  it sheds needles, it requires
watering and it tends to be more expensive.

• REAL (POTTED) TREE: A live tree comes potted with its roots intact.

It is the best choice, the greenest tree for Xmas, if you want to keep it alive and can plant it again. It takes in carbon dioxide and releases fresh oxygen into the air and helps reduce the greenhouse effect.

If you buy your Christmas tree potted, after the holidays you can plant it in your garden. In this way, you will have a traditional real tree while being considerate to our environment as well. And this has been my preferred choice (over ten years) and all my potted trees ending up in my friends’ gardens.

What is your preferred choice of  Xmas tree and why?

The post Which tree is the greenest for Xmas? appeared first on Lenka Pagan.

When I was a child, our Christmas at home was pretty hectic, as my stepmom was busy in the kitchen, dad was preparing the tree, clearing the snow, if any, or doing other things around the house. My brother and I were busy trying to make our house nice and clean, decorating the tree…which most of us can relate to…but there are various ways to turn the frenzied holiday season into a time of resonance and even joy.  

Here are 7 tips for the less stressed holiday season:

• Buy less or create instead: There is no need to break the bank for Xmas presents. I have even met some people who take a loan for presents every year! It is not what Xmas is about. Try to use your creativity and make gifts (cards) with your children which are unique, and handmade with love or buy simple and practical gifts for less.

• Declutter: I always do a big clean in the Autumn and give away unwanted stuff (clothes, toys, kitchen items…) to my friends, nice neighbours or charity shops.  It feels so good doing that!

• Act kindly: When you take the time to really recognize and appreciate others, you come away feeling good that you have passed on some measure of compassion and kindness, which is really the core of the birth of a prophet’s life, someone who taught love. 

• Take it easy! Some time ago, I used to try to prove that I could do it all – like a supermom. I tried to overdo and overextend myself. You know just like in yoga or any other sport if you overextend long enough, eventually the strain turns into real injury, and it is not worth it. Your health is your biggest wealth! So, please listen to your body, do not overdo it anymore and if you feel that you are pushing too hard by how you feel – pause for a little bit, have a rest and take it easy!

• Buy presents in Summer or Autumn sale: Let’s be honest, buying gifts at the last minute can be very stressful. Just how annoyed you may feel hearing when people keep asking you: “Have you bought Xmas gifts yet?” You may get more stressed just hearing that and thinking how will you manage it all on time this Xmas? Here is a simple answer: buy presents in advance, perhaps in the Summer sales just like I do, it is cheaper, and you feel more prepared for Xmas, so less stressed.

• Gratitude: Being thankful that we live in peace, love and have a roof over our heads and we do have food, consider many more things you are grateful for and perhaps write a list and keep reading it every day…During the holidays you can direct your gratitude toward your family, friends, and all the people you care about.

• You don’t have to! An immediate remedy for stress would be to stop being busy with activities that you don’t like and are not making you fulfilled. I know there are people who still mail lots of cards to their family and friends and perhaps feel a bit disappointed when they receive just a few back (that was my case a few years back), women who bake many kinds of different cookies prior to holidays and then feel guilty eating them as they gain weight in most cases. Yes, that was me a few years back, but I learnt and got out of it.

Now, I manage the holiday period by staying healthy and balanced through eating well and practising yoga. I love Xmas but make no fuss about it anymore by preparing ahead of time and taking it easy without any obligation.  

I hope you found these tips helpful and that you truly enjoy this holiday season! Just remember, take it easy!

The post Are you ready for Xmas? appeared first on Lenka Pagan.