Christmas is a time for being jolly, happy and giving. Take a step back and think of ways that will not only save you money but will be get you in the Christmas mood, develop your creative side and help reduce your carbon footprint. Your friends and family will appreciate the personal touch and so will the planet.

Instead of sending Christmas cards through the post and especially as so many of us have friends and family all over the world... send an e-card. There are so many brilliant websites with wonderful animated cards that you can personalise too. It would be fun spending some time with children choosing and searching cards. If the traditional card is the only way, give thought to buying cards that have been made from 100% recycled paper. You should be able to find them in the shops and on-line.

When considering wrapping paper, give a thought to using jars, or boxes, spare rolls of wallpaper or even fabric bags. Newspaper is a fun way to decorate a present and touch up with some beautiful ribbon. Again, this is a superb way of getting children thinking about the planet in a fun way. It only takes a moment to think about it and in that moment, the future has arrived.

Take a look at this fun way of wrapping a gift.

Other ways of having and thinking ecologically at Christmas; instead of buying unwanted gifts... why not offer activity days and surprise outings. Memories are things we can take with us wherever we go and usually enhance with time.