Use colourful and interesting packaging that you receive in the months before the holidays to decorate a truly 'green' tree. Kids love to do craft projects and these items can easily be recycled into decorations. Paper chains, paper snowflakes', images from old Christmas cards, dried flowers from old arrangements, out of date costume jewellery, and buttons can all be used to make Christmas decorations. Nature provides unlimited items that can be used for decoration - pine cones, berries, dried seed pods, twigs, feathers. All of these items can be composted when you are finished with them.
Edible decorations are also an option.
Gingerbread cookies, cranberries, popcorn strings, candy canes, dried apple rings, and cinnamon sticks would make a very tempting Christmas tree. The Gifts Make the wrapping part of the gift. And instead of a ribbon or bow, why not decorate the present with a handmade decoration that will become a keepsake and last for years. If not part of the gift, then the wrapping can be unique without contributing to the waste stream. The coloured comics are a great way to wrap presents for kids.