Christmas can be a complicated and extravagant business so this year we are making a concerted effort to have a simpler and greener festive period to enrich the soul and do our bit for the environment.

1.  Start baking – there are so many traditions like Christmas cake and puddings that we have just got used to shipping in and creating a huge amount of packaging and waste along the way.  Like most things, they are much easier to make than you would think.  Many of the key ingredients (flour, bread, butter, fruit) can be found locally and organically while others like sugar and raisins can be sourced through ethical traders, and it’s great fun to do with the kids. Click here for my favourite wheat/dairy free Christmas cake.

2.  Turn off the TV and play some games – in recent year Christmas and excessive TV have become inextricably linked.  If you want to break a habit of a lifetime check out these traditional games suggested by the Museum of Childhood.  And if that is not enough we are loving the newly released 365 everyday Games and Pastimes which is a great blast from the past, jam packed full of fun family games to keep you all busy over the festive break.

3.  Make your own gifts – mumzine have written a lot about this lately (click here for our favourite ideas) but there is one way to guarantee your pressie does not gather dust at the back of the cupboard and that is to make something from the heart.  Rarely do I get a bad response from giving a gift that I have made myself.  You can save money as well as the environment.

4. Support your local traders – this year more than most high street retailers are really  feeling the pinch so try and shop locally and not give all your money to Mr Tesco’s.

5. Remember what Christmas is all about. Don’t get caught up in the need for excessive shopping. Shopping, decorating, traveling, visiting, baking, cooking and cleaning often crowd out the best things about Christmas.  Making time for family is really what is important.

6. Spend less. This year more than many others it is even more important not to get yourself into debt over christmas, spend what you can afford and don’t push for more.

7. Only kill yourself cooking all day if you love cooking. Otherwise don’t beat yourself up if you do not provide the full Nigella feast.

8. Shop online – Right now who can face trawling the shops, plus there are some amazing bargains to be had.

9. Choose a few things and do them well. Don’t try and be a total goddess and do absolutely everything perfectly, you will end up burnt out and having missed all the fun.

10.  Find a few moments to remember it is your holiday time too and get someone to pour you a drink and pass a mince pie.