[NOVA Pros]

I was just wondering if anyone had any ideas what to do with old Christmas decorations, besides throwing them out.

I took the used wrapping paper last year, and decoupaged shoe boxes, making "new" gift boxes.

Any other thoughts on what to do with old garland, lights, icicles, etc.

Thanks,
NOVA Pros

[Mr Rolf]

Our family is gerally reusing everything for christmas since ages!
As we lighten the canles on the tree just for singing and use the electronic once afterwards we can use them for several years, we reuse the old wrapping material as u said already, we are very carful with hanging the garlands so that we can use them the next years again.
It takes a bit time but it safes the environment and our money

[NOVA Pros]

Mr. Rolf,

We generally reuse most of our items year after year, but we just recently changed out colors/theme from the last 15 years.

So that is why I have excess lights and such.

I think I will advertise in my church for anyone looking for decorations. The lights are in good shape, just wrong color now.

NOVA Pros

[Mr Rolf]

That is understanable I guess we want some changes soon too so we will face the same issue as u did now.
I think it is very good think of about our environment!
Many people say one single person can't change something but they don't understand that if everyone is thinking that way nothing will ever change

[NOVA Pros]

That reminds me of the story of the starfish that the little girl was trying to save by throwing them back in the water after being washed up and stuck on the beach. One man said you will never make a difference, but then people saw her trying and they joined in, and all starfish made it back in the water and many people helped to do so.

I also received an idea from a blogger that I can take my old tree skirts and make pillow covers out of them. That was a great idea, so I just wanted to share.

NOVA Pros

[admin]

great tips and ideas! thanks for sharing them
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Home Improvement Contractors

[Mr Rolf]

Thats a nice story, I think I will tell it on Chritmas Eve!

Another good idea would be take the old chritmas decoration and design a new one out of it. For example paint them in a different color or make nice balls out of the old lametta gongs.
That is fun for the kids and you will have a new decoration next year!

[NOVA Pros]

I like the "re-decorating" idea. I work with a youth group who is constantly looking for art projects. This will keep them busy.

Also, I wanted to share another idea someone told me. The old icicles can be used for gift bag "stuffing" instead of buying the shredded papers, just use the old icicles instead. That one I really liked, as I use a lot of gift bags, instead of boxes.

The starfish story came to life for my daughter on a mission trip a few years ago. She saw that very thing happen, where the starfish would be trapped on shore when the tide went out. She started picking up the starfish one by one and putting them back in the water, when next thing you knew, all the kids in the village were helping her. Amazing. One person can make a difference.

[NOVA Pros]

A fellow blogger passed on this idea: All the election signs left on the roads or in your own yard could be turned into Christmas decorations. How? Simply spray paint over the sign and add stripes or what not, tie a bow around it, and voila - Christmas Gift sign for the yard.

I really liked that one, especially since there are soooo many signs here in the Northern VA area.

I will have fun spray painting lots of different colors.

NOVA Pros

[Mr Rolf]

That is a great idea too! Just awesome
I would never though of that - really grea!!

[NOVA Pros]

And one more to share.

One lady uses her Christmas cards for origami projects. That was great.

She mostly makes boxes as the cards are sturdy enough to keep its shape.
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[NOVA Pros]

Based upon all your responses for what to do with old Christmas items, it inspired me to write a poem, that I wanted to share with all of you.

Twas the day after Christmas
And all on the floor
Were remnants of Christmas presents
Blocking the door.

The bags were all empty
The wrapping paper a mess
The kids were playing quietly
While you stack the excess.

You think to throw it out
But wonder what to do
When a bright idea pops up
And you recycle old to new.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to All.
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http://www.novapros.com

[NOVA Pros]

I hope this is okay to post here, as I became very passionate about having a Green Christmas, and this fit right in.

It is an address for St. Jude's I wanted to send everyone as a way to help the children and to help the environment by recycling.

You can send your used Christmas cards (fronts only) to the ranch and they reuse them for new cards which they sell to help their own cause (which is a cure for cancer).


St. Jude's Ranch for Children
Card Recycling Program
100 St. Jude's Street
Boulder City, NV 89005

Thanks.
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http://www.novapros.com

[admin]

That is perfectly fine to post here Nova Pros! Thanks for the info. about a great cause
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SuperHomeIdeas
Home Improvement Contractors

[NOVA Pros]

I just wanted to remind everyone, that if you were planning on sending cards to St. Jude's, they can only accept them up til February 28th.

After that, they start the recycling process.
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