Transforming Your Home into a Winter Wonderland with Upcycled Christmas Decor
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Time to Read: 9 min
The holidays bring a special kind of magic. Cozy evenings, twinkling lights everywhere, and Christmas trees. Every year, I wonder how to make decorating more meaningful while avoiding the waste of buying plastic that eventually ends up in the trash. This season, let’s create something different. Use what you already have and turn it into something beautiful. Repurpose old items to create decor that teaches kids resourcefulness, feels personal, and saves money. Together, we’ll craft a winter wonderland filled with creativity and warmth. Grab your stainless steel cups and bowls. Fill them with supplies from your craft drawer, and let’s get started.
About Ahimsa
Founded by a pediatrician and mom of three
Stainless steel is the only kid-friendly material recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics
We are guided by a Scientific Advisory Council comprised of environmental and medical experts, guiding us in creating the safest products, following the latest science and promoting policy to protect human health and our planet
Want to know more? Check out our story and our products.
You're Not Buying New Decorations Every Year, Are You?
First things first - it’s easy to fall into the trap of buying new decorations every holiday season, but have you thought about what happens to last year’s? Reusing decor from previous years saves money and keeps unnecessary waste out of landfills. Those ornaments, wreaths, and string lights you packed away can feel brand new with a little creativity. Try rearranging items, pairing them with something fresh like natural greenery, or even giving them a quick makeover with paint or ribbon.
This simple shift stretches the life of what you already own and teaches your kids the value of cherishing what they have. A favorite snow globe or well-loved garland can become part of your family’s story, reminding everyone that holiday magic isn’t about what’s new but about the memories you make.
Why Upcycled Christmas Decor Matters
Traditional holiday decorations often bring hidden costs. Non-recyclable materials and disposable items contribute to landfill waste, leaving an environmental footprint far beyond the season. Many store-bought options also use energy-intensive processes and non-sustainable resources, adding to the problem. By choosing upcycled decor, we turn the tide. We reduce waste, save money, and spark creativity, all while using items already at hand.
This approach aligns beautifully with Montessori principles. When we involve children in transforming old materials into something new, they engage in hands-on learning that nurtures independence and problem-solving skills. A stack of old magazines becomes a garland, or a jar destined for the trash transforms into a candle holder. These projects teach kids that their actions matter, and that beauty often lies in simplicity. Upcycling invites us all to rethink how we celebrate, making traditions that respect the planet and the minds we’re helping shape.
Simple Upcycling Ideas for a Cozy Winter Vibe
Decorating for the holidays doesn’t have to mean buying brand-new. With a little creativity, you can turn everyday items into beautiful decor that feels warm and festive.
DIY Garland from Old Fabrics or Paper
Take scraps of fabric, old holiday cards, or even leftover newspaper and transform them into a charming garland. Cut the materials into shapes like stars, snowflakes, or hearts. If you’re using fabric, pinking shears add a fun, zigzag edge that resists fraying. Once you have your shapes, punch small holes and string them together with twine or ribbon. Hang your garland along a mantel, around a doorway, or draped over your tree for a cozy touch.
Repurposed Jar Lanterns
Old glass jars make perfect candle holders with a little imagination. Start by cleaning the jars thoroughly, then decide on your look. For a frosted effect, use a light coat of glass paint or glue and glitter. Wrap twine or ribbon around the top for added texture. For a nature-inspired feel, press leaves or sprigs of greenery against the glass and secure them with a bit of glue. Drop in a tealight or LED candle, and you’ve got a glowing lantern perfect for windowsills or table centerpieces.
Nature-Inspired Ornaments
Step outside and gather pinecones, twigs, or dried orange slices to create unique ornaments with a rustic charm. Brush the pinecones lightly with white paint to mimic snow, or tie a small bow around the base. Use twigs to form miniature stars or snowflakes and secure them with hot glue. Dried orange slices strung on twine add a pop of color to your tree and smell amazing. Let your kids add their own flair with bits of ribbon, beads, or glitter. These ornaments feel personal, look stunning, and keep the spirit of the season grounded in nature.
Crafting with Kids
Spending quality time with your kids makes upcycling holiday decorations even more meaningful. These projects use simple materials to create something special and teach valuable lessons along the way.
Salt Dough Ornaments
A classic craft, salt dough ornaments are simple and fun. Mix 1 cup of salt, 2 cups of flour, and 1 cup of water to form a dough. Roll it out, and let the kids use cookie cutters to create shapes like trees or stars. Poke a small hole at the top of each ornament. Bake at 200°F for a few hours until dry. Paint them in bright colors or add glitter after they cool. This activity lets kids practice measuring and following steps.
Recycled Wrapping Paper Art
Transform leftover wrapping paper or brown paper bags into something beautiful. Cut them into shapes for gift tags or glue pieces onto card stock to make handmade holiday cards. Decorate with crayons, markers, or stamps, and encourage your kids to fold and cut paper snowflakes or assemble collages from scraps. This project sparks creativity while starting a conversation about reducing waste.
The season feels brighter when families craft together, creating moments to slow down and connect. Handmade treasures hold more meaning than anything store-bought and leave lasting memories for everyone involved.
Mealtime Essentials
Transforming Everyday Items into Statement Pieces
Decorations that stand out don’t require store-bought supplies. Everyday items can take on a festive twist with a little creativity.
Sweater Sleeve Stockings
Turn old sweaters into cozy Christmas stockings. Cut the sleeve from a sweater, stitch one end closed, and hem the top for a clean finish. Add a loop of ribbon or twine for hanging. Personalize with buttons, small bows, or embroidery. These stockings bring warmth to your mantel and give worn-out clothing a new purpose.
Upcycled Wreaths
Craft a wreath from things already in your home. Bend a wire hanger into a circle and wrap it with old ribbons, fabric strips, or garlands. Tuck in leftover craft supplies like ornaments, pinecones, or faux berries to complete the look. Secure everything with a hot glue gun or twist ties. These wreaths are easy to make and can fit any style, from rustic to modern.
Furniture Makeovers
Transform tables or shelves with simple touches. Drape a piece of festive fabric or an old scarf for a quick table runner. Use stencils and temporary paint to add holiday patterns. Add small accents like candles, greenery, or ornaments for an extra layer of charm. Create placemats and top them with your favorite stainless steel dinnerware . These small changes make a big impact and help everyday furniture feel ready for the season.
Sustainable Living Meets Holiday Traditions
These projects reflect sustainable values by reducing waste and showing kids how creativity can be a powerful tool for change. When children see how to reuse what’s already available, they learn that thoughtful choices matter. A handmade ornament or a wreath crafted from old supplies carries more meaning than something pulled off a store shelf.
Holiday Sustainability With Ahimsa
The holiday season holds a special kind of magic. Choosing a creative and sustainable approach to decorating makes that magic even more meaningful. Upcycled decor transforms ordinary items into something extraordinary while reducing waste and saving money. More than that, it creates memories—crafting ornaments with your kids, repurposing old sweaters into stockings, or bringing new life to forgotten treasures. These small actions leave a positive mark on your family and the planet.
Take the first step. Use what you already have, involve your family, and enjoy the process of creating a winter wonderland filled with personality and warmth. Start with one project, and see where your creativity leads. You’ll find that the most meaningful decorations are often the ones made with love, care, and a little imagination. This year, make your holiday truly unforgettable—one upcycled treasure at a time.
At Ahimsa, I designed products that help families live more sustainably, starting with mealtime. Our stainless steel Mindful Mealtime Set includes a plate, bowl, cup, and utensils, all made from food-grade materials free of harmful chemicals like BPA and PVC. The vibrant, rainbow-colored finish is kid-approved and safe, made without paints or coatings. Let’s work together to create a future that’s healthier for our kids and kinder to the planet.
Dr. Manasa Mantravadi
Dr. Manasa Mantravadi is a board-certified pediatrician whose dedication to children’s health drove her to launch Ahimsa, the world's first colorful stainless steel dishes for kids. She was motivated by the American Academy of Pediatrics’ findings on harmful chemicals in plastic affecting children's well-being. Ahimsa has gained widespread recognition and been featured in media outlets such as Parents Magazine, the Today Show, The Oprah Magazine, and more.
Dr. Mantravadi received the esteemed “Physician Mentor of the Year” award at Indiana University School of Medicine in 2019. She was also named a Forbes Next 1000 Entrepreneur in 2021, with her inspiring story showcased on Good Morning America. She serves on the Council for Environmental Health and Climate Change and the Council for School Health at The American Academy of Pediatrics. She represents Ahimsa as a U.S. industry stakeholder on the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) for the Global Plastics Treaty, led by the United Nations Environment Program. Dr. Mantravadi leads Ahimsa's social impact program, The Conscious Cafeteria Project, to reduce carbon emissions and safeguard student health as part of a national pilot of the Clinton Global Initiative.
She is dedicated to educating and empowering people to make healthier, more environmentally friendly choices at mealtime. Her mission remains to advocate for the health of all children and the one planet we will leave behind for them through real policy change within our food system.
More Mealtime Essentials
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I use stainless steel instead of plastic? Is stainless steel better for health?
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) released a report in July 2018 suggesting ways that families can limit exposure to certain chemicals at mealtime, including “the use of alternatives to plastic, such as glass or stainless steel, when possible.” The report explained that “…some additives are put directly in foods, while “indirect” additives may include chemicals from plastic, glues, dyes, paper, cardboard”. Further, “Children are more sensitive to chemical exposures because they eat and drink more, relative to body weight, than adults do, and are still growing and developing.” While stainless steel items meet the recommendation to avoid plastic products in children, Ahimsa® products have the obvious advantage of not breaking like glass.
Is stainless steel better for the environment than plastic?
According to the Steel Recycling Institute, steel can be recycled over and over and over again without losing its integrity and requires less energy to recycle than to make anew. Most plastic unfortunately ends up in landfills and it is estimated to take 700 years to decompose. Our special coloring process that allows Ahimsa® products to be fully metal is environmentally friendly, so it does not produce toxic run-off into the ecosystem.
Will Ahimsa products break or peel?
No. Our steel is durable, so it won’t break or shatter with everyday use, like glass. And it won’t peel, like other colored stainless steel products you’ve seen. We use a special process that allows the colors to naturally occur in the metal.
Which Ahimsa products are best for my little one(s)?
Our products are meant to last, you can use Ahimsa at ages 1, 8 and 18! We thoughtfully design our products to be safe for little ones and our planet while reducing consumption. Once your child outgrows the Starting Solids Set and can use regular cups and utensils, the training cup is the perfect size rinse cup in the bathroom, the infant spoon doubles as a tea stirrer and the bowl is great for snacks or as an additional compartment to our modular divided plate. Our plates are great for any age as they encourage choosing a variety of healthy foods at each meal and help visualize portion sizes easily. It’s the lasting beauty of stainless steel - grows with your child and reduces waste.
