What Can You Do with All the Wrapping Paper After Christmas?

Christmas often leaves behind a pile of colorful wrapping paper, from intricate patterns to shiny metallic hues. Rather than tossing it into the garbage or recycling bin, consider the numerous creative uses for this paper, which can become the base for handmade Christmas cards, origami decorations, and more. Here are some sustainable ideas to ensure your wrapping paper doesn't end up in the landfill.

Repurpose the Paper as a Handmade Christmas Card

A simple way to give your Christmas wrapping paper a new life is by transforming it into a custom handmade card. Start by selecting a piece of paper that you like and fold it into various shapes, imitating origami techniques. Once you have the desired shape, use glue to secure it onto a card or paper bag as decorative elements. This can make a unique and personal touch to your holiday greetings!

Create Fun Christmas Ornaments

Another wonderful idea is to make Christmas ornaments using leftover wrapping paper. You can cut the paper into festive shapes, such as stars, hearts, or snowflakes, and hang them from your tree. Or, you can glue smaller pieces onto a wooden heart or star shape, creating a charming and intricate decoration for your home.

Protective Book Covers and More

Wrapping paper can also serve as a protective covering for your books, as a covering for gift baskets, or even as a lining for drawers to protect the interiors. If the paper isn't too small or wrinkled, it can also be folded and used to wrap smaller gifts, ensuring that they remain presentable and well-protected until given.

Recycling Wrapping Paper

Depending on where you live, your city's recycling guidelines might not include wrapping paper. However, there are ways to recycle it. Some communities collect wrapping paper, ribbon, and tape as part of their Christmas recycling programs. Check with your local authorities to find out if such programs are available in your area and encourage your friends and family to join in. If not, gather the wrapping paper after Christmas and store it in kitchen garbage bags until you can find a place to recycle it properly.

DIY Paper-Making

For those interested in exploring a unique craft, consider making paper from your leftover wrapping paper. To do this, you'll need a paper-making kit, which involves tearing up the paper, adding water, and running it through an old blender until it's a pulp. Then, spread the pulp on a screen and allow it to dry. This homemade paper can be used for crafting or even for journaling. It's a fun and educational way to give your wrapping paper a new life.

Historical Context and Sustainable Practices

Throughout Christmas history, gifts were often wrapped in fabric and tied with ribbons, following a practice that extended from Victorian times through the end of World War II. Once the presents were opened, the wrapping fabric was collected, folded properly, and stored for reuse. This tradition not only promoted sustainability but also reinforced a sense of community and frugality. While we might not adopt this practice entirely, you can still follow these principles by saving your wrapping paper and repurposing it for future use, such as wrapping ornaments, as your family did during the Christmas season.

Instead of discarding the paper after Christmas, why not store it in a bag or box under your bed or in your closet for next year? This way, you can continue the tradition of using leftover wrapping paper for new gifts, adding a charming touch of Christmas to your home.

My family has adopted this habit of collecting leftover wrapping paper for years. We use it to wrap ornaments when we take down the tree each year. It's not only a fun and festive way to reuse the paper, but also ensures that no waste is produced. By following these sustainable practices, you can contribute to reducing waste during the holiday season and inspire others to do the same.

Conclusion

By finding creative and sustainable uses for your Christmas wrapping paper, you can enjoy the beauty and charm of the season while minimizing waste. Whether you choose to make handmade cards, create ornaments, or simply save the paper for future use, these ideas can help you celebrate the holiday spirit in an eco-friendly manner. Happy holidays!