The holiday season has tiptoed in again — that cosy time of lights, blankets, warm drinks, and… yes… the big question that gets my ears standing straight up every year:
which Christmas tree is actually the most sustainable one?

Lately, the humans at home have been chatting about it around the kitchen table. I was right there under it, of course, pretending to nap but listening to every word. It’s one of the things I love about the Future First journey: we’re all learning together. No experts lecturing anyone, just curious people (and one dog) trying to make thoughtful choices — one small step at a time.

So, come along with me. Let’s explore the usual Christmas tree suspects and see what might fit best if you’re trying to keep the holidays both magical and gentle on the planet. And at the end, I’ll show you what we went for this year — something surprisingly simple, unexpectedly beautiful, and very, very low-impact.

Artificial Christmas Trees

I’ll admit, my first reaction was excitement: they look festive, they last for years, and they don’t drop needles on the carpet (which makes my paws a bit itchy).

But once we dug into it, things got less cheerful. Most artificial trees are made from plastic and metal and often travel across the world before reaching someone’s living room. And when they eventually get old? They can’t really be recycled. To make up for all that, you’d have to reuse one for many, many years.

So… if you already have one and love it — perfect, keep using it. But buying a new one? Maybe not.

A Real Cut Tree

Now this one makes my tail wag. The smell alone is enough to make a dog dizzy with happiness. Real trees are grown on farms that replant, they soak up CO₂ while growing, and afterward you can compost them or let the city recycle them into wood chips.

But at the end of the day, it’s still a whole tree cut for just a few weeks of sparkle. It’s not terrible by any means — especially if you choose a local one — but it’s also not the lightest step you can take.

A Living Tree in a Pot

This idea had everyone leaning in a little closer. A tree that comes inside, enjoys the holidays with you, and then goes right back outside to keep growing… it sounds perfect.

The only thing is: potted trees can be a bit fussy. Keep the room cool, don’t overwater, don’t leave it indoors too long, and hope it survives the transition back outside. Some thrive, some don’t.

But when it works, it’s a beautiful tradition.

So… what did we end up doing?

This part makes me especially happy.

Our neighbour has a big Christmas tree in his garden — the confident, sturdy type that holds little bird families in spring and stands proud against winter winds. Every year he trims a few branches to keep it healthy.

This year, he offered them to us.

Just like that. No fuss. “If you want them, take them.”

And so we did.
We didn’t buy a tree.
We didn’t bring anything home wrapped in plastic.
We simply took what nature and kindness offered.

And with a little arranging, a few ornaments, and some imagination, we created two beautiful arrangements. Soft, natural, fragrant.

And suddenly the whole house felt like Christmas.

Why this simple idea felt so right

There was something special about decorating with what was already there. Nothing was cut down for us. Nothing was shipped. Nothing was packaged. We reused vases we already owned, added ornaments we’ve collected over the years, and let the branches fall into their own shapes.

And maybe this is what sustainability often looks like in real life — not perfect or polished, just thoughtful and gentle.

The original tree stays in the neighbour’s garden, still home to birds, still sheltering insects, still growing. And we got to enjoy a little piece of it without taking more than what it naturally offered.

Our home smells like a winter forest.
It cost nothing.
And it feels… honest. Calm. Beautiful.

A Final Little Wag From Me

If there’s anything I’ve learned this year, it’s that a sustainable choice doesn’t always come from a shop. Sometimes it comes from a neighbour’s kindness, or a small idea, or a moment of creativity around the kitchen table.

Our house feels festive and full — not because we bought something, but because we made something together.

If you try something similar, I’d love to see what you create. Send pictures, tag us, bark at me from across the internet — I’m always curious.

Wishing you a warm, gentle, joy-filled Christmas,
Kasper 🐾
Your four-pawed sustainability companion