The holidays are over, but there are often mountains of food, packaging, and decorations leftover. What can you do with all this to avoid waste and prolong the holiday magic?

Recycle food leftovers

Ideas for using leftover turkey and other meats

• Comforting Soups: Turn bones and carcasses into homemade broth. Add forgotten vegetables from the fridge for a delicious soup.
• Pâtés and pies: Chop up leftover meat to make a homemade pie or pâté.
• Gourmet Sandwiches: Use leftover meat or vegetables to fill sandwiches or paninis with a touch of cranberry sauce.

Revamped desserts

• Christmas Bread French Toast: Leftover bread can be used to make delicious French toast.
• Dessert Perfects: Pair leftover Yule log or layer cakes with yogurt and fruit for a quick dessert.

Leftover raw vegetables

• Dips and Salads: Chop raw vegetables into a tabbouleh-style salad or toss them with a homemade dip for a quick snack.
• Homemade soups: Leftover raw vegetables can be added to a soup or broth to enrich them.

Leftover bread

• Homemade croutons: Cut the bread into cubes, add a drizzle of olive oil and spices, then toast them in the oven.
• Bread Pudding: Transform pieces of bread into a comforting dessert by dipping them in a mixture of milk, eggs, and sugar before baking.

Reuse packaging and gift wrap

• Crafts with Kids: Save wrapping paper for creative projects like making garlands or DIY ornaments.
• Reuse to wrap other gifts: If the paper is still intact, fold it carefully for your next gifts.
• Wall Decor: If the paper is particularly beautiful, why not frame it to use as a decorative background?

Giving a second life to the tree

• Natural fir branches: Soak them in white vinegar to create a fir-scented household vinegar. This also works with citrus peels, which add a pleasant scent!

• Bird Habitat: Place your tree outside to provide shelter for birds during the winter. Add bird feeders or seed balls to attract local wildlife.

• Kindling: Dry the branches and trunk to use as kindling for your fireplace or wood stove.

• Decorate for next winter: Cut small sections of the trunk to create wooden discs. These can be engraved, painted, or made into decorations for next year.

Share and give

• Offering Meals: Prepare portions of leftovers for your neighbors or friends.
• Food banks: Find out if any organizations accept uneaten surplus food.

With a little creativity, it's possible to extend the holiday spirit while respecting our planet. Whether on your plate or in your home, every little bit helps reduce waste and create a positive impact.

And you, what are your tips for using up Christmas leftovers?