The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and anticipation, especially for families with young children. While traditional advent calendars are popular, they often come with plastic packaging and disposable trinkets. Why not try something greener this year? A Sustainable Activity Advent Calendar is a perfect way to celebrate the countdown to Christmas while embracing eco-friendly practices. This guide provides you with creative ideas for 24 days of sustainable activities that the entire family can enjoy.
Day 1: Create a Nature Wreath
Start December with a fun outdoor activity. Gather pinecones, leaves, and branches from a local park or your backyard to create a beautiful nature-inspired wreath. Use biodegradable twine to hold it together. Hang it on your front door as a welcoming decoration.
Day 2: Write Letters to Santa on Recycled Paper
Encourage your kids to write letters to Santa using recycled or scrap paper. Use colored pencils instead of markers to reduce waste. This activity can double as a handwriting practice and a fun way to express holiday wishes.
Day 3: Make DIY Recycled Ornaments
Collect old magazines, newspapers, or fabric scraps and transform them into unique ornaments. You can create paper stars, fabric-covered baubles, or origami shapes. These handmade decorations add a personal touch to your Christmas tree.
Day 4: Plant a Tree Together
Dedicate a day to planting a tree in your garden or a local community space. This activity teaches kids the importance of giving back to nature. If a tree is too ambitious, opt for planting herbs or flowers in small pots.
Day 5: Bake Organic Holiday Cookies
Spend time baking cookies using organic, locally sourced ingredients. This is a great way to teach kids about sustainable food choices while indulging in a holiday treat. Consider making a few extra batches to gift to neighbors.
Day 6: Donate Toys and Clothes
Encourage your children to go through their toys and clothes, selecting items to donate to those in need. This helps them learn the value of giving and reduces waste by promoting reuse.
Day 7: Create Eco-Friendly Gift Wrap
Instead of buying wrapping paper, use fabric scraps, old newspapers, or even children’s artwork to wrap presents. Finish with a natural twine bow or dried orange slices for a festive touch.
Day 8: Host a Family Movie Night with a Twist
Choose eco-themed movies like “Wall-E” or “The Lorax” and discuss their environmental messages afterward. Pair the experience with homemade popcorn using organic kernels.
Day 9: DIY Bird Feeders
Craft simple bird feeders using pinecones, peanut butter, and birdseed. Hang them in your yard to attract local wildlife and enjoy bird-watching throughout the season.
Day 10: Sustainable Crafting Day
Spend an afternoon creating crafts using only materials you already have at home. Ideas include making snowflakes from old paper, sock puppets, or upcycled jar lanterns.
Day 11: Go on a Winter Nature Walk
Bundle up and head out for a nature walk. Collect interesting stones, leaves, or branches to bring home and craft with. Use the opportunity to teach your kids about local plants and wildlife.
Day 12: Make Homemade Holiday Cards
Instead of store-bought cards, create your own using recycled paper and craft supplies. You can include pressed flowers, drawings, or even stamps made from potatoes.
Day 13: Hold a Zero-Waste Gift Exchange
Organize a gift exchange where everyone gives second-hand or homemade items. This can be a great way to show that thoughtful gifts don’t need to be new or expensive.
Day 14: Cook a Plant-Based Dinner
Dedicate a night to cooking a fully plant-based dinner together as a family. This can include veggie lasagna, quinoa-stuffed peppers, or hearty soups. Discuss how plant-based eating benefits the environment.
Day 15: Create a Gratitude Jar
Decorate a jar and fill it with notes of gratitude each day until Christmas. This activity encourages mindfulness and appreciation for the small things in life.
Day 16: DIY Candle Making
Make your own candles using soy wax or beeswax. Add natural scents like cinnamon, orange peel, or lavender for a festive aroma. These make great handmade gifts as well.
Day 17: Make Natural Cleaning Products
Spend time creating natural cleaning sprays using ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils. This is a fun science experiment for kids and introduces them to sustainable living practices.
Day 18: Host a Book Swap
Encourage your children to swap books with friends or neighbors. This reduces waste and introduces everyone to new stories without buying new books.
Day 19: Make Your Own Wrapping Paper
Use potatoes or sponges as stamps and create designs on kraft paper. Use natural dyes made from beets, spinach, or turmeric for colorful and eco-friendly wrapping paper.
Day 20: Decorate with Dried Fruits
Create garlands using dried oranges, apples, or cranberries. String them together with natural twine to create eco-friendly decorations that smell amazing.
Day 21: Practice Mindful Yoga for Kids
Introduce your children to a short yoga session focused on relaxation and mindfulness. This can help them unwind during the hectic holiday season.
Day 22: Build a Gingerbread House with Organic Ingredients
Gather organic ingredients to build a gingerbread house. This classic holiday activity is even more rewarding when done sustainably. Use natural food coloring and organic candy for decoration.
Day 23: Host a Green-Themed Story Time
Spend an evening reading eco-friendly books like “The Earth Book” by Todd Parr or “The Giving Tree” by Shel Silverstein. Discuss the stories’ messages with your kids.
Day 24: Prepare a Zero-Waste Christmas Eve Feast
Plan a Christmas Eve dinner with a zero-waste approach. Use cloth napkins, reusable plates, and cook only what your family can eat to minimize food waste.
Conclusion
Creating a Sustainable Activity Advent Calendar can transform the holiday season into an opportunity for learning, bonding, and sustainable living. Each activity is designed to be fun, engaging, and educational, making your countdown to Christmas meaningful for both your family and the environment. Try out these eco-friendly activities and make your holiday season greener this year!