The holidays have become crazy busy for most of us these days, but many of the stressors surrounding the season might have more to do with the feeling that consumer goods are being poured down our gullets as if we were force-fed geese.
The shopping frenzy actually seems to begin not after Thanksgiving, but with Back to School Week and continue on through Halloween, Thanksgiving, Black Friday, Cyber Monday (which has now turned into Cyber Week), Giving Tuesday, and Hanukkah/Christmas, only to sputter out on some athletic studio floor shortly after the New Year.
And yet, many of the holiday traditions we cherish most over the years have followed the same celebratory patterns for generations: spiritual or religious reflection, holiday decorating, the sharing of holiday foods, entertaining and socializing with friends and family within our communities. These are the traditions that really sustain us.
Many families are beginning to refocus on those rituals that are rich in meaning; and opt out of the wasteful and distracting gift giving that leaves us feeling empty. Fortunately, there are many online resources to help you select a gift or experience that has less of a negative impact on the earth and more of a positive impact on our communities and the people we love.
Great General Resource
https://www.unicefkidpower.org/fun-family-activities-resources/
Exploring the Natural World
- Scavenger hunts-outdoor
- Bird watching in a state or national park
- Wilderness and survival nature programs for all ages
- Stargazing
Experiences and Activities
- Gardening
https://www.fabercastell.com/collections/creativity-for-kids/grow - Create a time capsule
- Research charities and donate in someone’s name
- Help fund a new start-up
Hobbies and Crafts and Self-Expression
- Upcycling
- Refurbish old furniture with chalk paint; turn old jars and cans into terrariums; refabricate old denim into a tote bag
- Build a fort or a tree house
- Knitting, crocheting, needlepoint or other ways to personalize your wardrobe (https://www.joann.com/creator-studio-classes/
- Photography
- Younger children can make their own cameras using an old coffee can and older children can take an online photography class while exploring and taking shots of the world around them
- Cooking
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- Holiday baking, DIY ornaments with the family
- Make your own DIY chewing gum, chocolate (from Fair Trade cocoa) or bubble tea (https://www.familyeducation.com/fun/green-products/top-green-gifts-kids?slide=9#fen-gallery )
- Learn how to cook food from all over the world in a grandmother’s kitchen (https://www.leagueofkitchens.com/instructors )
- Origami-DIY origami kits for all ages
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Old-Fashioned Games
- Juggling
- Indoor board games like Twister, Operation and Battleship
