My list of Christmas nature activities for kids included more than a few ways to decorate with nature during the holidays – both indoors and out. Thought you’d like to see what the elves in our house have been up to.
Choose a live tree.
For the first time in the 22 years we’ve been together, my hubby finally consented to (even suggested, I might add) a live Christmas tree. I am overjoyed by the smell of Christmas filling our home. It single-handedly fills the house with the great outdoors.
Make your own ornaments with natural elements.
This year we added some nature treasures we gathered on various adventures to clear ornaments (see photo above). Other simple ideas include pine cone ornaments and twig stars.
Highlight favorite nature collections.
I gave an unused advent calendar new life by making it a home for some of our favorite nature collectibles. We’ll continue to add to it all month.
We also added a centerpiece to our much-loved dining table: a bowl of our favorite pine cones. Combined with a few cinnamon sticks, I’m sort of in love with it.
Use live décor where you can.
Our live eucalyptus wreath and poinsettias are a happy greeting each time I see my front porch.
Show your backyard some love, too.
Thanks to some hand-me-down ornaments from my step-mom, we’ve added some bling to the two trees in our backyard.
We also hung some treats for our backyard critters – several strands of popcorn and cranberries. (These are mostly for the squirrels as the birds around here are pretty happy with their own food.) If the weather’s cold enough where you live, try some holiday ice art.
Now it’s your turn! How do you add natural elements to your holiday decorating?