5 Easy Ways to Get Your CHILDREN Involved in Sustainability This Christmas

This festive season is a time for family, fun, and tradition – but it’s also a great opportunity to teach children the importance of sustainability and eco-conscious living. Christmas can be a time of excess, but there are simple ways to make the holidays more sustainable, all while involving your kids in the process.

Here are five easy ideas to get your little ones excited about protecting the planet this Christmas.

Make Homemade Gifts or Cards

Instead of buying wrapping paper and store-bought gifts, involve your children in creating personalised gifts and cards. You can use recycled materials, such as old magazines, fabric scraps, or even empty jars, to make one-of-a-kind presents. Homemade gifts are often more meaningful, and they help reduce waste. Plus, children will love the creativity of making something special for loved ones.

Create a Family Advent Calendar with Reusable Activities

Instead of the usual plastic-filled, store-bought advent calendars, why not make your own eco-friendly version? Our wonderful friend did this for us this year, and it has been so much fun! I appreciate we are 15 days in but it’s still not too late! We used a charming wooden train with little wooden boxes and filled them with activities. For example, you could include actions like “Make a bird feeder,” “Take a nature walk,” “Decorate some biscuits,” or “Have a kitchen disco.” It’s a delightful way to create a fun daily tradition that focuses less on chocolate and sweets, and more on meaningful experiences and quality time together!

Opt for Eco-Friendly Decorations

Involve your children in creating sustainable Christmas decorations. Use natural materials like pinecones, dried orange slices, and cinnamon sticks to make festive garlands, wreaths, and table centerpieces. These items are biodegradable, so they won’t add to the landfill once the holidays are over. You can also make reusable fabric or felt ornaments that can last for years. Our 2 year old decorated a cute fir tree with pipe cleaners and pom poms – check out instagram for the reveal! 😉

Teach the Gift of Giving Back

Encourage your children to give back to the community in a way that’s aligned with sustainability. This could be by donating gently used toys, clothes, or books to a local charity or volunteering together at a community garden. Helping children connect the spirit of Christmas with acts of kindness for both people and the planet teaches empathy and reinforces the importance of supporting the environment.

Use Sustainable Wrapping Alternatives

(See our previous post for more on this.) Instead of using traditional wrapping paper, which often can’t be recycled, involve your kids in wrapping gifts in eco-friendly materials. You can use old newspaper, fabric scraps, or reusable cloth gift bags. Even the kids’ artwork can become unique wrapping paper! Not only does this cut down on waste, but it also makes for a more personal touch that’s fun for the whole family to participate in.

Final Thoughts

Christmas is a magical time, but it’s also an opportunity to teach kids how small changes can make a big impact. By incorporating these sustainable practices into your holiday celebrations, you’ll help your kids develop a lifelong love for the planet. Plus, you’ll create meaningful memories that will last long after the holiday season is over!

Warm festive wishes,

Our Little Wardrobe x
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