Christmas or Yule is an annual celebration commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ. Christmas is the time to be with your family. It is also a time for giving. Our elders always taught us that we make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give. It is the time to give back to earth what she gives you. This is the season to start a family tradition of giving back to the earth and inculcating the values of sustainable living in our future generations, friends, and community as a whole. These below-mentioned ways can uplift your spirits and will help in contributing towards a sustainable livelihood. There cannot be a better way than this to express gratitude for all that you have, instead of wanting more.

Idea #1 Choose live Christmas trees

Right from our childhood, we have heard our elders say this phrase – As you sow, so shall you reap. It is the time to teach it to the future generations by practicing it ourselves and setting an example for them to follow. This season, encourage the usage of live potted trees as your Christmas tree. We could give tree seedlings as a part of the gifts to our children. Planting trees should be a regular every Christmas so that our future generations can have ample of trees to celebrate this cheerful day. I am sure it is a rare yet a proud moment when you could tell your kids that this was the tree you planted.

Idea #2 Organize a walk amidst the nature for your family

Most of us have long holidays during Christmas and New Years. Make the most out of this break by connecting with nature. Nothing can be more peaceful than arranging for a family nature walk. A peaceful walk through nature on Christmas day will be valued and remembered. The best alternative to enjoy and get one with nature would be farm stays. Farm stays are a fantastic and a perfect getaway from the concrete jungle. Arrange for a meal under the stars for the entire family to enjoy.

Idea #3 Indulge yourself in nature restoration activities

Imagine the number of trees axed for our celebrations. We, humans, damage the forests for our needs. Start an initiative for the recovery of an ecosystem that has been degraded, damaged, or destroyed. We should take up this initiative of planting more trees than we take. Simultaneously, there should be monthly clean-up drive organized by corporate companies, and we all should volunteer for it. After all, cleanliness is next to godliness.

Idea #4 Decorate Christmas tree for birds

Pay a little attention to the nature, to the ecosystem around you this holiday time. Many migratory birds flock towards our region during winter. Decorate Christmas trees; keeping these birds in mind. Switch regular plastic mistletoes with edible ornaments. Put up bird feeders and fill it with corn or sunflower seeds. Other varieties of seeds can help attract different types of birds to round out your backyard visitors. This will be a great activity for kids.

Idea #5 Christmas day bird count

We could inculcate the hobby of bird watching. Due to industrialization, house sparrows have become a rare sighting throughout the neighborhood. The best place to watch these little birdies is a local park or countryside. So, wipe the dust off your binoculars and digital cameras and head on to this nature trail. Make a journal of the list of species and show off your expert skills amongst your friends and family. Many species are quite inquisitive and those on a bird watching holiday can be rewarded with some truly special sightings.