Ah, Christmas - the season of sparkles, surprises, and sticky fingers! If you’re like me, you want to keep the magic alive while doing right by the planet. Enter eco-friendly Christmas activities! They’re fun, festive, and best of all, teach kids how to celebrate while caring for our big, beautiful world. Here are some of my favourite ideas that will have your little ones grinning and your recycling bin cheering: 

Nature’s Ornaments  

Head outside with the kids to collect pinecones, twigs, or leaves, then decorate them with natural paints or ribbons. These homemade ornaments add a rustic charm to your tree and give everyone an excuse to soak up the sunshine.

Recycled Wrapping Paper Art  

Before you recycle that old newspaper or brown paper, let the kids loose with crayons, stamps, or potato prints to turn it into eco-friendly gift wrap. Bonus: their masterpieces are guaranteed to win Grandma’s heart!  

Seed Bombs for Santa  

Instead of cookies, why not leave Santa a little surprise for his travels? Make seed bombs using wildflower seeds and biodegradable paper. They’re easy, messy fun, and Santa can “plant” them on his way home.  

DIY Christmas Crackers  

Fill toilet paper rolls with small eco-friendly surprises (think stickers, seeds, or jokes written by the kids) and wrap them in fabric or recyclable paper. Boom! Crackers that are kind to the planet and just as fun to pull apart.  

Reuse and Reimagine Decorations  

Gather old Christmas cards, cut them into shapes, and string them together for garlands. Or, use them as tags for gifts. It’s a crafty way to reuse while adding a personal touch to the holiday.  

A Little Reminder:  These activities aren’t just about reducing waste—they’re about creating memories. So grab the glitter glue (the biodegradable kind, of course) and let the festive fun begin! 

Or if your after some Age Appropriate Ideas/ Activities, keep reading below. Whether they’re tiny elves or nearly-grown Santas-in-training, there’s an eco-friendly activity to keep them engaged.

For Kids Aged 4 to 8  

Nature Garland  

Take the kids for a scavenger hunt to find leaves, twigs, and small pinecones. Use twine to string their treasures together for a garland that’ll look great around the house or on the tree.  

Cardboard Christmas Trees  

Cut out tree shapes from old cardboard boxes and let the kids paint or decorate them with bits of fabric and buttons. Voilà—mini masterpieces!  

Milk Carton Lanterns  

Rinse out milk cartons, cut windows in the sides, and let the kids decorate them. Add an LED tea light, and you’ve got an adorable, safe lantern.  

Reindeer Footprint Art  

Paint their little feet brown, stamp them onto paper, and add antlers and red noses with markers. Rudolph never looked so cute (or messy).  

Eco Snow Globes  

Fill an old jar with water, a dash of biodegradable glitter, and a plastic-free figure made by the kids. Screw the lid on tight, and let them shake away!  

For Kids Aged 8 to 18  

Upcycled Sweater Stockings  

Transform old sweaters into festive stockings with basic sewing skills. Teens will love the creativity (and the TikTok potential).  

Solar-Powered Fairy Lights  

Have the older kids design and set up a solar-powered light display in the yard. It’s eco-friendly and impressive enough to outshine the neighbors.  

Clay Ornaments  

Make ornaments using air-dry clay, then let the kids carve or paint their designs. These are great keepsakes and even better gift ideas for relatives.  

DIY Advent Calendar  

Older kids can craft an advent calendar using toilet rolls, fabric scraps, or jars. Fill it with handwritten notes or treats for a personal touch.  

Charity Craft Sale  

Get teens involved in making eco-friendly crafts to sell at a holiday market or online, donating proceeds to an environmental charity. It’s a lesson in giving back and taking action.  

The Holiday Spirit, Minus the Waste  

No matter their age, these eco-friendly crafts are a chance to bond, create, and learn about sustainability. So gather the family, roll up your sleeves, and let the holiday cheer begin - planet-friendly style! 🎄