Dec 12, 2016

The Earth Smart Holiday Activity guide!

Recently, the Earth Smart team was enjoying a lunch break and discussing some of their favorite holiday activities. We decided that it would be a good idea to share some of our traditions with you so that you can make your your holiday time special.

With so much of our holiday time spent on shopping for gifts, cooking, planning, and organizing it can be hard to make time to enjoy this wonderful season. Below you'll find some awesome activities that will take you away from the busy shopping malls and give you time to spend with your loved ones:

1. Mail a letter to Santa

Mailing a letter to Santa can help start off the holiday season in your household. It's a great way to get your children believing in the miracle of Christmas and it will surely put a smile on your face when they read their letter to you with excited eyes.

In Canada, you can send a letter to Santa by addressing it to:

SANTA CLAUS
NORTH POLE H0H 0H0
CANADA

For more information, please visit the Canada post website here.

Remember to include your return address and to send your letters before December 14!

In the United States, you can send letters here:

NORTH POLE POSTMARK POSTMASTER
4141 POSTMARK DR
ANCHORAGE AK 99530-9998

For more information, please visit the USPS website here.

The Letters to Santa program helps youth literacy by encouraging children to write letters, promoting correct addressing and the joy of reading.

For information on how to volunteer for this program, please visit your local post office.

2. Watch a Holiday movie

Who can forget such classics as A Christmas Story, Home Alone, Elf and all of the others. Holiday films are a great way to awaken the Christmas spirit in your household. So crank up the fire place, grab some blankets and some popcorn and have a holiday move night!

For a list of some of the best holiday films, check out this list from the International Movie Database.

3. Visit a holiday lighting ceremony

Almost every city has some sort of holiday lighting ceremony, weather it be a massive Christmas tree, a large group of homes, or anything alike. These celebrations are a great visual experience that is sure to be a joy for the entire family. Even if you miss the initial ceremony, the lights should be on display up until the end of the holiday season. Some of the things you may want to bring include:

Warm clothes
Hot chocolate, apple cider, or any other warm drink (maybe with a little Bailey's?)
A camera
Tissues

And be sure to properly stretch out your throwing arm in case a snowball fight breaks out.

4. Make your own holiday ornaments

As a kid, making your own holiday ornaments was one of our favorite traditions. Even to this day, it is always fun to pull out those old ornaments and have a laugh at your 7 year old artistic skills. We invite you to check out this list we created of our favorite Pinterest DIY holiday ornaments.

5. Holiday cookies!!

Last but surely not least, how about some Holiday baking! The holidays is a time to stop counting calories and treat yourself with some wonderful holiday foods. Besides, there will always be time to hit the gym in the new year!

Our top 3 recommendations are:

1. Sugar cookies: for our favorite tried and true recipe, please click here.

2. Gingerbread house: we suggest buying the kit, but if you're feeling bold, here's a DIY recipe just for you.

3. Christmas cupcakes: Decorating cupcakes with the family is always an adventure. Click here for an outstanding recipe for red velvet cupcakes.

Of course, we didn't include fruit cake..because really, who eats fruit cake?

There are many other holiday traditions, including:

Going sledding or ice skating
Hopping on a holiday horse and sleigh ride
Donating a toy to a local toy drive
Volunteering with a local charity
Secret Santa party
Visit a Christmas tree farm

And many more!

Just remember to take time this holiday season to focus on the important parts of the holidays, spending time with your family and friends.

From all of us at Earth Smart, we wish you a...