Children seem to have all of the energy in the world, and it can be challenging to keep them occupied during the holidays. Although there are plenty of dinners and parties to attend, these activities are usually more fun for the adults. During the holiday season, increase your child’s environmental awareness by getting them involved in eco-friendly activities.

Some kids find it enjoyable to help in the kitchen, especially if they are not usually allowed to be in this room when you cook meals. So have your children help make dinner by mixing ingredients or decorating cookies. The cookies could be for a party or could be put turned into ornaments for the Christmas tree so you don’t have to buy new ones.

Since the holiday season is about giving, involve your kids in compassionate activities. Have them clean up litter at the local park, volunteer at a soup kitchen or walk dogs at an animal shelter.

During the down time when the family is just sitting in front of the television, since no one has to go to school or work, implement new routines for the household. Discuss recycling with your children and have them decorate bins for sorting your recyclables. Or setup a compost bin and make it your child’s responsibility to collect the table scraps after each meal.

If you want to liven your home and make your meals more delectable, grow an herb garden in your home. Your child will most likely enjoy getting a little messy. Plus, you can teach them about how to eat an organic diet and why it’s healthier.

Crafts can also be eco-friendly activities. If you need a centerpiece for your table, have your kids look for pinecones and ribbon that can be used to create it. They will probably surprise you with other ways to make a homemade centerpiece.

The eco-friendly activities that you do this Christmas might become activities that you do every Christmas. Giving your children environmentally friendly knowledge at an early age makes them more aware of the world around them, and it might inspire them to make the world a better place.