The Brighter Planet Blog

Last night my family and I turned the kitchen into a sweet-smelling, candy-making production zone. This is a family tradition that’s gone on for 35 years, before I was born. Surrounded by pots of sugar syrup boiling to 310 degrees Fahrenheit, baking sheets filled with powdered sugar, ten bottles of flavors like mango, blackberry and orange, and scissors in our hands at-the-ready, I couldn’t help but feel lucky we were all there, healthy, and doing something together. What I mean is that sitting in the same room staring at a TV screen isn’t my idea of quality family time, or taking advantage of the delights of the season. It strengthens your relationships to actively create memories together. In honor of the holiday spirit I’d like to encourage you all to do some interactive activities with your family (or with your roommate(s)/friends/loved ones/pets).

If you want some ideas, a simple Google search for “family activities” brings up millions of results. I found a site with ideas separated into three categories: food, indoors, and outdoors.

Over at Care2, there’s a post called Light Up the Holidays with ideas like getting friends and family together to have a candle-lit sing along or meal. I must agree, the warm glow gives an air of special magic to even the simplest food.

Are you surrounded by snow? How about making some snowmen, sledding, building a fort, tubing, or making snow angels? (You can tell I grew up in New England.) These ideas are also a great way to save energy by turning off lights and electronics and heading outdoors.

Families with purpose has community service, craft, and science experiment ideas. A simple one could be making a bird feeder out of a milk carton, a large water or soda bottle, or a pine cone. Different types of birds prefer different types of feeders and food, so it’s best to do a little research to pick the best feeder for the birds in your area.

I know from experience that it is usually difficult to get the whole family together. When you do find those rare moments, the best thing you can do is truly enjoy each others’ company by doing something out of the ordinary.

-Carolyn