Today we have two special treats for you — some gorgeous ideas for holiday decorating AND one amazing holiday giveaway!
One of my favorite ways to decorate during the holidays is with natural items.
Whether it’s as simple as the kids collecting pinecones and hedge apples in a basket or a more detailed activity like creating nature ornaments, the end result is a cozy, rustic feel and some wonderful smells throughout the house.
And yes, we always have a real tree 😉
Natural items are readily available at no cost — just scout our your own backyard or a local park (remember, don’t take anything off the trees, just use some of what’s fallen to the ground and be sure to leave enough for the animals who will need the items).
And did you catch that? The going outdoors part!
We are always looking for ideas to get outdoors more during the colder weather! Have you read about our jingle bell hunt as a way I get the kids outside more?
Hunting down items from nature is a fun way to get the kids outside for some extra “burn off energy” time!
Plus, natural items can be used in so many ways — try a few of these amazing activities and crafts this holiday season!
Items for Your Tree
Make these gorgeous Acron Ornaments — My Nearest and Dearest
A twig & some scrap ribbon can be turned into a gorgeous Ribbon Tree Ornament — Fireflies & Mudpies
Create these cute Twig Tree Ornaments and you can hand a tree on your tree 😉 — Happy Hooligans
Display items from nature in glass balls — My Nearest and Dearest
Wax-tipped pinecone ornaments add some color to the tree — The Preschool Toolbox Blog
Or just pick your colors and paint pinecones to hand on the tree! — There’s Just One Mommy
If you’re looking for something really cute, turn a pinecone into a Reindeer Ornament! — My Little 3 and Me
And these Glitter Stick Stars will add some sparkle to any room — Kitchen Counter Chronicles
Decorating with Nature
Create Christmas potpourri and make the house smell wonderful! — Nothing if Not Intentional
Collect items to use in a Family Gratitude Bowl — The Pleasantest Thing
Construct this awesome Twig Star decoration for the top of the tree or to hang over a doorway — Go Explore Nature
Have the kids find and arrange items for a Nature Centerpiece Basket
I’ve in LOVE with these yarn-wrapped twigs that can be used in so many ways! — B-inspired Mama
Turn a handful of pinecones into a wonderful garland — The Magic Onion
And the kids will love making a Santa Wood statue for the mantle — Rain or Shine Mama
We also enjoy doing these when the temperature dips below freezing – Creating beautiful Ice Ornaments to hang outside the windows for winter — Kitchen Counter Chronicles
Or make a beautiful Nature Garland Suncatcher with the last leaves of fall and enjoy it throughout winter — Let’s Lasso the Moon
Natural Items for Holiday Play
Turn your nativity into this AWESOME Advent Nature Walk — Explore & Express
Have fun creating Pumpkin Turkeys — The Chaos & the Clutter
Make a Nature Exploration bin for the kids to explore — Mama’s Happy Hive
Create your own set of Nature Blocks as a gift or just for fun nature play — Adventure in a Box
Turn old water bottles into Nature Discovery Bottles with beautiful outdoor items — Teach Preschool
Set up a Woodland playland with pine-scented playdough — Small Potatoes
For more great ways to connect with Nature, hop over to Natural Beach Living to see 10 Ways to Bring Nature Inside this Winter!
You can find TONS more holiday ideas & activities Ultimate Holiday Kids Activity link-up too!
And don’t forget to enter the AMAZING Holiday Giveaway!
4 lucky winners will have some extra spending money this season 🙂
Win one of FOUR $500 cash prizes directly in your paypal account!
This giveaway is open internationally. You must be 18+ years old to enter. Void where prohibited. No purchase necessary. Winners will be notified via email and have 48 hours to respond before another winner is chosen. Please see detailed terms and conditions below the giveaway for more info.