We really enjoy the holidays and there are many fun things to do in our area both inside and out. Find our experiences and tips in the first link and links to the organization in the second link with each listing.
- We always enjoyed Holiday at the Mill. Check it out on Nov. 11. It's usually in the early part of November. We also like the Shipshewana tree lighting ceremony.
- The Where's Santa? activity by Michiana Pay It Forward and Wellfield Botanic Gardens were great last year. Check it out this year on December 1st.
- We enjoyed Bethlehem Live at Crossroads Community Church. It took a long time waiting to go outside (entertainment provided), but was still enjoyable. It is Dec. 1-3 this year.
- Check out Gene Stratton Porter's A Dream of Beauty. We have enjoyed other events and visits there. It is Dec. 3rd this year.
- We've always really enjoyed Bremen Holy Walk, though understanding how it works is very helpful. The dates are December 1st and 2nd this year.
- Decorate the house (inside and out!) with natural elements. Here is information from Linton's on how to do that! See their schedule of classes here.
- Pick up a a fresh tree at Eby Pines! Check out a related article I wrote in inMiddlebury magazine last year.
- Make natural holiday ornaments. See what we did at Pokagon State Park here.
- Try making ice sculptures for the birds. Here is our experience!
- We really enjoyed our Christmas Holiday Scavenger Hunt! See the details here.
- Read a few nature inspired holiday books. Here are a few options.
- Give the gift of nature! Try giving memberships, coupons for experiences, classes, lessons, loose parts, outdoor gear, nature books, and more for the holidays. Find a few ways to give "naturally" on my Days of Nature Kindness post. Watch for gift suggestions and ideas, too. Here are ideas for learning about birds and animals.
After the holidays, there are many options as well. You might consider the following:
Also, be sure to check out our Michiana Winter Guide, which gives many options over the winter months. It lists many places, both inside and out, to enjoy winter. Try a wildlife viewing window, nature center, sledding, toboggan slide, snowshoeing, etc. There are also many options within an hour or so to visit inside.
What do you enjoy doing to celebrate the holidays naturally?
- Join a Christmas Bird Count. Dates are Dec. 30 for Elkhart and December 16, 2017 for South Bend. See details here.
- Visit the Ice Festival in Shipshewana. Dates for 2017 are December 28 and 29th.
- Take a First Day Hike! These are scheduled throughout the state; however, they can be done anyplace! Celebrate the new year with a hike!
Also, be sure to check out our Michiana Winter Guide, which gives many options over the winter months. It lists many places, both inside and out, to enjoy winter. Try a wildlife viewing window, nature center, sledding, toboggan slide, snowshoeing, etc. There are also many options within an hour or so to visit inside.
What do you enjoy doing to celebrate the holidays naturally?
at our local library in Bristol. Please don't check it out in December-February, because I think I will need it! :-)
