Earlier today, I posted my anti-Black Friday post. I am boycotting Black Friday and the big box stores. I am resetting our family’s clock, so to speak, and really focusing on what I want them to learn, and what memories they will have from their childhood holidays. I’ve been doing many of these activities anyway, but never before have I actively rejected the main retailers of Americana, so to speak. Sure, every holiday season, I would go to all of them, at least once to pick up what (I thought) I needed. Not anymore! So here are ten activities that my family and I will be doing this holiday season. I have tried to include family holiday activities and holiday activities for all ages of kids.

1. Play Again, the film. This is a great and so well-put-together and inspiring movie. It tells the tale of the damage that is being done to our kid by consumerism, and not learning to enjoy the outdoors. It might be on Netflix, but it’s only $20 to buy the DVD. See trailer at end of this post.

Check back as I will add all of the Herr’s holiday events to our calendar.

2. Go for a walk/hike at Nottingham Park (or your local park) at dusk, and then to see the Herr’s Christmas Lights. Obviously this is a local option, so adapt to fit your community. We are lucky enough to have a wonderful county park right next to Herr’s lights display.

3. Clean up your yard for the final fall cleanup and put up your outdoor decorations.

4. Make some ornament for the birds. Longwood Gardens also offers a wonderful handout with several other ways. Read it and print it here:

wildlife tree homemade ornaments that feed birds

5. Plan now and do what you can to get your outdoor area to become a Certified Wildlife Habitat.

6. Go skiing or sledding or ice skating or hunting or fishing or whatever outdoors activity might be possible in your area.

7. Look online and find yourself a charity fun run or walk or 5k. Many communities like to use the theme “Jingle Bell Run” and they are very popular this time of year. Then get out there and get walking or running.

8. Just go for a walk, hike or jog–chances are we are all going to overeat on Thursday, work it off!

9. Volunteer at a local park or nature preserve. Call them now to see what tasks they may need done.

10. Call your local church or town or nursing home or charity. See if they need any help with outdoor decorations.