The final countdown is on! You can feel the buzz of excitement in the air as the last few school days wrap up and the promise of winter break lies just ahead. It’s a time for sleeping in, festive movies, and a much-needed break from the daily hustle.
As our own lives slow down for the holidays, it’s the perfect opportunity to notice the world that has been bustling just outside our windows all along. The two weeks of winter break offer a unique chance to connect with our wild neighbours and ensure the holiday season is a safe and peaceful one for them, too.
Holiday Hosting for Your Wild Neighbours
Our homes become hubs of festive activity during the break, and with a few thoughtful choices, we can make sure our celebrations are a gift to local wildlife, rather than a hazard.
- Decorate with Care: Twinkling lights are beautiful, but they can be a danger to wildlife. Make sure to secure any outdoor lights tightly to railings and branches so that deer or raccoons don’t get tangled. It’s best to avoid using tinsel or fake snow sprays outdoors, as animals can ingest them. For a fun and wildlife-friendly activity, try making natural decorations like a pinecone coated in peanut butter and birdseed, or a simple string of popcorn and cranberries to hang on a tree.
- Offer a Winter Feast (for the Birds): With more time at home, the winter break is the perfect time to start a bird feeder! It’s a wonderfully rewarding activity for the whole family. Stock it with high-energy foods like suet cakes, black oil sunflower seeds, and unsalted peanuts to help birds fuel up against the cold. Remember to keep the feeder clean to prevent the spread of illness.
- Give the Gift of a Quiet Space: The holidays can mean more people and cars around the neighbourhood. This extra activity can be stressful for animals like deer or foxes who are trying to conserve every ounce of energy to stay warm. Let’s give them the gift of space. Enjoy watching them from the warmth of your window, but resist the urge to get close. Keeping a respectful distance ensures they can go about their crucial winter business without fear or interruption.
The winter break is a time for peace, joy, and connection. By extending that spirit of compassion to the creatures who share our community, we make the season brighter for everyone.
Wishing you and your family a restful, wonderful, and wild-life friendly holiday break!