One of my family’s winter traditions is to sit around a big bowl of popcorn and string garlands. Naturally, I eat about as much popcorn as I string but over eating it what the holiday is all about. I remember stringing long popcorn strands as a child and decorating the dogwood tree in the front yard. The tree looked very festive with white garlands and birds sitting in the branches. Now, I do this activity with the younger generation in our family, passing on this festive way to feed the birds.
To make the garlands you just need popcorn, needle, thread, and be ready to clean up a mess. Unseasoned plain popped corn is stabbed with a needle and thread and strung up in rows. I like to add a fresh cranberry every 10 or so popcorns just to make it pretty. This year I’m also dehydrating some orange slices to string up with the garland. The birds and squirrels really appreciate our efforts as we drape our garlands out on the tree branches outside the kitchen window. The birds appreciate a good holiday cranberry just as much as we do.
Peanut butter pinecones are also a festive art project that can be hung outside to benefit birds. What you need is a pinecone, peanut butter, small spatula, and a wet washcloth to clean up. This project can make an even bigger mess including peanut butter fingerprints everywhere.
For less mess use an icing bag to squeeze the peanut butter between the scales. After you cram the peanut butter into the cracks of the pinecone you can sprinkle it with bird seed for extra razzle dazzle. Use a string or wire to hang the peanut butter pinecones outside in the tree. Woodpecker and nuthatches love the treats they find when they probe their beak into the pinecones.
Around this time of year, gingerbread houses are popular to make but not suitable to feed wildlife. However, kids can make small houses out of crackers for the birds. Use unsalted crackers and glue them together with peanut butter. The houses can be decorated with birdseeds, nuts, and fruit. A dried orange slice makes a lovely window. It is ok to use sticks in the house construction, the wildlife doesn’t mind. Set out the tiny village where you can watch it from the window. The birds and squirrels will be grateful to destroy it in no time.
Like most holiday food, popcorn, peanut butter, and crackers are not a healthy food for the birds. These craft projects a just a little holiday treat and then the birds must get back to eating healthy seeds, berries, and caterpillars again. This time of year, there is so much feasting. It is nice to be able to look out the window and see the garden creatures feasting too. For children, this activity can also be a reminder to share with others. Giving, is what the holiday spirit is all about.
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