It’s time for Tu B’Shevat, the Birthday of the Trees. And what better way to celebrate than with an Epic Snow Storm?
In case your celebration plans are cancelled (our synagogue has plans for a conservation talk and an animal encounter — stay tuned) here are some things you can do at home.
1. If it really does snow, think of the Tu B’Shevat things you can build with the fluffy white stuff, alongside your snowkid or snowmoose. How about a snow tree? Or a birthday cake for the trees in your yard?
2. Feed the birds! When the ground is covered, it’s harder to find food, so a pinecone bird feeder might be just what they need. Check the supply list now, so you can buy what you need while you’re out stocking up on toilet paper. Remember: In the face of a storm, it never hurts to be armed with a craft. Lots more are here and here.
3. Stock up the fruits you need for a Tu B’Shevat seder this week, too. You can also try this recipe for chocolate bark, which incorporates different types of fruit. Because chocolate.
4. While you’re explaining to your kids the importance of taking care of the environment, take a spin through the recycling bin and see what sort of art projects you can come up with. One of my favorites is the terrarium made out of soda bottles. (Stock up on materials now!)
5. Use a fallen tree branch to make a promise tree. Here’s the project we did at our synagogue last year, but a small branch with leaves made from magazines and other recycled papers will make a great table centerpiece!
6. Plant parsley. If you do it now, you’ll have plenty of time for it to grow for your Passover table. PJ Library offers a list of ways you can help nurture your children’s green thumbs here.
7. Hit the library and stock up on books about leaf identification or planning your spring garden, and any other book you might enjoy. You’ll want plenty to read if this storm really does come!
Do you have more good ideas for kiddos? Post them in the comments. Here’s a link to one of my older holiday posts. And as always, don’t forget to check out Happy Birthday, Tree, my Tu B’Shevat book from Albert Whitman.
Madelyn
