The lyrics "It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas" are beginning to ring truer each day, and if you’re a fan of Christmas music, you've probably heard the classic "12 Days of Christmas" more than once. Here at Nature’s Playbook, we have our own version: 12 Days of Nature. Because let's be honest... nature may just be our true love, and it gives us something special every day—not just the 12. 😉
In the 12 days leading up to Christmas (December 13th through December 25th), we'll be sharing different ways to get outside and enjoy time in nature. The holidays can be busy, and sometimes we need a moment to get our daily dose of vitamin D or sea. 🌊
Our team is excited to participate in and share our experiences during the 12 Days of Nature! While we’ll be taking part in these 12 days, we’re celebrating nature throughout the entire season and would love for you to join us. 💚
You can follow the list below to join in the fun, choose the activities that speak to you, hear local recommendations, and see what other Vibe Tribers have been up to. Their experiences might even inspire you to try something new or add to your own bucket list for this year or 2025. 🎊
Don’t forget to share your nature-filled adventures on our app and social media, and be sure to tag us so we can see how you're making the most of this special time of year! 🎄
"On the first day of Christmas, [nature] gave to me..."
Stay adventurous,
Gen, PJ, & The Nature's Playbook Team
Day 1: 20 Minutes of Peace in an Eco Wisdom Session
Sit in front of a tree or go on a tree-lined trail and listen to “Nature’s Internet: How Trees Talk to Each Other in a Healthy Forest.” You won’t regret it, and you may find yourself one step closer to understanding the mysteries of life.
Day 2: Sunset Hike
Plan a golden hour hike with your favorite adventure companion.
Pro Tip: Get an early enough start to do your walk and end up at the location to enjoy the sunset.
Here are some of our favorite spots to watch the sunset in SoCal:
Sunset Cliffs in San Diego
Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve in Escondido
Aliso Peak in Laguna Beach
Day 3: Enjoy a Meal Outside
Break bread with Mother Nature and take the time to embrace the beautiful outdoors! Go on a picnic by the beach with the family or visit a local winery.
Our founder, Gen, shares her experience at Campovida, where she discovered beautiful gardens, learned about their biodynamic farming, and enjoyed a self-guided wine tasting.
Day 4: Meditation Garden
Schedule some quiet time to decompress from the hustle and bustle of the season. Focus on the sounds of nature. Take the Encinitas Meditation Garden for example. Its beautiful gardens are the perfect setting to unwind and find your zen.
Day 5: Natural Body of Water
Find a body of water and do an activity that gets your body moving while appreciating the ecosystem around you.
The options are endless, but in case you need some inspiration on where to go, here are a few suggestions:
Ponto Beach in Carlsbad, CA
Kailua Beach Park in Oahu, HI
Anclote Key State Park offshore Tarpon Springs, FL
McIntosh Lake in Longmont, CO
Day 6: Discover a Light Show
This is one that both adults and kids can enjoy! This could be a local light display, a holiday parade, or simply driving through a neighborhood to enjoy the festive lights. It could even be the night sky, showcasing the glorious lights of nature!
Many botanical gardens also feature stunning light displays in the evenings during the holiday season, often continuing into the week after Christmas. These gardens remain open in the evening hours, with impressive light displays that highlight the natural beauty of the surroundings. Be sure to plan ahead and get your tickets!
If you’re in the San Diego area, the San Diego Botanical Gardens are a must-see!
Day 7: Festive Fun on the Move
Turn your favorite holiday traditions into an exciting group adventure! Whether you choose to create your own festive event — like a costume run or paddleboard challenge — or join an organized holiday-themed activity, it’s the perfect way to celebrate with friends.
From our experience, we’ve even spotted Santa paddleboarding from time to time… Don’t believe us? See for yourself! 🎅
Day 8: Holiday Outdoor Market & Local Events
Many towns and cities host festive holiday markets, where you can find local artisans, festive drinks and food, and plenty of holiday cheer.
Here are some holiday markets we want to check out:
Holiday Market at Petco Park
Coastal Christmas in Del Mar
Day 9: Grab a Favorite Book and Find a Peaceful Spot in Nature to Read
Whether at the beach, a park, or next to a tree or creek, the sounds of nature can offer a soothing backdrop to your favorite stories. If you are enjoying colder weather, find a comfy seat to enjoy the view from a window in your home, favorite coffee shop or local library.
Day 10: Give Back to Our Feathered Friends
Transform your home into a winter haven for local birds that stay behind when others migrate with a simple DIY pinecone bird feeder. All you need is a pinecone, peanut butter, and birdseed! Here’s how to make one:
Shake off any dirt from the pinecone.
Spread peanut butter over it, making sure to get between the scales.
Roll it in bird seed until fully coated.
Tie a string to hang it on a tree, or place it where birds can reach it, and see who visits!
Fun Fact: Birds love cranberries! They’re a healthy treat, especially in winter when food is scarce. Offering cranberries not only supports local birds but also gets you into the holiday spirit!
Day 11: Snow Adventure
If you live where it snows or are within driving distance, take the opportunity to go sledding, skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, on a sleigh ride, or even making a snowman. If not, go ice skating at your local outdoor rink.
Vibe Triber Lacy had a winter blast snowshoeing through Rocky Mountain National Park. While the temperatures may have been chilly, the experience warmed her adventurous spirit right up!
Day 12: Gather with Friends or Family Over a Favorite Holiday Drink or Meal
Gather with friends or family over a favorite holiday drink or meal. Enjoy hot cocoa, roast marshmallows or bring a pizza. Have fun and ask everyone to share their favorite outdoor experience of 2024, or pay it forward for someone by putting their top activities on Nature’s Playbook.
As we wrap up the 12 Days of Nature, we hope you’ve found inspiration to connect with the outdoors this season. Don’t forget to enter our holiday giveaway with Karmik Outdoors and RecPak—it’s the perfect way to keep the spirit of adventure alive!
From all of us at Nature’s Playbook, we’re sending you warmth, joy, and love this holiday season. Thank you for being part of our community! Let’s make 2025 even more adventurous together.
With Gratitude, The Nature’s Playbook Team 🌲
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