How To Have A Sustainable Birthday Celebration In The Forest?

ajbritt, a devoted mom passionate about world schooling, recently shared a heartwarming story of her daughter's birthday celebration. Instead of the conventional indoor party, Majbritt embraced a sustainable and nature-centred approach to mark this special day.

She organized an unforgettable birthday celebration in the heart of the forest, surrounded by close friends and family.

The enchanting forest setting provided a picturesque backdrop for the festivities.

Majbritt's commitment to sustainability was evident in every aspect of the celebration. Handmade decorations adorned the forest, and colourful banners fluttered in the breeze. The day was all about embracing nature and making eco-friendly choices.

The children, including the birthday girl, were given freedom in the natural playground.

They played and laughed near the serene waters, exploring the wonders of the forest and connecting with the great outdoors. It was a day of pure, unadulterated fun, where children could be children and nature was their ultimate playmate.

The centrepiece of the celebration was a delicious handmade cake, lovingly crafted to perfection.

Majbritt's commitment to sustainability extended to every detail, and the cake symbolised her dedication to making environmentally conscious choices.

Majbritt's forest birthday celebration was a beautiful example of how worldschooling families like hers embrace unique and sustainable approaches to life's special moments.

It was a day filled with love, laughter, and the enchantment of nature, where children and adults alike were reminded of the beauty of the natural world and the joy of shared experiences in the great outdoors.

Majbritt generously shared some invaluable tips for parents looking to create a sustainable and memorable kids' birthday party.

Here's a glimpse of the beautiful choices she made for a more sustainable celebration and the lessons she learned along the way:

1. Keep it Small: Young kids can comfortably socialize only so much before it becomes too much for them. It’s their day, so ask them how they would like to spend the day and with whom.

Celebrating within a small group makes it easier to navigate their big emotions, especially since larger groups can be overwhelming, even more so when everyone wants to shower the birthday child with loads of attention. 

2. Choose the Right Location: Choose a location where your child enjoys and feels calm. Our children love the outdoors; they are the best version of themselves when they can feel the earth and interact with the surrounding nature.

We decided to spend the afternoon at a nearby dam, which has ducks and fish enjoying its waters, and a small sandy beach where kids can take their buckets to play. It also has a local restaurant on site with outdoor tables and a beautiful swing overlooking the dam and distant mountains. 

3. Eco-Friendly Decor: itch the balloons; there are many beautiful alternatives you could use to decorate and reuse over the years. You can also involve your children in making the decorations.

My go-to decorations are bunting and garlands. You can get as creative as you like, from using leftover fabric scraps to using the things you could forage on your nature walks, such as autumn leaves and flowers. There are also many options ready to purchase online or at your neighbourhood store. 

4. Simple Catering: Keep it simple when it comes to catering. They will be more focused on playing than eating.

We celebrated Mira’s birthday with the family of Mira’s friends, so everyone ordered what they wanted to eat from the restaurant that offered local options. 

The young kids were happy to have their hand-cut French fries and lutenitsa (or as we call it - homemade ketchup, it’s a local dish made from red capsicums). I brought along a raw vegan cake, which I made together with the children and which the restaurant gladly placed in the fridge until the time came.

The cake was made from strawberries foraged in the nearby mountains and decorated with a cake topper from Etsy, which simply has Mira’s name on it so we can use it over and over. 

5. Enjoy the Day: Most importantly, ENJOY the day; don’t overburden yourself with too many things your children will not remember.

They will remember the experiences such as making the cake with you; they will not remember the number of people invited or the number of presents they will receive. 

In a world where extravagant birthday parties have become the norm, Majbritt's unique approach serves as a refreshing departure from the traditional.

Instead of splurging on lavish party halls and expensive entertainment, she advocates simplicity and authenticity. Rather than loading up on unhealthy and sugary junk food, she emphasizes the importance of a more balanced and eco-conscious catering choice.

Majbritt's approach has a profound impact on children, as it encourages them to make thoughtful and conscious choices.

By participating in activities like crafting sustainable decorations, foraging for natural materials, and understanding the value of minimalism, kids learn essential life lessons.

These lessons extend beyond the birthday celebration and influence their perspectives on consumption, sustainability, and the environment.

Majbritt's sustainable choices demonstrate that celebrations can be meaningful and environmentally friendly.

They encourage a shift away from the excessive consumption and waste of traditional birthday parties. By focusing on experiences and personal involvement rather than material extravagance, families can not only reduce their expenses but also instill valuable life lessons in their children.

This approach fosters a sense of responsibility toward the environment and a deeper connection with the essence of celebration – spending quality time with loved ones.

I am thankful to Majbritt Kristensen for sharing the content with me