Seven suggestions for a Christmas filled with science, nature, and sharing
Science, Christmas, and Sustainability: TERRA launches suggestions for activities for the whole family
With the holiday season approaching, the TERRA Associate Laboratory has prepared a list of activities aimed at strengthening the connection between science, society, and the spirit of sharing. Inspired by the work of its research units — Forest Research Centre (CEF), Centre for Functional Ecology (CFE), Centre of Geographical Studies (CEG), Instituto de Saúde Ambiental (ISAMB), and LEAF — Linking Landscape, Environment, Agriculture, and Food — this set of suggestions invites families and communities to engage in sustainable practices and experience Christmas with curiosity, awareness, and positive impact.
The list includes accessible and educational activities, designed for all ages, which promote contact with nature, creativity, health, and the local area. From hiking and experiences with microorganisms to zero-waste recipes, each proposal reflects TERRA’s commitment to building a more informed, participatory, and environmentally conscious society.
The seven proposals will be shared in more detail over the next few days on TERRA’s Instagram and Facebook pages, with an invitation to try them out and share them with your family.
1. Challenge: look for potentially invasive mushrooms
TERRA and CFE invite you to participate in the Eyes on Alien Mushrooms citizen science campaign, which challenges everyone — kids and adults alike — to search for six species of potentially invasive mushrooms in Portugal and Europe.
The initiative, linked to the European FunDive project and coordinated in Portugal by Susana Gonçalves (CFE/TERRA), aims to map the presence of these macrofungi through the iNaturalist platform, contributing to biodiversity conservation. A perfect activity for those who enjoy nature walks with a scientific purpose.
Join the mission and help put fungi on the map!
Information on the species to look for at wilder.pt/historias/estamos-todos-desafiados-a-procurar-estes-6-cogumelos-invasores.
More information about this campaign here zenodo.org/records/16797656.
2. Read: “The Guardians of the Forest”
In the Serra de São Mamede, a magical farm is protected by two wise guardians. Together, trees and animals face the challenges of the seasons with unity and respect for Nature. This is the starting point for the children’s book Os Guardiões da Floresta, by author Rita Costa – a researcher at CEF and member of TERRA – which tells an engaging story about cooperation, friendship, and ecological balance. Ideal for family reading this Christmas season, this moment of reading invites reflection on the role of each being in protecting the most fragile and building a harmonious ecosystem.
The book is available for purchase here oficinadaescrita.com/produto/os-guardioes-da-floresta.
3. Discover: Documentary series about the planet
Discovering the planet as a family can be a unique experience. This Christmas, we suggest watching documentary series that reveal the beauty and challenges of Earth.
“Our Planet” is a documentary series with stunning images that show the diversity and fragility of global ecosystems. Explore the eight episodes of Netflix’s innovative original documentary series www.netflix.com/pt-en/title/80049832.
“O Planeta Vivo” offers a privileged view of the internal and external dynamics of the globe, highlighting the role of human action in the balance of the Earth’s system. Over six episodes, we follow the atmosphere, lithosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere, seeing how they interact to ensure life on Earth. The series features several CEG researchers, reinforcing its scientific rigor and direct link to national research. Available on RTP Play rtp.pt/play/p13613/o-planeta-vivo.
4. Explore: BeeSafeBeeHoney Recipe Book
What makes honey so special? This Christmas, we suggest you explore The BeSafeBeeHoney Recipe Book, developed as part of the COST Action BeSafeBeeHoney and now available at besafebeehoney.eu/repository. Created to celebrate honey as a natural treasure and a versatile ingredient used in cuisines around the world, this book brings together traditional recipes, cultural stories, and the shared passion of members committed to bee protection and food sustainability.
The work was produced in collaboration with eight CFE members: Sara Leston, Scientific Grant Holder for the action, editor, and author; authors Filipe Martinho and Soraia Santos; and Nuno Capela, Milene Guerreiro, Ana Lígia Primo, Artur Sarmento, and Sara Lourenço.
5. Connect: Nature walks and baths
This holiday season, TERRA and ISAMB invite you to take a walk in nature and experience the benefits of Forest Bathing.
Forest bathing is a practice that originated in Japan, inviting participants to connect deeply with the natural environment through their senses and mindfulness, on a guided tour led by certified technicians. The goal? To slow down, observe, breathe — and reap the benefits of the forest in the form of health, well-being, and emotional balance.
Hiking, on the other hand, is an excellent way to explore local landscapes, discover little-known corners, and appreciate the natural and cultural heritage of the regions. It is also an opportunity for socializing, culture, and outdoor physical activity, ideal for families.
Look for organized initiatives in your area and enjoy these rejuvenating experiences — with your feet on the ground and your heart in the landscape.
6. Reflect: Random Notes on Environmental Health
Among the proposals for a more conscious Christmas, TERRA invites you totake a leisurely read of Caderno de Notas Soltas, an annual publication by the Instituto de Saúde Ambiental (ISAMB) dedicated to environmental health in its many dimensions. Far from the traditional scientific format, this e-book brings together free essays, personal narratives, literary and visual records that combine science, sensitivity, and critical thinking.
The texts are written by researchers, health professionals, and specialists from various fields, offering creative reflections on current or emerging topics. It is a read that inspires us to think about the environment with depth and humanity.
Previous editions are available here, and the new edition is being prepared for release by the end of the year.
7. Create: Cod pizza recipe (using leftovers)
Did you have leftover cod from Christmas dinner? Make a pizza and use it all up! Here is a recipe from Professor Cristina Cunha Queda (LEAF/TERRA) that tastes like Christmas and is environmentally friendly:
Use a pizza crust, spread a layer of tomato sauce, flake the cod, and place it on top of the tomato sauce. Cut an onion into half-moons and soften it in a frying pan with a little olive oil (don’t let it burn), then arrange it on top of the cod. If you have thyme, it goes very well! Then just cover with mozzarella cheese and bake in the oven. Before serving, add some black olives.
Follow TERRA’s channels and discover how science can be part of your Christmas — one tip at a time.
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