HONOLULU (KHON2) -- The holidays have devolved over the years into weeks of stressful shopping, planning, wrapping and partying. It has become a time of debt accumulation and unbridled consumption. But what if there were a different way to experience the next 12 days before Christmas? Get Hawaii's latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You KHON2.com did a bit of digging to find out some ways we can make these next 12 days more fun and more community focused. So, here’s a list of 12 things people can do in the 12 days before Christmas that will make Hawaiʻi a place of community and empathy. These activities focus on kindness, community, the environment and cultural respect. Day 1: Clean up a beach or park Dec. 13: Hawaiʻi’s beaches and parks are some of the most beautiful places in the world, but they can get dirty from trash left behind by people or because rubbish is being washed onto our shores from places outside Hawaiʻi where people pollute the ocean's ecosystem.: Spend a day cleaning up trash at your local beach, park or neighborhood. Not only will you help protect Hawaiʻi's environment, but you’ll also make it a cleaner, safer place for everyone to enjoy. Day 2: Support local farmers and markets Dec. 14: Hawaiʻi has many local farmers' markets that showcase local farmers who grow fresh fruits, vegetables and flowers and local businesses who make locally sourced products. You can visit one of these local farmers' market and buy produce and gifts directly from the growers and creators. You’ll help support local businesses, reduce the carbon footprint from imported goods and enjoy healthy, delicious food. You can also encourage friends and family to shop locally! Day 3: Help a neighbor with yard work Dec. 15: In Hawaiʻi, our lawns and back gardens span a tiny strip of green to lush acres filled with beautiful plants and flowers. If you notice a neighbor who might need help, offer to rake leaves, trim hedges or even water their plants. It’s a great way to show kindness and help keep your neighborhood beautiful. Day 4: Plant Native trees or flowers Dec. 16: Hawaiʻi is home to many beautiful and unique native plants, but many are endangered. On this day, consider planting native trees like the koa or lehua or native flowers such as the plumeria or hibiscus. Not only will you be improving the local environment, but you will also be helping to protect Hawaiʻi’s biodiversity. Day 5: Volunteer at a local food bank or shelter Dec. 17: Many people in Hawaiʻi struggle to get enough food, especially during the holidays. Take some time to volunteer at a local food bank or homeless shelter, like the Institute for Human Services (IHS) or Hawaiʻi Foodbank. You can help by sorting and packaging food, donating items or even just offering a kind word to those in need. Day 6: Share a holiday meal with others Dec. 18: A great way to spread kindness is by inviting someone who might be alone for the holidays to share a meal with you. You can also cook a meal for a neighbor or donate food to those who may not have enough. This small act of kindness can make a big difference in someone's holiday season. Day 7: Learn and share a story of Hawaiʻi Dec. 19: Hawaiʻi has a rich and diverse cultural heritage. Take time today to learn about Hawaiʻi's history, an ancient story and traditions. Share what you’ve learned with others by telling the stories, sharing music and teaching others. This will help keep Hawaiʻi’s traditions alive and promote understanding and respect amongst different cultures. Day 8: Reduce plastic use Dec. 20: Hawaiʻi has taken steps to reduce plastic waste, and you can help by using fewer plastic items. On this day, try to avoid using plastic bags, bottles or straws. Instead, use reusable options like shopping bags, water bottles and containers. This simple change will help keep Hawaiʻi's oceans and land clean for future generations. Day 9: Donate clothing and toys Dec. 21: The holidays are a great time to give to those in need. Go through your closet and find clothes or toys that you no longer need or use and donate them to a local charity. Organizations like the Salvation Army or Goodwill accept donations and distribute them to families who might need them. It’s a way to share your blessings and help others. Day 10: Visit a botanical garden and support local conservation Dec. 22: Hawai'i is home to many beautiful botanical gardens that showcase the islands' unique plant life. Take the day to visit a local garden, such as the Honolulu's Botanical Gardens, the Maui Nui Botanical Gardens, the Limahuli Garden & Preserve or any number of other botanical gardens located across the state. These gardens not only provide a peaceful space to enjoy nature but also play an important role in the conservation of native Hawaiian plants. Day 11: Visit and share holiday cheer with kūpuna Dec. 23: Many kūpuna, especially those who live in care homes or are homebound, may feel lonely during the holidays. Visit a local nursing home or senior center and spend some time with the residents. You can sing Christmas carols, read stories or just chat with them. Your visit can brighten their day and help them feel connected to the community. Day 12: Visit a local museum or cultural center Dec. 24: Take the time to visit a local museum, cultural center or historical site that celebrates Hawaiʻi’s rich heritage and history. You could explore places like the Bishop Museum, the Hawaiian Heritage Center, the King Kamehameha V Judiciary History Center or Iolani Palace. These activities not only help you learn more about the islands' history, culture and traditions but also supports local institutions that play a key role in preserving Hawaiʻi's cultural identity. You can even organize a group visit with friends or family to share in the learning experience and promote greater appreciation of the local culture. Visiting these places allows you to help keep Hawaiian culture alive and support education for future generations. By participating in these 12 activities, you can make a positive impact on your community and help make Hawaiʻi an even better place to live for everyone. Get Hawaii's latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You Whether you’re helping a neighbor, taking care of the environment or supporting local businesses, your actions will bring more kindness, beauty and togetherness and will make the holidays a truly special time of year.