HONOLULU (KHON2) -- Every year, Christmas brings a lot of excitement with sparkling lights; festive decorations; and, of course, the Christmas tree. After all the holiday fun, there's a special day for taking down your tree: National Take Down Your Christmas Tree Day. This day falls on Jan. 6, and it's the time to say goodbye to the tree, which has probably been shining in your living room for weeks. Get Hawaii's latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You While Christmas is a time of giving, family gatherings and lots of joy, taking down the tree marks the end of the holiday season. For many people, this is a bittersweet task. On the one hand, Christmas trees are often the centerpiece of the holiday full of ornaments, lights and memories. But on the other hand, once the new year starts, it’s time to return our homes to the status quo. Taking down the tree can seem like a lot of work, but it can also be a fun and rewarding activity. It’s a chance to spend time with your family or friends while you remove the decorations, carefully pack them away for next year and clean up the tree. Some people do this quickly, while others like to take their time as they enjoy one last look at their tree before it’s gone. It's important to remember that Christmas trees are not just decorations. They’re real plants, and they can be used in many ways after the holidays. So, instead of just throwing your tree away, consider these creative ideas for reusing it! Compost the tree: If you have a compost pile, you can break up the tree into small pieces and add it to your compost. It will decompose and turn into rich soil. Create bird feeders: Hang pinecones, bird seeds, or fruit on the branches of your tree to create a natural bird feeder. Mulch your garden: Cut the tree into smaller pieces and spread it around your garden. It can help keep the soil moist and add nutrients. Make coasters: Use the wood of the tree to cut small pieces and make coasters for your drinks. Build a birdhouse: Use the branches and trunk to build a simple birdhouse for your yard. Create a tree fort: If the tree is big enough, you can use it as a starting point for a small tree fort or climbing structure. Make Christmas tree crafts: Use the branches for holiday crafts like wreaths, garlands, or table centerpieces. Recycle the tree: Some areas offer special tree recycling programs. The trees are often turned into wood chips or mulch. Create a walking path: Lay the branches on a path in your yard to create a natural walking surface. Make firewood: Cut the tree into small logs to use as firewood for your fireplace or outdoor fire pit. Create art: Use pieces of the tree to create artwork, like sculptures or wooden carvings. Donate it to a local farm or animal sanctuary: Some farms or animal shelters take Christmas trees to feed animals like goats or deer. Create a natural fence: Use the branches to create a simple fence or barrier in your garden. Make a holiday wreath: Cut branches from the tree and use them to create a wreath for next year’s holiday season. Use it for fire starter: Chop up the branches and use them as kindling for starting fires. Plant a tree: If you’re lucky enough to have a live tree, you might be able to plant it in your yard after Christmas. Create a scent sachet: Dry out pieces of the tree and use them to create natural air fresheners or scent sachets. Use it in an outdoor tiki setup: Repurpose the tree to create a fun, tropical outdoor area. Use the trunk or branches as part of a tiki bar or to hold lanterns. Build a shelter for small animals: Stack the branches to create a little shelter or hiding spot for small animals like squirrels or rabbits. Use it for DIY furniture: If you're feeling creative, you can cut the trunk into sections and use them to make small stools or side tables. Make a natural shade structure: You can use parts of the tree to create shade or a natural canopy over your outdoor seating area, protecting you from the hot Hawaiian sun. Outdoor shower privacy screen: Use the tree's branches and needles to create a natural privacy screen around an outdoor shower. This gives your shower area a tropical, hidden feel, perfect for those who want a little extra seclusion when bathing outdoors. Make a tree boat for kids: Turn the trunk and larger branches into a mini "boat" for children to play on. Use it as a fun island-inspired play structure in the yard or even near a pool (if you're cautious). Create a surfboard rack: Use the trunk of the tree as a sturdy surfboard rack. If you're a surfer or live near the ocean, you could repurpose the tree's trunk into a stylish way to store or display surfboards. Make a tree swing: Transform one of the stronger branches of your Christmas tree into a natural swing. You can attach sturdy rope to the branch and hang it from a tree or structure in your yard. Decorate the swing with tropical flowers like plumeria, and it becomes a fun, relaxing way to enjoy the outdoors. Taking down your Christmas tree doesn’t have to be a sad task. By finding ways to reuse it, you can continue to enjoy the spirit of the holiday long after the tree has come down. You can click here to see Honolulu's Christmas tree recycling options. You can click here for Hawaiʻi Island. You can click here for Maui County. You can click here for Kauai. Get news on the go with KHON 2GO, KHON's morning podcast, every morning at 8 You can click here to learn more about Whether you recycle it, use it for crafts or create something new, your Christmas tree can have a second life beyond the holidays.