While generosity to others is supposed to come selflessly from the heart, one cannot help but selfishly anticipate the hours of pleasure that follows from fashioning a holiday tree for the birds. Tie sturdy waterproof string such as fishing line to the end of the pinecones, allowing enough extra string to tie the cones to the tree. Get a jar or two of an inexpensive brand of peanut butter then, with a dull knife or spoon, paint the groves of the cones with the peanut butter. Fill bowls with different kinds of bird seeds and roll the pine cones in the seed. While children are preparing the pinecone balls, Moor-Orth says, mom and dad can start stringing garlands made of cranberries, Cheerios or popcorn.
Fishing line works well for garlands, too, because it is waterproof and strong.
Or make orange and lemon nests. Just cut the citrus fruit in half, scoop the insides out and replace it with the suet mixture. While some winters are frigid and the food may remain in good condition for many weeks, other winters are warm and wet. Keep an eye out and bring in the food if necessary. Moor-Orth warns that once people start feeding the birds, it is important to keep feeding them.