Saturday, March 28, 2009 at 8:30pm marks another Earth Hour. Turn off your lights for one hour and don't forget to also turn off your computers and other electrical appliances.

I remember when I was a kid, we had power outages every now and then. That was one of the most exciting things that could happen because it was spooky, we got to light the candles and the whole family had nothing else to do than spend time together! These days, we don't even notice how everyone is busy in their own corner either with a computer, TV or some appliance that is not human.

I believe we could all use some more one-on-one time with our family, it's just that we are all so busy! Well, Earth Hour is a good opportunity to take that time.

Here are some ideas on how you could have fun with your family while the lights are out:

Light the candles and sit on the floor or around the table and talk to your kids about how we use electricity. Try to name everything in your home that uses electricity and brainstorm about ways to reduce it.

Playing with the melting candle wax and making shadows on the wall was always my brother's and my favourite activity.

Go outside for a walk and if the sky is clear, look at the stars.Try to identify different star constellations and planets. The darker the neighborhood, the better view you will have. If you have a telescope, bring it out and show kids the craters on the moon.

If it is a cloudy night, go for a walk with lanterns.

Some other things to do:

1. Play hide and seek with flashlights

2. Sing songs

3. Tell ghost stories

And for us adults:)

Have a wine and cheese party

Take a candlelit bath

I'm sure you can come up with lots more fun ideas. It doesn't have to be hard to make even a small difference! But it all adds up to a BIG DIFFERENCE. Take a look at how rest of the world is participating in this event at: http://www.earthhour.org/