Holiday Bucket List Ideas for a Memorable Season
The holiday season is here, and so today I am sharing some simple holiday bucket list ideas that will make for a memorable holiday season with your family.
In my family, I am the holiday magic-maker, as I'm sure many of you are as well. I love it, but it can be a lot. It can be tiring and stressful and it can seem like the to-do list is never-ending. (If you are already stressed, be sure to check out my top tips for having a stress-free holiday season!)
This year one of my goals is to focus only on the things that I really want to do with my family, say no to the others, and slow down and enjoy it. Easier said than done, but I'm going to try.
There are so many fun things to do with your family during the holidays - and they don't have to be time-consuming, stressful or expensive. Creating a holiday bucket list is a fantastic way to ensure your family makes the most of this special time.
From festive activities to meaningful traditions, here are some ideas to help you craft the ultimate holiday bucket list that will leave you with memories for years to come.
Here are some of my favorite holiday bucket list ideas.
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11 Simple Holiday Bucket List Ideas
What will you add to your list this year?
Decorate together.
This is something my kids look forward to every year. We love to take the holiday bins out of storage on the day after Thanksgiving, and help put up decorations both inside and out. We also get our Christmas tree every year during Thanksgiving weekend, a tradition we all look forward to. Decorating together is a great way to kick off the holiday season.
Have a holiday movie night.
I love this and we do it several times every year. We pick one of our favorite holiday movies, pop some popcorn, make it festive with a sweet treat, and watch the movie together. Super simple but my kids just love it. Some of our favorites are The Polar Express, Home Alone and The Santa Clause.
Read holiday stories together.
Set aside time each evening to read a holiday story together as a family. Whether it’s classic Christmas tales or new favorites, reading together is a cozy way to wind down and share the holiday spirit. This year we are reading The Vanderbeeker's of 141st Street. If you have upper elementary kids, I highly recommend this sweet chapter book. Some of our favorite picture books include Dasher, Mr. Willowby's Christmas Tree, and 5 More Sleeps 'Til Christmas.
Take a drive to see holiday lights.
You can do this in your own neighborhood, or you can check out a new neighborhood that might be well-known for it's decorations. There are also lots of places that have beautiful displays of lights to drive through and see. Have your kiddos put on their pajamas, bring some hot cocoa and popcorn, and go for a drive.
Bake cookies.
Baking cookies together is a timeless holiday tradition. Choose your family’s favorite recipes, and spend an afternoon mixing, baking, and decorating. You can also package the cookies and deliver them to friends, neighbors, or local first responders as a thoughtful holiday gesture.
Here are some of my favorite gluten free holiday cookie recipes!
Host a neighborhood or family cookie exchange.
This is a tradition that my family does every year and I have great memories from our past cookie exchange parties. It works like this - each person brings several dozen of one favorite holiday cookie. You lay them all out on a table and everyone walks around taking a few of each home. It's so much fun, and an inexpensive way to spread holiday cheer. And leaving with a container of delicious cookies doesn't hurt either.
Decorate gingerbread houses.
My kids love this. We usually buy the pre-built houses and spend a wintry weekend afternoon decorating. Festive, inexpensive, and keeps the kids busy for a while!
Attend a holiday festival.
Many towns host holiday parades, festivals, or markets during the season. Bundle up and enjoy the festive atmosphere, complete with live music, food vendors, and holiday crafts. It’s a great way to experience the local community spirit.
Get outside.
Depending on where you live, get outside and do something seasonal with your family. I live in the northeast, so winter weather it is. Ice skating, sledding, hiking, cross-country skiing or playing in the snow are all great options. Afterwards, enjoy a cup of hot cocoa - or create a fun hot cocoa bar!
Buy and donate gifts to those in need.
There is no shortage of people in need year-round. But there is something about the holiday season that just pulls on my heartstrings thinking of families in need - especially children. Find an organization that is collecting gifts - like Toys for Tots, local schools, churches, or temples, or a food pantry in need of food for the holidays. Take your kids with you to pick out the gifts or food, then wrap and deliver them together. Or if you can, volunteering your time is an amazing and fulfilling way to support those in need as well.
Volunteer your time.
Teach your children the joy of giving back by volunteering as a family. Whether it’s serving meals at a local shelter, donating toys, or participating in a neighborhood clean-up, volunteering during the holiday season can be a deeply rewarding experience.
Here's to a happy, healthy and memorable holiday with your family.
Whether you’re baking cookies, volunteering, or simply spending quality time together, the most important thing is to enjoy the magic of the holidays with those who matter most.
I hope you'll try some of these holiday bucket list ideas this season. Do you have any favorite activities or traditions? Leave a comment below, I'd love to hear.
For more holiday content, check out this easy holiday treat to make with your kids, this delicious gingerbread granola, and some simple ways to spend less money this holiday season.
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