The holidays are coming up fast, and if you don’t have any Christmas bucket list ideas for making memories this season then it’s time to get started. There are so many things that you can do with your family and friends during the next few weeks to make lasting memories that will last a lifetime!
Quick Links
- Christmas Bucket List Ideas and Festive Things To Do.
- Decorate The Christmas Tree
- Write Letters To Santa
- Sing Carols Together
- Be Kind To Others
- Christmas Movie Night
- Christmas Cookie Decorating Party
- Christmas Playlist
- Christmas Story Night
- Make a Holiday Card Display
- Support a Local Charity
- Make Your Own Christmas Ornament
- Write Christmas Cards
- Make Sweet Treats for Neighbors
- Bake Christmas Cookies
- Visit a Tree Lighting Ceremony
- Make Your Own Snow Globe
- Make Your Christmas Wish List
- Make a Christmas Garland
- Go to Church on Christmas Eve (or Anytime!)
- Roast Chestnuts on an Open Fire
- Snowball Fight
- Make Hot Cocoa Mixes for Gifts
- Silent Night Pajama Party
- Decorate Your Home with Christmas Lights
- Make a Christmas Wreath
- Snowman Family
- Make Paper Snowflakes
- Go Ice Skating
- Host an Ugly Sweater Party
- Play Elf on the Shelf
- Read ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas
- Read A Christmas Carol By Charles Dickens
- Make Hot Chocolate
- Hang Christmas Stockings
- Start an Advent Calendar
- Make Gingerbread Houses
- Make a Christmas Scrapbook
- Find A Family Tradition That’s New To You
- Make Eggnog
- Mix Up A Christmas Cocktail
- Take a Family Christmas Photo
- Get Creative With Cookies
- Look at the Christmas Decorations in your Neighborhood
- Organize a Secret Santa Gift Exchange
- Visit Santa Claus at Your Local Mall
- Hang Mistletoe in Your Home
- Make a Christmas Centerpiece
- Buy a Christmas Cake from Your Local Bakery
- Make Christmas Candles
- Go Sledding
- String Popcorn
- Make a Hot Chocolate Bar
- Break out the Board Games
- Create a Christmas Recipe Book
- Make Pomanders
- Eat Candy Canes
- Decorate the front door with lights and wreaths
- Conclusion
Christmas Bucket List Ideas and Festive Things To Do.
Decorate The Christmas Tree
Start by heading out to the store and picking up all of your favorite Christmas decorations. Gather everyone around, hang ornaments on the tree and string lights. Turn on some Christmas music in the background for a festive vibe!
Write Letters To Santa
Strike while the iron is hot- write letters to Santa Claus with the kids a few days before Christmas. This is a great way to connect with them and also have something for the kids to do while they wait in anticipation of their presents!
Sing Carols Together
Santa does not visit until you sing him his favorite carols, so practice with your family and friends! You can even make a playlist on Spotify or create some carols of your own to sing together.
Be Kind To Others
This holiday season, try giving something away that you know someone else would really enjoy- whether it be food, clothes, toys, or other items in their home.
This will feel amazing when you see how much joy the little gift gave them!
Christmas Movie Night
Set up appetizers beforehand, pour warm drinks into mugs and break out the hot cocoa mix as well as your favorite Christmas movies. You and your family will love this feel-good activity!
Christmas Cookie Decorating Party
Get out all the cookie cutters, sprinkles, frosting, candy canes and more to make these tasty treats even better.
For bonus points: try making two kinds of cookies so everyone in attendance has their favorite flavor for decorating them together. A lot of fun is had during this event!
Christmas Playlist
Start making a playlist of all your favorite Christmas songs for an hour or two.
You will have the opportunity to listen to your favorites time and again while also enjoying some new seasonal tunes!
Christmas Story Night
What better way is there to get in the spirit than by reading holiday stories? Gather up family members, friends, children- anyone who would like to spend time with you during this special season.
Make a Holiday Card Display
Make a display for all your Christmas cards.
This is a great way to show people you care about them and are so thankful for the support they have given you.
Support a Local Charity
This Christmas, why not do something different?
Take the time to see what is going on in your local community and support a cause that you feel passionate about.
There are so many great charities out there- be sure to find one that aligns with your values!
Make Your Own Christmas Ornament
Get creative this year by making an ornament of some kind for your tree. You can use modeling clay or just decorate it as best as possible.
This will make such a treasured memory from years past when looking back at all the beautiful decorations each year!
Write Christmas Cards
Just because it’s the digital age doesn’t mean that sending Christmas cards is a thing of the past!
Find some blank ones at your local craft store, and get started. It will be great to make new friends this year as well- you never know who may show up on your doorstep!
Make Sweet Treats for Neighbors
Making treats is such an easy way to say thank you and share in all the good times with loved ones like family and friends.
Cookie dough can be frozen in batches so that when people are coming over it takes no time or effort to whip out those delicious goodies again.
Bake Christmas Cookies
Whip up a batch of delicious Christmas cookies for your loved ones to enjoy.
Everyone loves a little taste of Christmas in the middle of December!
Visit a Tree Lighting Ceremony
Check your city’s Christmas events calendar for a nearby tree lighting ceremony.
You and your family will have the opportunity to take in all of those wintery delights like hot cocoa, carolers, and festive lights!
Make Your Own Snow Globe
Snow globes are one of my favorite holiday traditions. With so many beautiful sets available this year it is an easy way to create that perfect scene at home with you inside as well!
Make Your Christmas Wish List
Create a wish list and add it to the top of the tree!
The best part is that every time you see it, you get one step closer to achieving those items on your list-I like putting MY LIST at the top so I don’t forget what I want for Christmas too!
Make a Christmas Garland
Add a touch of festive flair to your mantle or door with a homemade garland. With a few simple supplies, you can create an heirloom-quality decoration that will make your home feel extra warm and welcoming.
Go to Church on Christmas Eve (or Anytime!)
Christmas is Jesus’ birthday, after all, so we should celebrate it too! Go to church this year for either one service before dinner or two services over breakfast – whatever works best for your schedule.
It doesn’t have to be at midnight right? You deserve sleep!
Roast Chestnuts on an Open Fire
This is a fun activity to do with friends and family. Roasting chestnuts takes time, so gather everyone together now for some quality time before the craziness of Christmas arrives!
Snowball Fight
No snow? No problem! Throw squishy soft balls at one another indoors or make your own makeshift snowball by wrapping up toilet paper in a ball shape and throwing it back and forth.
Make Hot Cocoa Mixes for Gifts
For my kids’ teachers, I always like to get them something sweet but practical – especially when their classroom kitchens are not stocked as well as they should be. This year, I’m going to make hot cocoa mix packets that will last all winter long (or until we run out!). They’re quick and easy to make with ingredients like chocolate, marshmallows, and peppermint extract.
Silent Night Pajama Party
Invite friends over for a pajama party where everyone stays silent until the house lights are turned off – fun for all ages!
Decorate Your Home with Christmas Lights
Christmas lights are one of the most visible symbols that usher in this festive season for many people. Seeing them on homes around town makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside.
Make a Christmas Wreath
Making a wreath for the outside of your home is an easy way to welcome visitors, and it’s pretty too! Check out this list of [DIY Christmas wreaths] for inspiration.
Snowman Family
Create a snowmen family with construction paper, markers/crayons, cereal boxes, or any other supplies you may have on hand. If there are little ones in your house who can’t yet write their names, include them by adding arms drawn onto the snow-bodies.
Make Paper Snowflakes
Making paper snowflakes is a fun Christmas craft that kids love! You’ll only need paper, glue, and scissors.
Use the snowflakes to decorate Christmas gifts, windows, or the Christmas tree for an extra festive touch.
Go Ice Skating
The ice rink is the perfect place to put your Christmas memories on paper. Get a family picture with Santa or snap some photos of all those winter outfits you’ve been dying to wear!
Host an Ugly Sweater Party
There’s no better way for friends and family alike to get into the holiday spirit than by wearing their ugliest sweaters, ugly stockings, crazy hats and anything else they can find that makes them look ridiculous!
Photo booths are pretty much mandatory at these parties whether it be inside or out in the snow!
Play Elf on the Shelf
Hide the Elf of the Shelf in a new spot every day for your child to find. It’s never too early to start building excitement and anticipation for Christmas!
Read ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas
Gather around the Christmas tree or the fireplace with hot cocoa and marshmallows and read the story of a family’s Christmas Eve traditions as they wait for Santa.
Read A Christmas Carol By Charles Dickens
Another classic Christmas story, A Christmas Carol is set in London on Christmas Eve 1843 when the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge refuses to help those in need.
His trip into the past shows him just how much he has lost and that it’s never too late for a change of heart!
Make Hot Chocolate
Hot cocoa always tastes better at home with your family than from any coffee shop or chain restaurant- especially during this time of year where everyone needs a little TLC.
Plus, it’s really easy to make hot chocolate so you don’t have an excuse not to do it. Adding marshmallows can give some added sweetness as well as my favorite topping: whipped cream!
Hang Christmas Stockings
Stockings are a tradition for many families, and there’s no better time than Christmas to fill them with candy (or presents!) as well as something from the family.
They can also be hung on your fireplace mantle or above your couch for added cheer!
Start an Advent Calendar
On December 1st, you can start the countdown to Christmas with an Advent Calendar. There are many different kinds of Advent calendars, so there’s always one that will fit your needs and taste!
Make Gingerbread Houses
Gingerbread houses have long been a favorite tradition for families all over the country. It doesn’t matter if you make them from scratch or buy them pre-made at stores like Target or Walmart. All gingerbread house building requires is some creativity (and patience)!
Make a Christmas Scrapbook
Create a Christmas scrapbook filled with your favorite family memories, such as photos of you and loved ones wearing matching sweaters or singing carols. This is one way to create “snowy” holiday memories!
Find A Family Tradition That’s New To You
If there are certain traditions that have been passed down the generations but never partaken by you before- now might be the time for a change! Spend some quality time with grandparents reading stories of Christmases past, talk about what made each year special, and enjoy this newfound tradition together.
And if it doesn’t work out? There will still be plenty more opportunities for new experiences during future holidays!
Make Eggnog
If you’re looking for a way to make this holiday season extra special, try making your own eggnog!
Start by whisking whole eggs and sugar together until the mixture is pale yellow.
Add milk, nutmeg, or cinnamon (to taste!), vanilla extract, and finally heavy cream- stirring as you go so that everything blends well together.
After adding ice cubes and bourbon whiskey if desired, store in the refrigerator overnight before serving chilled over ice!
Mix Up A Christmas Cocktail
With just three ingredients – gin (or vodka), cranberry juice, and lemonade concentrate – it’s easy to create festive cocktails with some of your favorite flavors from childhood: hot chocolate mix, gingerbread cookies… even peppermint schnapps.
Take a Family Christmas Photo
Give everyone a fun holiday hat and dress up your dog! It’s easy to take great Christmas pictures with any camera or phone, so don’t wait until the last minute. End your photoshoot by adding some sparkle like colorful lights or tinsel garland on the tree in the background of your shot.
Get Creative With Cookies
This time of year is a perfect opportunity for baking together – use traditional recipes as inspiration but also make sure to get creative with shapes, flavors (or colors)!
You can even turn marshmallows into snowmen and gingerbread cookies into reindeer using icing pens- it’ll be hard not to eat them before they’re baked!
Look at the Christmas Decorations in your Neighborhood
Walk or drive through your neighborhood and admire the light displays, tree decorations, lawn ornaments – take a picture of your favorites to remember them.
Organize a Secret Santa Gift Exchange
Secret Santa is a classic Christmas tradition, and it’s so much fun to pick people in your office or family members.
Get creative with these gift ideas: make homemade gifts like cookies (make the recipe ahead of time), knit a scarf from left-over yarn, buy an album for someone who loves music but doesn’t already have one!
Visit Santa Claus at Your Local Mall
Find out when Santa is visiting a town near you and go check him out – bring some cookies or milk while you’re at it…and don’t forget to let him know who’s been naughty and nice over the year 😉
Hang Mistletoe in Your Home
Hang mistletoe in every room of the house for a warm and romantic Christmas feel. Hang it by windows, at doorways, anywhere you can find space!
Make a Christmas Centerpiece
Make a beautiful, festive centerpiece for your Christmas dinner table. Use supplies such as pine cones, greenery, bows, ribbons, and fresh flowers
Buy a Christmas Cake from Your Local Bakery
If it’s your tradition to buy a cake for the holidays, try buying one that is only available around this time of year.
If you don’t have any favorites nearby, use Google Maps to find the nearest bakery.
Make Christmas Candles
Make beautiful, fragrant Christmas candles using soy or beeswax and essential oils such as pine, cinnamon, or peppermint.
Go Sledding
If there’s snow in your area, go sledding with your family and friends.
String Popcorn
A fun, easy craft that kids will love is string popcorn. It’s a great way to get them into the Christmas spirit!
Make a Hot Chocolate Bar
Search “hot cocoa bar” on Pinterest or Instagram for ideas.
Break out the Board Games
Get everyone together around the table playing board games like Monopoly or Scrabble during some downtime from cooking, shopping, wrapping presents, etc…
If you have children who are too young for board games find something else fun to do such as crafts that can involve glitter & glue sticks 😉
Create a Christmas Recipe Book
Take all the favorite recipes from your family and compile them into an e-mail or book that can be passed down year after year! Or, if you’re feeling really crafty, create recipe cards with your favorite dishes on one side and a holiday greeting on the back 🙂
Make Pomanders
Oranges studded with cloves, also known as pomanders, make great decorations and homemade Christmas gifts.
Tie a few together with ribbon or arrange them on a beautiful plate for a fragrant centerpiece.
Eat Candy Canes
Those red and white peppermint striped Christmas treats are a holiday favorite, but did you know they come in other flavors like cherry or dark chocolate?
Decorate the front door with lights and wreaths
Putting up lights on your house’s exterior is an easy way to spread cheer. You can also paint your mailbox red! If you don’t have any garlands or fresh greenery on hand, fake plants will do just fine 😉
Conclusion
It’s the most wonderful time of year, and I hope you are making your Christmas bucket list.
This is my top list for holiday season fun with family activities that will make this a memorable one! You can find more great ideas by following our blog.
What’s on your Christmas bucket list?
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