December is here, loves! Is anyone else feeling extra festive this year? Do you write out a holiday bucket list each year? I can never seem to complete mine each year and this magical month always goes by way too fast, but I’m determined to make that change this year. My goal has been to be even more present and intentional with everything I do this season and into the new year. Part of that is allowing myself to breathe beyond the chaos and spend time with family and friends in a purposeful way, and even catch up on some quiet time alone (a rare thing with a toddler running through the house!). I’ve compiled a list of ideas for you below. I’m picking a handful of these to focus on this year—I’ve already checked my three favorite holiday movies off the list and plan to have them on repeat!
Photo: Craftberry Bush
1. Make a gingerbread house (we love this kit!).
2. Head to the local ice skating rink!
3. Binge watch all of your favorite holiday movies (my top three: The Holiday, Love Actually & White Christmas)
4. Head to your local tree farm to cut down your tree (if you haven’t already! For kids, read this book the same day)
5. S’mores by the fire (these are helpful). My absolute favorite December tradition!
6. Drive around and look at Christmas lights (for kids, give it a twist and do the Polar Express tradition: just after they go to bed, play a train noise and “all aboard”, and give them golden tickets and hot chocolate for the ride!)
7. Host a dinner party and/or game night!
8. Bake and decorate Christmas cookies.
9. Get tickets to see The Nutcracker or other local holiday show and dress fancy for the evening.
10. Make a wreath (or if you’re not the DIY type, buy one!)
Photo: Studio McGee
11. Have a hot cocoa date with a friend or a FaceTime date with a long-distance friend!
12. Make an ornament, or purchase a new one to add to your collection.
13. Do random acts of kindness (and carry them into the New Year!).
14. Visit a nursing home and sit with someone who may not have many visitors (ask the nurses).
15. Send a care package to a soldier currently deployed.
16. Write a letter to Santa (kids) or write a full letter to a friend and send by snail mail!
17. Donate or volunteer at your local food pantry.
18. Bring your neighbor a bottle of wine or box of homemade cookies.
19. Stock up your gift wrapping collection and spend an evening wrapping gifts while listening to your fave holiday tunes.
20. Bundle up and take a walk when it’s snowing.
21. Go sledding or go for a sleigh ride.
22. Make your own mistletoe and smooch someone you love under it.
23. Donate holiday decor you no longer use.
24. Make a snowman or snowoman, or snow angels, or have a snow ball fight.
25. Take a moment everyday to be thankful for everyone and everything in your life. Tell your loved ones how much they mean to you, stop and look at your beautiful home and appreciate all of the positivity that surrounds you.
