Your Very Merry Holiday Bucket List

1. Visit a tree farm.

Even if you usually go with an artificial tree, you should consider taking a trip to a local tree farm. Once there, you won’t say no to bringing a real one home.

2. Pick out festive holiday pajamas.

If you haven’t purchased holiday pajamas, there is still plenty of time. Want to match as a family? Check out these from Burt’s Bees. Or buy a pair of cute pj shorts from Target.

3. Make your own tree decorations.

Tired of the same decorations from year after year? Instead of buying new ones, try making your own tree decorations. Make garlands from beads or ornaments from dried fruit and cinnamon sticks.

4. Go ice skating.

This is a great activity for a romantic date or as a family adventure. Even if you aren’t great, you will get a few laughs and a great holiday memory.

5. Take a holiday train ride.

Take a scenic ride on a holiday train in your town or neighboring town. Kids will love a train ride featuring hot chocolate and Santa Claus.

6. Go sledding.

If you have snow or can get to snow, round up your friends or family and go sledding. Easier and cheaper than skiing, it will also make you feel like a kid again.

7. Decorate a gingerbread house.

Decorating a gingerbread house is tons of fun. Make your own with gingerbread or take a shortcut and buy a kit from the store.

8. Cut out paper snowflakes.

Did you cut out paper snowflakes as a child? It’s still fun, even as an adult. I promise. If you have kids that can use scissors, let them in on the fun. Once finished hang them on your windows.

9. Host a cookie swap.

Cookies, bars, cakes. There are so many yummy recipes to try this time of year but there isn’t enough time to make them all. But if you host a cookie swap you can taste many different treats while only needing to bake a couple of different recipes yourself.

10. Give a DIY gift.

In the days of Amazon Prime, it is very tempting to get all of your gifts from one place. But before you push add to cart, consider making a gift for that special person on your list.

11. Make a holiday playlist.

It doesn’t really feel like the holidays until you are listening and singing your favorite holiday songs.

12. Have a Christmas movie marathon.

While I don’t advocate spending your entire holiday in front of the television, I am all for watching a holiday movie or two. Make hot chocolate, snuggle on the sofa, or even have a living room slumber party.

13. Donate to a good cause.

The season is all about giving. Why not give to someone in need or to a cause you support? Donate food to a local drive or adopt a family for Christmas.

14. Buy a gift from a local small business.

Supporting a small local business is a great way to give to your community while also buying a unique gift for someone on your list.

15. Check out holiday lights in your area.

For a fun, but low key evening, you can drive around your town looking at holiday lights. If you are looking for a grand light display, check out your local newspaper for events like zoo lights or botanical garden walks.

16. Make a holiday-themed TBR.

Winter is the perfect time for curling up on the sofa with a good book. For an extra festive twist, fill your reading list with holiday-themed books. Here are three that I suggest reading this season: Hercule Poirot’s Christmas by Agatha Christie, Mr. Dickens and His Carol by Samantha Silva, and The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year by Ally Carter.

17. Go to a local holiday performance.

Support your local performers and attend a local holiday performance at a local theater, church, or school.

18. Take photos with Santa

If you have children take them to get pictures, but get one with the entire family, not just the kids. No kids? A photo with Santa can still be a fun activity to do with friends or with your significant other. Pro Tip: Check out stores and community events that will let you take a picture for free.

19. Send out cards to friends and family.

There is nothing better than getting a physical card in the mail. Grab your address book and some stamps and send out cards to your friends and family.

20. Host a different type of gift exchange.

Instead of hosting a typical gift exchange, try a new take. Instead of a white elephant gift exchange, host a favorite thing exchange. I like these because you learn about what your friends love and the gifts tend to be less wasteful.