It’s that time! The most wonderful time of the year — aka the holiday season is here! The air smells like cinnamon and pine, the streets glow with Christmas lights, and everywhere you go, you can feel that delightful Christmas spirit bubbling up.
Having said that, we all have a lot going on, right? From family traditions and parties to Christmas gifts and planning — it’s easy to blink and realize the Christmas season has flown by. That’s why creating your own Christmas Bucket List is such a fun way (and smart way) to slow down, soak up the holiday cheer, and make new memories with the whole family.
This year, whether you’re sipping eggnog, building gingerbread houses, or singing your favorite Christmas carol, you can craft a memorable Christmas full of joy, creativity, and connection.
To help you do just that, here’s a free Christmas bucket list printable I’ve designed to make it easy to keep track of all the things your family wants to do during this beautiful yet hectic season.
Feel free to print out several copies and have everyone contribute ideas for the family’s Master Holiday Bucket List!
Christmas Bucket List: Where the Magic Begins
A Christmas Bucket List is basically a list of things you want to make happen during this special time of year. It’s not about perfection — it’s about experiences. Being together with those you love and enjoy.
You can start by brainstorming fun Christmas activities that make your heart happy. Try these great ideas to get you started:
- Visit a Christmas market and experience the local holiday vibe. Great for adults and kids.
- Have a snowball fight (or a marshmallow fight if it’s too warm for snow where you live). Great for getting some extra wiggles out of the little ones.
- Make your favorite hot chocolate and watch your playlist of Christmas movies. Tried and true but good.
- Decorate your Christmas tree with as many family members as you can find (you can even Zoom with long-distance folks) while listening to Christmas music. We are fans of Trans-Siberian Orchestra in our family and it’s amazing to me that Christmas music has evolved into every genre. Jazz? Country? Gospel? Yes!
- How long has it been since you’ve constructed a gingerbread house kit? My grandkiddos and I try to do one every year. Great family fun. Tip: if you choose this activity be sure and take a picture each year so you have a memory collage to enjoy.
And as I mentioned above, if you’re a planner, you can download my free printable Christmas bucket list or use a Christmas bucket list template of your own to keep track of all the fun options. It’s an easy way to stay organized and make sure you don’t miss any of your favorite holiday activities this winter season.
(Want to make this Christmas easier than ever? Read on.
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December Bucket List: Making Every Day Count
We all experience how quickly December moves — before you know it, it’s Christmas Day and the wrapping paper is everywhere. Turning my generic Christmas Bucket List into a dedicated December Bucket List helps you make every day of December count.
Have you thought of this fun idea: create a “Countdown to Christmas” jar? Write 25 fun activities on slips of paper — one for each day leading up to Christmas.
A few great things to include:
- Read Christmas books together at your local library. Including a single parent and their child adds to the fun and friendship.
- Bake cookies, bars or candies using your favorite recipes.
- Try ice skating or snowshoeing with friends.
- Watch It’s a Wonderful Life one day and the story of the birth of Jesus another — you don’t want to miss the original Christmas story!
- Weave in random acts of kindness on your Advent Countdown — like donating to your local food bank or inviting a neighbor over for hot cocoa or Christmas dinner.
- Paint pinecones festive colors and hang.
- Add a few inexpensive printable wall art pieces to your Christmas decor. I can provide you with a free watercolor red berries printable from my own collection. Merry Christmas to you!
These types of activities are a wonderful way to keep the holiday spirit alive all month long and remind yourself that the best part of Christmas is often found in the little things.
Xmas Bucket List: A Modern Twist on Tradition
Your Xmas Bucket List can be as traditional or as trendy as you want. Some people stick to the classics — baking, decorating, and caroling — while others add a modern spin.
Here are some fun holiday activities to make your Xmas Bucket List shine:
- Invite your favorite couples over for a wrapping party. Get free beautiful holiday tags I’ve designed for you or get editable ones in my Printable Holiday Bundle.
- Create your own free Christmas coloring pages for little kids and have a holiday coloring playdate.
- Have a Christmas movie marathon — from Home Alone to The Grinch.
- Build mini Christmas trees and vote on the best design.
- Make your own Christmas cards using recycled materials or printable cards from online — a great way to spread Christmas cheer.
- Add a DIY ornament-making afternoon using family photos. The easiest ways to make the season special are often the most creative.
- Host a potluck Christmas party. Everyone brings the food and you provide the space and games. Easy peasy fun.
Christmas Dreaming: Let Your Imagination Run Wild
Christmas Dreaming is The. Best. Picture your perfect Christmas time — maybe it’s a snowy deck with twinkling Christmas lights, a cozy night by a warm fire with eggnog, or a family dinner filled with laughter and holiday traditions like giggly Christmas games.
To get there, ask yourself:
- What would my dream Christmas Day look like?
- What fun family activities would we do?
- Which favorite things make me feel the most festive or happy?
Then, use your imagination and a Christmas planner to bring those dreams to life. Even small touches — like lighting candles, playing Christmas music for a backdrop to other activities, or reading the original nativity Christmas story aloud — can make your home feel like a wonderful life moment. Planning is the key, though. The more you plan the more relaxed you’ll feel when the moment comes.
Christmas Goals: Setting Intentions for the Season
While your Holiday Bucket List focuses on experiences, your Christmas Goals center on meaning. This is about finding a better way to connect, give, and grow during the holiday season. If you’re looking for a deeper reflection for your holiday celebration, this method will help.
Here are a few great ways to set your intentions:
- Spend more quality time with family members and other loved ones. Consider reaching out to someone you haven’t spoken with in a long time.
- Simplify your schedule to enjoy the Christmas spirit. Again, I’ve found that ample planning really reduces the holiday stress. Quality over quantity is a good goal.
- Plan to pass it on — volunteer at a local pet rescue, donate Christmas gifts to families in need, sing carols at a nearby senior center.
- Is there a family tradition you’ve always wanted to start? Maybe this year is the right year to do that.
It’s always good to remember that the best way to feel fulfilled this season isn’t through stuff — it’s through connection, friendship and love. Stopping and thinking about what really matters and how to include that in your celebration is what will make the holidays truly memorable.
What To Do On Christmas: The Big Day Itself
So, you’ve checked off most of your holiday bucket list ideas — now what should you actually do on the big day?
Here are some sweet ideas for every kind of Christmas lover:
If you love excitement:
- Host a festive brunch with pancakes shaped like snowmen or trees.
- Play Christmas Bingo – have some inexpensive prizes ready! (If you love holiday bingo, you might just like the what-to-do-on-Christmas–things-to-do-with-friends-and-family bundle I’ve put together for anyone who wants fun and easy printable holiday games — including bingo! If you’re my blog visitor, here’s a coupon code to use: XMAS50)
- Sing a Christmas carol guessing game — extra points if you add musical instruments!
If you prefer calm:
- Sip your favorite hot toddy while watching the kids play with their toys.
- Read a Christmas book by the tree. And enjoy the moment.
- Reflect on your Christmas goals and write about your new memories in a yearly journal to keep.
Whatever you choose, remember: the best part of the day is simply being together. So take a deep breath, look around, and whisper a heartfelt thank you for this beautiful day.
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