The cold is drawing in, the scent of cinnamon is in the air and Michael Bublé is singing somewhere in the distance… All the signs point to one thing – Christmas is near! If you’re looking for seasonal activities to get yourself in the festive spirit, these Christmas Bucket List ideas should have you feeling merry and bright in no time!
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Yuletide activities for your Christmas bucket list
If you want to get out and about to get your dose of Christmas spirit, there are several tried and tested options that always get me in the mood.
#1 Visit a Christmas market you’ve never been to before
Either check out a new local Christmas market or consider a trip… how does one of the best Christmas markets in Europe, or the best ones from the home of the Christmas market (Germany) sound? Peruse the stalls and pick up some gifts or decorations.
#2 Take an ice skating trip
If you’re feeling more adventurous, there is no activity more festive than ice skating, so get it on your Christmas Bucket list! Many places set up outdoor skating rinks specifically for the season but even if you can only get to an indoor rink, the hats, gloves, ice and giggles are sure to make you merry.
#3 Go Christmas caroling
Good vibes, free food and lots of singing. What’s not to like? Bring a group of people together, or search for a local group, put your hat and gloves on, and set off to your neighbors, the local nursing home or wherever you like to sing for them – in return for a minced pie of course!
Christmas bucket list ideas for a rainy day
#4 Create a Christmas playlist
One thing that always gets me in the mood for Christmas is the music! Create a Christmas playlist with all your favorite festive tunes on it. It could be a mix of classic carols, 80’s pop hits, the aforementioned Michael, or some more modern songs. Whatever gets your toes tapping and Christmas vibes flowing!
#5 DIY your decorations!
Decorating for Christmas is an essential part of my tradition, and it seems to get more elaborate each year! The holidays are the perfect time to unleash your imagination and show off your creative side. You can make Christmas ornaments to hang on the tree, a wreath from found objects to adorn your front door, or simply cut out snowflakes from folded paper.
Check out these 24 Easy Christmas Crafts from Popular DIY Blogs for more inspiration.
#6 Wrap your gifts sustainably this year
Making your own Christmas gift wrap is also a wonderful idea and one to consider adding to your Christmas Bucket List this year. You can buy plain brown paper very cheaply, reuse newspapers or even use last year’s wrapping paper. Next, make your own stamps from sponges or try cutting out potatoes to dip in paint and print to create original designs that no one else will have! You can even use the same stamps to create matching labels for name tags.
#7 Personalize your Christmas stocking
For any keen sewers out there, another fun craft is making personalized Christmas stockings.
For newbies, it’s easier to sew felt, and you can even use glue if you’re not so confident with a needle and thread, but there are many ideas online of how to create and personalize them for each member of your household.
#8 Watch a Christmas movie
You love the old classics like It’s a Wonderful Life? Or maybe you’re more into 90’s nostalgia such as Home Alone? Perhaps you’re a sucker for modern animations like Netflix’s Klaus? Whatever it is, there are a whole host of movies for you to choose from. And who doesn’t love a movie marathon anyway, especially on a cold winter’s evening!? I personally have seen Love Actually at least 10 times. (And it’s still fabulous!)
#9 Camp out next to your Christmas tree
Set up a tent in your living room next to the tree. Fill it with comfy cushions and blankets. Add fairy lights and your favorite person, and there you have it! A holiday staycation! This Christmas bucket list idea is particularly fun with kids.
Festive food and drinks for your Christmas bucket list
A huge part of Christmas for me revolves around, well… my stomach. And so no Christmas Bucket List would be complete without a few ideas for festive food and drink. Making festive sweet treats to share (or not!), is a great way to spend time during the holidays. And they can even make for lovely personalized gifts for your friends/family that are easy on your wallet. Here are a few of my favorite recipes that you can whip up and enjoy.
#10 Make cookies – and decorate them!
The ultimate gingerbread
In less than 2 hours (including chilling time) you can have perfect gingerbread people, stars, or houses ready for decorating. This is perfect for baking with kids and can easily be made vegan by replacing regular butter for a vegan substitute.
Soft Christmas cookies
Or, for those of you who are not so keen on the ginger flavor (madness!), these soft and delicious vanilla Christmas cookies are also great for decorating with a little icing and some sprinkles for that festive flair.
#11 Mull your wine
One for the adults only, mulled wine is a Christmas staple in our house! It’s deceptively simple to make, basically add all the ingredients together, simmer, strain and serve! You can add or take away quantities according to your taste, but this basic recipe is one of my favorites! I wouldn’t judge you if you just grab one at the Christmas market though!
Final thoughts
So that’s it! A Christmas Bucket List with ideas designed to turn even the grumpiest Grinch into a happy little elf.
P.S. Don’t forget to send out your season’s greetings and any presents soon! If you’re busy ticking off items on your festive bucket list, then design and send your holiday cards on the MyPostcard app instead. We print and send your postcards for you worldwide.
Not done getting inspired?
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