Create A Christmas Bucket List

Over the past two years, Christmas has become a more important holiday for many of us. Being separated from loved ones is hard at any time of the year. Many of us missed milestones because of circumstances beyond our control. Quarantine, border restrictions or lack of flights, for instance. So this year, even if being with those you care about is not an option, I think its time celebrate some of the simple joy of the holiday season by creating a Christmas bucket list.

You might not get to do everything on your list THIS year but the things you do manage to achieve could become the beginning of family traditions that will pass down through generations. Your bucket list could lead to a renewed sense of community and family.

Below are some ideas for things I plan to add to my Christmas bucket list this year. They cost little to no money and embody the spirit of the season. Why don’t you make your own bucket list?

What is a Christmas Bucket List?

With a typical bucket list, you write down things you dream of doing one day. These activities or items may currently be out of reach. For instance, climbing Mt Everest or paragliding nude is not really an option but you might dream of doing it.

A Christmas Bucket List is similar. It could contain any Christmas or holiday-related activity you’ve always wanted to try but never have. I’d love to celbrate Christmas with snow like my Northern Hemisphere friends and it’s definitley on my Christmas bucket list, just not for this year.

What is My List For?

Some people use a Christmas bucket list as a kind of list or Christmas countdown calendar like the one above.

My list, though, is about celebrating the joy of the season, making new memories, and possibly reviving old ones. It’s about being with people and thinking of others as well as simple celebrations. Here are some of the things on my list. . .

1. Try Mulled Wine or Eggnog

I had NEVER made Eggnog or even drank it until last year. (Shock, I know. Who am I?) But we loved it so much I intend to drink it in the evenings over the Christmas period and serve it at our Christmas party.

2. Invite a Friend for Lunch

Sometimes things happen and families cannot be together in the holidays. I’m not talking about COVID here, though that certainly had an effect on us all. I’m talking about those who may be estranged from their loved ones or not able to spend time with them because of a divorce, for example.

Two years ago, one of my good friends was in this exact situation. She was very down, so I invited her to have lunch with us. She enjoyed herself and I felt as if I had done something to make her spirits lift over the holiday season.

Maybe you know someone in the same situation? Listen to the subtle cues your friends are sending out. They might need a shoulder at this time of the year.

3. Start a NO PHONE policy

I could easily be as guilty as the next person for snapping pictures and popping them on my Instagram stories. That’s why a no-phone policy is a great choice. Uploading a quick picture can easily become a quick scroll. Checking how many likes you have can lead to forgetting who is actually in the room with them and engaging in conversation. Your time with your head down means you could easily miss the delight on a family member’s face when they open the gift you’ve thoughtfully chosen.

Putting your phone away is hard. Ignoring it is hard. It’s one challenge on my bucket list I’m really sticking to!

4. Wear a Christmas Outfit to Work

Nothing gets us in the spirit more than dressing up! I’m not talking full-on elf suits in the office (unless that’s your thing and, hey, no judgment here) but a pair of light-up earrings, a T-shirt or a Santa hat tells everyone you are in the mood. It makes people smile. And isn’t that what the holidays are about? I have a work friend who wore a different silly Christmas-themed item every day for the last two weeks of school. Her class looked forward to what she was going to wear and it became almost an event.

5. Create a Christmas Playlist

And play it ALL the time. Before you know it everyone will be singing

6. Bake Gingerbread Men

Because who doesn’t love gingerbread men? The fun of baking is twofold: you can do it with family members, eat raw dough. AND the decorating is the best part. I’ve seen some awfully decorated cookies over the years but they are still nice to eat and everyone has fun making them.

Would you like my entire Christmas bucket list to inspire you to create new memories and traditions this year? Sign up for my email below and get a copy.