Christmas Bucket List

*sighs and wishes that the TV would malfunction* There are only so many Wild Kratt episodes you can watch before you get sick of having the same basic plot over and over again. Maybe because its a kids cartoon that I’ve already seen a million times….

I’m drinking coffee again and thinking about Christmas. In the past, I would be counting down the days until Christmas Day….but somehow, this year it just doesn’t feel as exciting. I was even trying to get into the “holiday spirit” by listening to Christmas songs. In the end, I just ended up arguing with the singers, so I shut it off. *shakes head* But I have been online Christmas shopping which has been SOOOOOO fun! I love getting gifts for people! (I just wish I had unlimited money so that I could buy everyone I’ve ever known a gift!)

If you’re like me, and want to get into the holiday spirit, here are twenty great ideas!

#1: Play Christmas music

Obviously, this failed for me, but it has the potential to work for you. 😉 Play some of your favorite songs (you know, ones that remind you of the good ol’ times!) and sing along!

#2: Festive Food

What is better than getting a cup of eggnog and some sugar cookies while you listen to Let It Snow? Dig out your old recipes and enjoy a little holiday cheer! Make some hot chocolate! If you’re like me, then you mostly avoid those dry-store bought packages of hot coco. Either make your own or buy Caotina or Cadburry Drinking Chocolate. *happy sigh*

#3: Christmas movies

Put on classic movies and let the happy stories wash over you. XD

#4: Candles

Cinnamon candles always make me think of Christmas time because we always used to have them burning around the holiday season. Unfortunately, our temporary house bans candles. 

#5: Wrap gifts

If you’re like me, you buy gifts a month early and then they sit out waiting to be wrapped until Christmas day, when I frantically stuff them into bags because I waited too long. *Ahem*

#6: Plan a party

Invite people over, share stories and eggnog and laugh together!

#7: Set up a hot chocolate stand

If you live in warmer parts of the country, set up a hot chocolate stand and sell unique flavors of the drink! (Peppermint, hazelnut, and even lemon are interesting!) Donate the money to charity.

#8: Volunteer

What better way  to get in the Christmas mood than to help others? Check out local places that are looking for some help and give your time!

#9: Look at Christmas displays

Take a drive at night and enjoy all of the lights! They’re beautiful, people!

#10: Get a tree

We don’t do trees here, but I know that a lot of people enjoy getting/decorating one.

#11: Make ornaments

Put on a movie, pop some popcorn and make popcorn decorations! Cut paper in the form of stars and snowflakes! Do anything with a lot of beads and glitter!

#12: Send out holiday greeting cards

This is a great way to brighten someone’s day, especially in the stress of the season!

#13: Have a snowball fight

This, of course, only works if you live in someplace with snow. To all my Minnesotan friends, have fun with this one, guys!

#14: Make snow candy

This can be really fun if you have snow! We did this last year and had a blast! 🙂

#15: Make up a fun winter themed recipe

It could be a combination of peppermint bark and cheese cake or random holiday spices added to a drink! Just get creative and have fun!

#16: Read the Christmas story

Remember why we truly celebrate this season! Let’s not lose focus amidst the hustle and bustle of the season!

#17: Do random acts of kindness

Spread some Christmas joy by doing random kind things for the people around you! Do a siblings chore,  bake a plate of cookies for a neighbor, anything!

#18: Make ginger bread houses

And when you finish, eat them, of course! 😛 Those beautiful little houses don’t only look great, they taste amazing, too!

#19: Have a cookie swap

Invite your friends to bring a batch of their most unique holiday cookies! Exchange recipes!

#20: Enjoy the season

Just sit back and take a minute to think about the meaning of the season. Write out your thoughts in a journal. Remember loved ones who have gone on ahead. Enjoy a moment of silence and quiet.

What do you do for Christmas? Do you have special traditions? What is your favorite part of this holiday time?

~Hattush