18 Things to Do This Holiday Season

Since we’re moving to a new house this month, both Richard and I are super stoked for the holidays. It’ll be the first time we celebrate in our own home (we’ve always gone down to Virginia to see our families) and we’ll have a brand new house to do it in!

I decided to put together a little Bucket List to help us keep the holiday cheer going all season long + made a downloadable Bucket List for you below to save or print out and join us!

Disclaimer—my family celebrates Christmas, however, I think most of these bucket list items can fit all holidays and traditions celebrated this season.

Holiday Bucket List

Donate to a toy drive. Since we’re a Marine family, we’ve always been partial to Toys For Tots, but I’ve always wanted to do an Angel Tree as well so (when she’s old enough) Ellis can help us select gifts for a specific child.
Mail Letter to Santa. Here’s how!
Watch a holiday movie. We actually go overboard with this and try to watch a holiday movie every night (well almost every night) until Christmas. I’ll share our Holiday Movie Guide soon!
Create a holiday playlist. I am all about Christmas music, but I typically wait until after Thanksgiving until I crank those tunes (mainly so I don’t drive my husband crazy).
Drink hot cocoa. For a bonus, make s’mores too!
Send cards to loved ones. I personally love doing this since we live so far away from our families. I highly recommend Mpix.com for printing/designing (you can also upload your own design if you’re feeling creative).
Take Family Photos. Hey, those holiday cards could use some updated pictures to go with them! We try to update our family photos every season, if we can manage it. Our daughter changes so much in a short time, I don’t want to miss it. We actually do a lot of them ourselves with our Canon (psst… these go on sale on Black Friday every year!) and a tripod!
Play in the snow. Or just outside if you’re lucky and don’t live in cold temps!
Wear ugly sweaters. Because why not? Throw an ugly sweater party if you’re feeling adventurous!
Visit local light display. Whether it’s a tree lighting ceremony or a walk in the botanical gardens, go! We’re making memories, guys!
Family game night. Not necessarily “holiday” centric, but any excuse to get the fam together.
Pictures with Santa. You don’t have to be a kid to say “hey” to the Big Guy.
Visit a tree farm. Confession: I’ve never done this and I’ve always wanted to!
Read a Holiday book. I have a few good suggestions on my Holiday Gift Guide.
Build a gingerbread house. I fully endorse the ones that come in a box because I don’t eat Gingerbread anyways (I’m the one who eats all the gumdrops before the house is finished).
Give a handmade gift. I haven’t figured out what ours will be this year yet, but here’s a look at last year’s if you need some inspo!
Decorate house. I am most excited about this since we finally have a house that can store holiday decorations!!
Make cookies for Santa. Or yourself… I don’t judge!