Bucket lists are a good way to motivate us to get off our rumps to make memories. Last year, I did not have a bucket list and I hibernated. THIS year, we DO have a bucket list and we’ll see if it makes a difference. This is our 2nd year in Michigan and we have quite a list for this holiday/winter!
If you do not live in the MidWest, you may have to skip some of our bucket list items, chances are that you are in AZ laughing at me in your flip flops anyway.
Donate to someone less fortunate
For most of us the holidays are a time of joy and laughter, but not everyone is surrounded by a warm home and material things. Take this time to teach your kiddos that this season is not all about receiving gifts but GIVING as well. Donate to Toys for Tots or some other organization. Give a few dollars to the bell ringers outside of the store. Volunteer to serve dinner in the homeless shelter. It’s not all about giving money or buying things. The most important thing is to show someone that you care.
Ride a Toboggan
What the heck is a toboggan? It’s a long, narrow, flat-bottomed sled, and yes I looked that up. My city has 2 towers specifically for this activity. Here is a video taken last Feb 2015.
Look at Christmas Lights (Bonus points if it’s a hayride)
Everyone has THAT ONE house (or street) that has become a spectacle to see. You know, the one with the lights that flicker along with a specific radio station? If by some chance you do not, there may be a park or garden that you can walk around to enjoy some Christmas Lights. If it’s too cold for my family to brave the outside, we turn on the heat, some Christmas music and drive around. When I lived in Yuma, AZ my High School band would have a hayride to look at the lights around town. Hopefully, someday my kids will get to experience such fun.
Visit Santa
Or in my case THE SANTA HOUSE. Last year, I procrastinated and my kids and I never actually made it into the house. This year, we .are. going. early.
Start a Tradition, such as Elf on the Shelf
I am starting this tradition this year. If you are not familiar with what Elf on the Shelf is, here is a synopsis. Scout the Elf (or whatever you name him) watches your house and goes back to the North Pole every night. He essentially is a spy for Santa and every night he comes back and hangs out different locations in your home. Your children are NOT supposed to touch him because he will lose his magic. Some parents have a LOT of fun by making the elf do hilarious things. If this sounds like a challenge that you are willing to accept, get your and start a tradition. Even if your children do not believe, it’s still fun to wake up and play hide and seek with him (or her).
Build a Snowman
Get out of the house and get some exercise!
Bake Christmas Cookies
There is nothing like the smell of baking Christmas cookies to bring on the spirit of Christmas! This is one bucket item that my kids beg me to do…in fact we have already decorated our first batch of cookies this year!
Watch a Christmas Movie
Or two or three…There is a collection of Christmas movies in every genre (yes even horror). Grab some popcorn and cuddle up while watching your favorite flicks. It never fails, every year my family watches Home Alone and the sound of my son’s chipmunk laugh can be heard throughout the house. It’s priceless!
Drink Hot Chocolate Outside
Or if you live in AZ have a bonfire and make smores! Drinking hot chocolate is great on it’s own, but being out in the cold and feeling the warmth of the hot chocolate is fabulous. I can’t explain how…it’s just better.
Would you like the Christmas Bucket List for Midwest Families? Get it HERE!
This post is part of 12 Days of Blogmas hosted by Motherhood and Merlot and Girl on the Move. What does that mean? 12 Days of fun prompts followed by a $230 Amazon Giveaway!
What are YOUR favorite Holiday bucket list items?
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