Christmas Holiday Bucket List
The Christmas holidays are filled with twinkly lights, the smell of gingerbread wafting from the kitchen, the carols you swear you’ll never get sick of. But here’s the thing: if you’re not careful, December can fly by in a blur of shopping lists, last-minute wrapping, and wondering how you ended up making 47 sausage rolls for the school potluck.
That’s where a Christmas Holiday Bucket List comes in. Think of it as your gentle nudge to slow down, make time for the things that actually matter, and create those little moments your kids will remember long after the gifts are forgotten.
Whether your family is into big, festive outings or cozy, stay-at-home traditions, here’s a list of fun, feel-good activities to make this holiday season one to remember.
1. Bake Christmas Cookies Together
There’s something about baking at Christmas that feels like it should be compulsory. The mess, the floury handprints, the sprinkles in places you’ll still be finding in February it’s all part of the magic.
How to make it happen:
- Pick a couple of easy cookie recipes (sugar cookies, gingerbread men, shortbread).
- Get the kids involved with mixing, cutting shapes, and decorating.
- Keep expectations realistic some cookies will look like Pinterest dreams, others like a snowstorm disaster, and both will taste amazing.
Pro tip: Bake extra to give to neighbours, teachers, or as little gifts. A plate of homemade cookies delivered with a handwritten note is pure Christmas joy.
2. Host a Family Movie Night
Some families swear by Home Alone, others are all about Elf. The best part? There’s no wrong choice as long as there’s popcorn.
How to make it happen:
- Pick a night, pile everyone in PJs, and set up blankets and pillows in the lounge.
- Let each family member pick a favourite Christmas movie over the holidays so no one feels left out.
- Add a snack bar with popcorn, lollies, and hot chocolate topped with marshmallows.
Pro tip: If you want to get extra fancy, print little “movie tickets” for the kids to hand in at the “door” they’ll think it’s the best thing ever.
3. Drive Around to See Christmas Lights
Nothing says “festive” like piling into the car, cranking up the Christmas playlist, and touring the neighborhood in search of the best Christmas lights.
How to make it happen:
- Check your local community page or newspaper for the best streets to visit.
- Bring travel mugs of hot chocolate and a bag of Christmas cookies for the road.
- Have a little competition to see who can spot the biggest inflatable Santa.
Pro tip: Take a slow drive it’s not a race. Sometimes the smaller, quirky displays have the most heart.
4. Write Letters to Santa (or Future You)
For the little ones, writing to Santa is pure excitement. For older kids and teens, consider starting a “letter to future me” tradition where they jot down their favourite memories, hopes for the new year, and maybe even a little gratitude list.
How to make it happen:
- Set out paper, envelopes, stickers, and coloured pens.
- For Santa letters, pop them in the mailbox early.
- For “future you” letters, seal them up and store them away to read next Christmas.
Pro tip: Write your own! It’s a surprisingly sweet way to reflect on the year.
5. Make a DIY Christmas Craft
You don’t have to be a Pinterest pro to pull off some cute Christmas crafts. The key is to keep it simple and fun.
How to make it happen:
- Choose something achievable: salt dough ornaments, paper snowflakes, or homemade gift tags.
- Use what you have at home cardboard, paint, ribbon, buttons, glitter.
- Play Christmas music while you work to keep the festive vibes high.
Pro tip: Don’t aim for perfection these are keepsakes, not art gallery pieces.
6. Have a Christmas Picnic
Who says Christmas activities have to be Wintery? Pack up some festive treats and make some space inside for a picnic blanket.
How to make it happen:
- Pack sandwiches, Christmas cookies, and maybe a thermos of hot cocoa.
- Pop on Santa hats for the photos instant Christmas card material.
- Add a game or two.
Pro tip: Play your Christmas playlist for extra cheer.
7. Do a Secret Santa Gift Exchange
This one works brilliantly with extended family or friend groups. The fun is in keeping it a surprise and seeing how creative people can get with their gifts.
How to make it happen:
- Draw names at the start of December so everyone has time to shop.
- Set a budget (small enough to keep it fun, big enough for something thoughtful).
- Do the exchange over a shared meal.
Pro tip: Add a theme “something handmade” or “something that makes you laugh” for an extra twist.
8. Build a Gingerbread House
If you’ve never done this before, know that gingerbread houses are 50% joy, 50% structural engineering, and 100% sticky fingers.
How to make it happen:
- Buy a kit for ease, or bake your own panels if you’re feeling ambitious.
- Set up a decorating station with icing, lollies, and candy canes.
- Expect at least one wall collapse just call it “renovations” and keep going.
Pro tip: Use a glue gun (non-edible parts only) for stubborn walls. Yes, it’s cheating. No, you won’t regret it.
9. Volunteer or Donate as a Family
Christmas can be a tough time for some families, and helping others is a beautiful way to share the season’s spirit.
How to make it happen:
- Choose a charity or local cause you care about.
- Donate food, toys, or time.
- Talk to the kids about why giving back matters it’s a great values lesson.
Pro tip: Involve the kids in picking items to donate so they feel part of it.
10. Have a Christmas Eve Tradition
Christmas Eve has its own special magic the anticipation, the coziness, the “is it morning yet?” energy from the kids.
How to make it happen:
- Ideas include opening one small gift, having a special dinner, or reading The Night Before Christmas.
- You could also do a “Christmas Eve box” with PJs, a snack, and a movie.
- End the night with everyone writing one thing they’re grateful for.
Pro tip: Keep it simple so it’s easy to repeat every year.
11. Go Caroling (or Have a Sing-Along at Home)
You don’t need perfect pitch just enthusiasm.
How to make it happen:
- Gather friends, family, or neighbours.
- Pick a few classic carols and print the lyrics.
- If caroling in public isn’t your style, just do it in your lounge with hot chocolate.
Pro tip: Add silly hats or reindeer antlers for extra laughs.
12. Play Christmas Games
Games are a guaranteed way to get everyone laughing and you don’t need anything fancy.
How to make it happen:
- Try “Christmas Charades,” “Pin the Nose on Rudolph,” or a Christmas trivia quiz.
- For older kids and adults, add a holiday twist to your favourite board games.
- Keep a few prizes on hand (chocolate Santas work wonders).
Pro tip: Make a rule that phones go away during game time it’s all about being present.
13. Create a Family Christmas Playlist
Music makes everything feel more festive.
How to make it happen:
- Have each family member add their favourite holiday song.
- Include a mix of classics and fun new tunes.
- Play it while decorating, cooking, or just pottering around the house.
Pro tip: Make it collaborative on Spotify so friends and extended family can add theirs too.
14. Take a Family Christmas Photo
Not for the perfect Instagram shot (though that’s a bonus) more for the memories.
How to make it happen:
- Pick a fun theme ugly sweaters, Santa hats, or matching PJs.
- Set up the camera on a timer or ask a friend to snap a few.
- Do it every year and watch how everyone changes.
Pro tip: Don’t stress if it’s chaotic sometimes the silly ones are the best.
15. End the Season with a Gratitude Moment
When the wrapping paper is in the bin and the fridge is still suspiciously full of ham, take a moment to pause.
How to make it happen:
- Sit down as a family and talk about your favourite part of the holiday.
- Write them down in a notebook so you can look back next year.
- Use it as a reminder that the real joy comes from the moments you share, not the things you buy.
A Christmas Holiday Bucket List isn’t about doing everything. It’s about intentionally choosing a handful of things that bring your family closer, spark joy, and create the kind of memories that last far longer than any toy or gadget.
And remember the goal isn’t perfection. Some days will be messy, noisy, and a little chaotic… but that’s family life. And honestly? That’s where the best stories come from.
