Family Christmas Bucket List: Ideas and How to Plan

A Christmas bucket list is a short list of things your family wants to do before the holiday. Write it together, hang it up and check items off, so the season is about doing things rather than rushing.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Give everyone a pad of sticky notes and a pen.
2. Set a timer for 5 minutes. Each person writes one idea per note.
3. Stick all the notes on a wall and group similar ones together.
4. Vote by giving each person five stickers to place on their favorites.
5. Choose the top 15 to 25 ideas and write them on the poster board.
6. Leave a small box next to each one for a check mark or sticker.
7. Hang the poster on the fridge with magnets.
8. Look at your calendar and pick two items per week.
9. Check items off together after you finish, and add a note about the best part.

Tips for Little Hands

• Let non-readers draw a picture next to each idea.
• Mix free ideas, like making paper snowflakes, with bigger outings.
• Keep a few easy items for rainy or tired days.
• Do not over-schedule. Skipping an item is fine.

Make It Your Own

• Starter ideas: bake cookies, drive to see lights, build a gingerbread house, write letters to Santa.
• Add a random act of kindness, like leaving a note for the mail carrier.
• Save each year’s list in a folder to see how your traditions change.