A Very Covid Christmas Bucket List
I’m not going to lie, I can already feel myself getting a little down and out about this pandemic and the holiday season. It’s so easy to let it's emotional pull depress and suck the joy out of you. So, with that being said, I thought now would be a great time to share a Christmas bucket list that’s covid friendly. These are things we will be doing at home or close to home to beat the corona holiday blues. As a lover of all things Christmas, I refuse to make the 2020 holiday season any less magical. Honestly, the magic all starts at home anyway and that’s the one place we can always be. Make the effort and create your family’s own personal bubble of joy.
One of our favorite books to read. I love that they’re personalized to your state.
Decorate. I know, it sounds simple but I mean it. I don’t care if you have a budget for decorations or if you’re hanging paper snowflakes from your ceiling. Decorate. Looking for fun cheap options? Obviously the dollar tree is great for inexpensive decor. They even have mini trees that are perfect to stick in kids rooms if you don’t have full size! Make it special. Announce that you’re kicking off the holiday season and go full force. Don’t be a scrooge and yes, in this case, anything is better than nothing.
Holiday book reading list- make a stack of all of your holiday books or hit the library. Try to read one a day starting December 1st with the last book being the story of Jesus’ birth on Christmas eve! We are doing this this year and i’m super excited about it.
Take your own family Christmas photos and get your Christmas cards ready. Christmas cards are going to be particularly special this year since we are all continuing to social distance. Make sure you’re getting cards out to elderly friends and family as they really cherish them! Use an easy service like shutterfly and let your kiddos help you with the design process.
Pick a night to go look at Christmas lights. Drive around in your holiday pjs, get cups of hot cocoa, turn up that christmas playlist and go see all of the things.
Hot cocoa cook off- make a big pot of crock pot hot chocolate then let everyone create their own unique flavors. Taste test and declare a winner!
Family video greeting - Feeling like the traditional Christmas card isn’t enough this year? It’s 2020! throw on some santa hats and record your family wishing everyone well this holiday season. Chat about some of your favorite holiday traditions and maybe share what the kiddos are asking for from Santa this year. Wouldn’t it be fun if everyone shared these on social media?! I love watching stuff like this.
Random act of kindness weekend- challenge your family to see who can do the nicest thing for someone else… Maybe it’s for your neighbor… maybe it’s clearing snow off of someone’s car in the Walmart parking lot…. maybe it’s for someone in your own house! Share your challenge on social media to inspire others to do the same!
Elf your neighbors… “You’ve been Elfed” …. leave treats on their porch… you know the drill. This holiday season we are focusing on making others feel celebrated (in return it makes us feel awesome) Try it- you’ll be so glad you did. Obviously get the kids in on this one.
Do a winter photo challenge (there are tons on Pinterest)
Start a winter cleaning schedule - being home more often means more chaos at home. I’m following a schedule this winter to help me keep things clean and organized. Kids can even get in on this. Each day has a list of tasks that has to be accomplished. ( I know, this doesn’t sound fun, but I find it to work well and keep stress levels down)
Create holiday themed date nights with your spouse- think outside the box.
Learn something new- I mean it. Winter is a great time to take up a new hobby. Always wanted to take a cooking class? There are TONS of free ones online. Learn how to craft something new- teach the entire family something fun and different. Maybe it’s perfecting a pie crust or editing videos… whatever you choose, stick with it and feel good about finishing a new project!
Try three new recipes. Brand spanking new that you’ve never tried before.
Find local outdoor holiday activities (if you’re local to me I recommend Big Cedar, Shepherd of the Hills, Finley River Park drive through lights, and Silver Dollar City)
Make an elf breakfast (fun holiday themed breakfast made by your elf)- Snowman pancakes etc you know the drill…
Fondue and holiday movie night! Never had fondue? Perfect!! Do it anyway.
Purge toys! Donate and sell old toys to make room for new ones! (we always do this before the holidays) Use the money you’ve made for a special family outing (Ice cream, hot cocoa, or maybe even a road trip!)
Put out a special gift for your mailman/ woman.
Buy a puzzle and put it together. Seriously, when is the last time you did a puzzle?
Holiday movie marathon with fun food (aka dips, apps, desserts) YOLO!
Buy new holiday themed mugs and use them! (target, tj maxx, hobby lobby all have super cheap cute ones)
Yes you’re doing Elf on the Shelf this year. No, you’re not being a scrooge.
Virtual or in person caroling… I seriously want to do this.
Grinch pancakes ( you just use green food coloring). See how easy that was.
Bake a birthday cake for Jesus
Feeling overwhelmed? Never get in the spirit because you feel like there are to many things to keep up with? Write down all of your favorite bucket list options on strips of paper and stick them in a jar. Let the kiddos pull one out weekly to see what activity is next!
Remember- you’ll never look back and say I wish I would’ve celebrated less. Do the things. Even if they cost nothing- even if it seems small… take the time to intentionally celebrate with your family.
I hope everyone has a fantastic holiday season! Follow along on instagram and tag me if you do anything festive. I’d love to see!
xo,
Chasity
