The Ultimate Holiday Bucket List: Daily Festive Activities for a Cozy Holiday Season
The holiday season is here, and it’s time to embrace the magic, warmth, and joy that the last few days of the year bring. From cozy moments at home to exciting outdoor adventures, there’s no better time to spend quality time with loved ones and celebrate the most wonderful time of the year.
This daily holiday bucket list is packed with festive activities to carry you through the holiday season, ensuring a season filled with happiness, gratitude, and holiday cheer.
Whether you’re looking for Thanksgiving-inspired gratitude activities or Christmas traditions to make your days merry and bright, this guide has you covered. Let’s dive in and make the most of this enchanting season!
The Week Before Thanksgiving - The Calm Before The Storm
Start a gratitude journal - take time each day to write down three things you are grateful for and keep it going through the season for a mindful holiday season.
Make a warm cozy meal - treat yourself to a warm cozy meal the week before Thanksgiving. I’m talking a hearty soup, a chicken pot pie, or a warm chili recipe.
Deep clean your house - this is the perfect time to get into all those areas in your house that are normally ignored, queue up an audiobook and get to cleaning to prep for all the cozy holiday decorations.
Create a holiday capsule wardrobe - the holidays are full of gatherings and social commitments. Go through your closet and figure out which pieces you want to wear this year and if you need any new pieces for any holiday events and go shopping for those.
Donate to a cause that’s close to your heart - do some research and find a cause you are passionate about and donate! Donating does not necessarily have to be money, you can donate toys, clothes you no longer use, items in your house that need a new home, or even your time.
DIY your own go-to holiday drink - My go-to right now is a cardamom cold brew latte using the cardamom cold brew from Trader Joe’s.
Host your Friendsgiving gathering! Finish up the week with a cozy gathering with your closest friends. Here is my ultimate guide to hosting a cozy Friendsgiving this year.
Thanksgiving Week: Yummy Foods, Cozy Gatherings, and Fall Vibes
Get Your Christmas Tree - If you have a natural tree every year like I do, now is the time to go pick out the perfect tree. Thanksgiving is too late this year to wait till after Thanksgiving to bring in the Christmas vibes.
Bake a Classic Thanksgiving Dessert - Try your hand at a pumpkin or pecan pie. Bonus: your home will smell amazing!
Watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade - Gather with family and watch this iconic parade to kick off Thanksgiving. Don’t forget the hot cocoa! We normally watch the parade Thursday morning while we cook all the Thanksgiving food.
Get your Christmas present list ready - Black Friday is just around the corner at this point and you can shop the sales to get everyone the perfect most special Christmas present.
Prep and Enjoy a Cozy Thanksgiving Meal - Whether it’s a big turkey dinner or a simple meal, it’s time to cozy up, celebrate with your loved ones, give thanks for all the year has brought you, and focus on connection and gratitude.
Go on a Fall Nature Walk - This is one of my favorite family traditions. Bundle up and admire the crisp air and autumn colors. Take a moment to appreciate the beauty of the season and walk off that delicious Thanksgiving dinner.
Decorate for Christmas - Now that your tree is all fluffed up and opened up, it is time to wrap up Thanksgiving by decorating your tree and adding festive touches to your home. Put on a festive movie in the background to help you get into the Christmas mood.
Christmas Countdown: 25 Days of Festive Fun
1. Start Your 25 Day Advent Calendar - We have been doing Advent Calendars for years and I just love the little Christmas treat at the end of the day. There are so many options to pick from, even though I normally just go for the classic chocolate calendar.
2. Create a Holiday Playlist - Put together your favorite Christmas songs to set the mood for the season.
3. Decorate a Gingerbread House - Have fun building and decorating a gingerbread house. This is a great activity for all ages! Cozy up, put a movie on in the background and get to decorating.
4. Hang Your Outdoor Lights - Share in the holiday spirit by hanging some lights outside. It gives me so much joy to get home after a long day and see all the twinkle lights outside my house.
5. Set Out a Holiday Candy Dish - Go to your local grocery store and pick out your favorite Holiday candy and put out a dish for your guests to enjoy. Bonus point if you get a Holiday dish to go along with the candy. This activity requires some self-control but your guests will love it.
6. Have a Classic Holiday Movie Marathon - Snuggle up with some snacks and a hot drink and enjoy all your Christmas favorites. I love Home Alone, Serendipity, Harry Potter, and The Holiday of course!
7. Get All Your Gift-Wrapping Supplies - It’s time to take stock of the Christmas gift-wrapping supplies you already have and stock up on anything you are running low on or anything you’ll need.
8. Light a Seasonal Candle - Fill your home with the scents of cinnamon, pine, or vanilla for an instant cozy vibe.
9. Have a Cookie Baking Day - Bake holiday cookies to share with friends, family, or neighbors. You can make a fun day out of it by inviting some of your friends and have each friend pick a recipe and bring the ingredients to bake that cookie!
10. Treat Yourself to a Festive Holiday Manicure - Now is the perfect time to book that holiday mani-pedi. Opt for something fun and a little out of your comfort zone for some holiday cheer.
11. Take a Drive to See the Holiday Lights - Explore your local neighborhoods or light shows for a dazzling experience. This year we are taking our dog to see a holiday light show and I can’t wait to experience this festive activity through him.
12. Host a Holiday Game Night - Plan a fun evening with Christmas charades, trivia, or Pictionary.
13. Make a Reservation at Your Favorite Restaurant - I love a festive date night. Restaurants will usually decorate for Christmas. This is the perfect excuse to get dressed up and go out!
14. Go See the Nutcracker Ballet - Do some research and find a local showing of the Nutcracker Ballet. Seeing the Nutcracker is one of my favorite Christmas traditions and I try to go every year. If there are no showings near you, just cozy up, make a snack and watch the Nutcracker movie instead.
15. Attend a Local Holiday Market - Support small businesses while shopping for unique gifts.
16. Read a Holiday Book - I love reading at least one holiday book this time a year. There is nothing cozier than bundling up with a warm drink and festive book to get you in the spirit. Some of my favorite holiday books are In a Holidaze by Christina Lauren and Holiday Romance by Catherine Walsh.
17. Collect a Unique Ornament - We normally collect ornaments throughout the year from our travels and adventures, but I also like to think about any big milestones or important moments from that year and get some personalized or unique ornaments to commemorate the accomplishment. I love looking back at all the ornaments each year when we are setting up the tree.
18. Break Out the Ugly Christmas Sweater - Last year, we got the ugliest Christmas sweaters on sale and I cannot wait to wear them again this year!
19. Finalize your Christmas Shopping - Time to check your list twice and make sure you have a present for everyone on your list. This year we are keeping presents simple but you can also try making something. I find that a thoughtful gift goes a very long way.
20. Build a Snowman (or a Faux One!) - If you have snow, head outside to create a snowman. No snow? Get creative indoors with a faux snow craft.
21. Have a Pajama Day - Stay cozy at home in your favorite pajamas with your favorite Christmas movies, books, tea, and blankets.
22. Wrap Gifts with Care - Turn gift-wrapping into an event with festive music and a cozy drink by your side.
23. Take a Family Photo - Get everyone together, preferably in festive outfits, and take a family photo together.
24. Plan a Christmas Eve Dinner - Prepare a special meal to enjoy with loved ones, complete with candlelight and holiday music.
25. Enjoy a Cozy Christmas Morning - Open gifts, watch the Christmas parade, and sip on eggnog, and soak in the magic of Christmas Day.
The Week After Christmas: Reflect and Celebrate
Start a Twelve-Day Advent Calendar - The twelve days between Christmas and Epiphany are my favorite. I love the slow days, cozing up and taking advantage of each little bit left of the festive season.
Host a Post-Holiday Movie Marathon - Relax and watch a series of holiday classics you didn’t get to earlier.
Create a Vision Board for the New Year - Start planning your goals and dreams for the coming year, incorporating gratitude for the season.
Make a Winter Comfort Food Dish - Try a new soup or casserole recipe for a warm and hearty meal.
Go Ice Skating or Enjoy an Outdoor Activity - Get some fresh air and embrace winter fun.
Reflect on the Past Year - Write down your favorite memories, lessons learned, and what you’re looking forward to in the new year.
Celebrate New Year’s Eve with Intentions - Host a small gathering or have a quiet night in, focusing on what you’re grateful for and excited about in the year ahead.
January 1-6: Epiphany Week
Plan a Cozy Self-Care Day - Treat yourself to a bath, a good book, and some quiet time to recharge.
Host a Winter Dinner Party - Invite friends or family for a meal to keep the cozy vibes going into January.
Write Thank You Notes - Show appreciation by sending handwritten notes to those who made your holiday special.
Try a New Hobby - Pick up a craft, puzzle, or activity that brings you joy during the long winter days.
Celebrate Epiphany or Little Christmas - If you celebrate, enjoy a final festive day before the season officially ends.
Take Down Holiday Decorations - Time to say goodbye to the holiday season and take some time to deep clean, organize and store your holiday decor.
With this holiday bucket list, you’re all set to make every day of the season festive, cozy, and meaningful. Remember, the holidays are about savoring the little things, connecting with loved ones, and creating memories that last a lifetime. Pick your favorite activities, get creative, and enjoy this magical time of year!
Let me know: What’s your favorite way to feel festive during the holidays? I’d love to hear your ideas!
