2022 Holiday Bucket List
I have a confession to make: I used to be a huge Christmas Grinch. I was the person who grumbled about holiday music being played too early and cringe at ugly Christmas sweaters.
BUT I am completely reformed and now do everything I can to spread a little bit of Christmas cheer.
My Holiday Season Bucket List
Decorate a gingerbread house
The gingerbread house kits make decorating a gingerbread house super easy and don’t involve any baking. I have a kit leftover from last year that I’m excited to break out.
Go look at Christmas lights
My family used to go look at Christmas lights every year. I’m still new to my area, so I’m excited to scope out the houses that really go the extra mile with their lights.
Drink hot cocoa
This is a simple one that can turn a weeknight into a special event. Pair it with a Christmas movie for extra holiday magic.
Mail Christmas cards
I’ve been pretty unpredictable when it comes to sending out Christmas cards for a few years now. This year, I’m planning on making a personalized linocut Christmas card, featuring me, my husband, and our two guinea pigs, Pepper and Peanut.
Watch Home Alone
I haven’t watched Home Alone since I was a kid, and I’m not sure if I’ve ever watched it all the way through. I’m excited to add this to my list of Christmas traditions.
Make a Yule Log
In college, I worked at a french bakery that made extravagant Bouches des Noëlles every Christmas. A couple years ago, I successfully made one and it was incredible. This year, I even want to try making meringue mushrooms.
Have a guinea pig (or pet) photoshoot
I realize that this one is pretty specific for me, because most people don’t have guinea pigs… but wouldn’t a guinea pig in a Santa hat be so cute?!
Listen to Christmas music
I’m hoping to have several Christmas music listening sessions, all with their own vibes. Cooking to Christmas Jazz, dancing to Christmas pop, and eating Christmas cookies to the classics.
Christmas crafts with my husband
I’ve already gotten a jumpstart on my Christmas crafts this year (I’m learning that when you’re a blogger, you make your Christmas crafts in September), but I’m excited to make some more basic crafts with my husband. Does anyone have any suggestions?
Make paper snowflakes
Elsie from the A Beautiful Mess podcast makes a ton of paper snowflakes with her kids every year, and covers her windows with them. I don’t have kids, and all of my windows are wrapped (thanks, Montana) to keep the cold out, but I do think paper snowflakes will look cute around my apartment.
Bake peppermint bark or peppermint cookies
I haven’t decided which of these I’m going to tackle. I’ve made chocolate peppermint cookies in the past, but peppermint bark just sounds so fun.
Make a snow angel and Build a snowman
There’s still something so novel to me about making a snow angel and building a snowman. It’s the Florida girl in me.
Make a holiday wreath
There are so many cute wreath tutorials out there, and I’m excited to give one a try. I’ve seen yarn wreaths and paper wreaths, but I might just go with a classic pine wreath.
Watch cheesy Christmas movies
You know the ones. I enjoyed watching The Princess Switch and The Princess Switch 2 last year. This year, I’ll definitely be watching Falling for Christmas with Lindsey Lohan, and The Holiday.
Bake Christmas cookies
This one is a given! I started learning how to decorate with royal icing last year. It takes a TON of patience and practice, and I’m ready to tackle it again another year.
A few of these things I will definitely end up repeating a couple times - like drinking hot cocoa and listening to Christmas music. I’m so excited to go all-out this holiday season, and maybe sway a couple other Grinches to become Christmas lovers too.