Welcome to DAY 6 of the 25 Days of Holiday Cheer Series on the blog. Today I am going to talk about things to do to keep that cheery holiday spirit alive during the month of December.
I get so excited about the holidays (I know that’s probably obvious to you at this point if you’ve been following my blog this month.) but I also tend to get swept up in all the “necessary” holiday To-Do’s that sometimes I forget to plan or make time for those fun festive moments I look forward to all year long.
To stay on track, and make sure I have a holly jolly good time before Christmas day sneaks up on me, I like to make a list of things I want to do during the month of December. I thought I would share it here with you today.
I’ve put together a list of 15 things to do during this magical month.So without further a due, here is my
2017 Holiday Bucket List:
1. Make a list of your favorite holiday movies, and watch at least one each week until Christmas. I’ll be posting a list of all my favorites, and what to watch this year tomorrow; so be sure to check back for that.
2. Create a holiday playlist (if you don't have one already,) or follow one you like on Spotify. Here is a link to my personal Christmas playlist.
3. Make your favorite cup of hot chocolate at home, cuddle up on the sofa, (christmas PJ’s make this experience much better) and enjoy one of those holiday movies (or two.) Don't forget to sit back, and soak in that sentimental seasonal feeling this year.
4.Find a holiday Scent you love for your home and for your body.
- My current favorite scents for my home: Peppermint Party by Pier One in the room spray, and Twisted Peppermint, Vanilla Spiced Pear, Tis the Season, Winter, and Marshmallow Fireside Candles by Bath & Body Works.
- For the Body: I absolutely love the new holiday set of body washes by Philosophy AND the Philosophy Holiday Glazed Body Souffle Set. The scents are heavenly and perfect for anyone who wants to smell festive every night when they slip into those holiday jammies.
5. Have a self care night Holiday style
It’s really important to take time for yourself during the hustle and bustle of the season.
Here’s a few ideas:
- Turn on all the Christmas lights, and light your favorite Christmas candle. Really set the holiday mood in your home.
- Have some more hot cocoa or peppermint tea
- Use your seasonally scented bath products, and once again slip into those Christmas PJs I can’t seem to stop mentioning in this post.
- Find a face mask that leaves you feeling festive and pamper your skin.
- Slip into bed early, read a Christmas or winter themed novel, and leave social media & technology behind for the evening.
6. Visit your local farmer’s market. This time of year vendors often offer seasonal treats you might not be able to snag once the holidays are behind us. Plus, most markets and booths are decked out with pretty decorations. If strolling along the streets or sidewalks of a festive handmade marketplace doesn't put you in the holiday spirit I don't know what will.
7. Remember to give. Buy a gift for a child in need through your local non-profit, or volunteer to help local charities that are busy this time of year. You’re helping hand will be greatly appreciated, and its such a wonderful way to truly give of yourself this December. You can check your local news paper websites, TV news sites, and Facebook for ones in your area.
8. Host a family or friend game night with a holiday theme. This can be as simple as just playing cards or monopoly in your festive holiday sweaters and PJs while Christmas music plays in the background. Or you can go all out and purchase a festive version of your favorite board game.
9. Find a winter festival or event and join in on the fun. Check the internet and your local paper or magazine for any special holiday events and carnivals going on during the month of December. Don't forget to check out near by small towns as well. They often have some of the best festivals; plus it can be so fun to walk around a picturesque little town for the day that's all decked out in lights and holiday decor.
10. Bake a new festive treat this year. Surprise the family this year, and start a new tradition by learning to bake a new sweet treat to bring to the table during your annual holiday gatherings. A great way to find new holiday recipes you’re guaranteed to love is by visiting your favorite foodie blog. Don’t have one of those? Just get on that magical website we like to call Pinterest, and start searching holiday or Christmas desserts.
11. Visit a local coffee shop. Now we all know my love for a good cup of brew runs deep. And while there will always be a place in my heart for Starbucks, (and their adorable holiday cups this season,) I’m not thinking of Starbucks when I say this. Find a locally owned and operated unique little coffee shop or cafe, and try out their coffee. The ambience will probably be delightful, and they might even have a delicious seasonal drink or two for you to taste test.
12. Send a Christmas card (or two) to a soldier, the local police department, or your closest fire station. Our military as well as those who serve our community do so much for us all year long, and most are away from their families during the holidays. Send a festive card of thanks to as many as you'd like this year.
13. Spend the day in your Christmas Jammies. (Yes, I said it again.) To me, December is all about holiday cheer and getting cozy when it starts getting cold out side. So pick a time when you can take a break from the holiday bustle, and spend it in your PJs all day. This would be a great day to binge watch that movie list if you haven’t done so already.
14. Create a holiday card keepsake box. Holiday cards can be such wonderful mementos from family and friends, but it’s always so tempting to just toss them out after the season is over if you're lacking a great place to store them. Visit your local craft store or Michael’s, and pick up a photo keeper box (or just grab an old shoe box from your closet and get a little crafty.) You can add dividers (most photo boxes come with them,) to divide each different year.
15. Surprise your special someone with a festively themed date night. This doesn't have to be your honey (although a goodnight kiss under the mistletoe is always a nice holiday memory.) You can treat your best friend, your mom, or the kids to a special day full of holly jolly fun as well. You can get creative, and do a little research into what’s going on locally that you might enjoy doing together. Or, you can plan a night in, themed around your favorite holiday flick. You can make food, do crafts, and wear items that are featured in the movie, all while watch this fabulous film of course.
Need a few movie suggestions? Here are my top 3 sure Holiday Hits:
Home Alone & Home Alone 2: You can order pizza, wear shirts with funny one liners from the movie, and give that special guest of yours a turtle dove ornament. If you’re like me, and really want to kick it up a notch, you can booby trap the front door when then come in; which is what I plan to do to Travis (don’t tell him.) If you do decide to get a little mischievous with this one, make it fun and not harmful or mean…keep it clean and safe people!
Elf: Probably the easiest to theme (and the most fun.) I have so many ideas for this one I could write an entire post, but I’ll keep it short and sweet. There’s some really fun movie themed treat ideas on Pinterest; I suggest making a few of those. You can dress like Buddy, or just wear a movie themed tee. If you wanna get really fun with it, go visit Santa and get excited. If you’re doing this one with the kids, it could be fun to have them write and illustrate their own children's Christmas book too.
A Christmas Story: I’m literally sitting here laughing as I type just thinking of all the possibilities here. From the food to the attire, if you’re a fan of this movie then you know the possibilities for a theme night of holiday classic greatness are basically endless. You can even buy a leg lamp if you really wanted too. I think it would be fun to have A Christmas Story themed gift exchange too. Travis would definitely be getting a pink bunny onesie.
Download the free PDF version of this list:
That’s it for now! Thanks for stopping by the blog today, and I hope you enjoyed my little list of things to do this December. Now go out and make some holiday memories with the ones you hold dear.
Happy Holidays,
Brit