The holiday season is officially here! There is so many things to do to celebrate the season. A holiday bucket list is a great way to make sure you check off everything the whole family wants to do! Check out our holiday bucket list below and get started on your holiday celebrations the whole family will love.
Lansing Mom is here to share our tried and true favorites. This post does contain affiliate links that help support our small business but every product is something we love!
12 Days of Books
What: Wrap 12 books ( you can choose a holiday theme too) and have the kiddos unwrap one each night until Christmas. This activity will give them a chance to unwrap gifts early and encourages a love for all things reading.
Tips: Scholastic has you covered for excellent book ideas for multiple ages.
Decorate Christmas Cookies
What: You can bake sugar cookies from scratch or buy the ready-to-bake kind at your local Target to save time. I always buy vanilla frosting and food coloring then pick our family favorite toppings. This gives everyone a hands-on activity that is fun for any age.
Tips: Spice it up by having a cookie decorating contest. You could also be the best neighbor ever and do a cookie door drop.
Elf of the Shelf
What: Purchase your elf and hide him in a new spot each day in December until Christmas. Your elf comes with a book to kick off the month, too. I know it can be daunting having to remember hiding the elf each night when their kids go to bed, but the magic it brings will hopefully be worth it. Some use the elf as Santa’s helper for good behavior and others have the elf do “naughty” things like spilling the candy.
Tips: This site has has over 100 ideas to get you started.
Gingerbread Houses
What: This has to be my favorite holiday activity. We always get the kits, but you can use graham crackers and frosting, too. My mother-in-law actually taught me how to use milk cartons for the base to hold it together.
Tips: The kits come with toppings, but we always buy more. I mean, you need some to munch on while you work, right?
Hot Cocoa and Lights Drive
What: Wait for it to get dark, put the comfy clothes or pajamas on, load up the car, and head to the nearest drive-thru with hot chocolate. Once you are set, head to your favorite neighborhood with all of the pretty Christmas lights. Not only does this get you out of the house but doesn’t require spending a ton of money either.
Tips: Save even more by making your own hot cocoa.
Santa Experience
What: The Peacock Family farm is still having their Santa Experience, this year. Each family will get to ride to see Santa in their own train car and still visit Santa at his cabin.
Oh Christmas Tree
What: Head to your local tree farm or put together a fake tree with the family. Nothing says traditional Christmas like decorating the tree together.
Tips: Star Tree Farm in Mason has real trees for the picking!
Helping Those in Need
What: If you are able, why not spread some holiday cheer to those in need? There are many charities to choose from such as The Greater Lansing Food Bank, and several churches are still providing dinner to families in need. Find what works for your family and let the holiday spirit spread to as many as possible.
Tips: You can adopt a family via The Salvation Army. Their website lists several ways such as donating to pay bills and warm clothing items needed.
Holiday Movie Marathon
What: Stock up on all of your favorite holiday flicks, get your favorite holidays pajamas on, make yours favorite holiday treats, and snuggle in with the family.
Tips: Make this a weekly event or do one movie a night the whole month of December!
Looking for more holiday fun? Look no further, just head here for all the holiday joy this season!
