It's Time! Your Practical November & December Christmas Bucket List is Here.
November is officially here, and you know what that means: it's time to stop scrolling through holiday dreams and start planning those cozy, festive weekends. You're looking for practical, easy-to-do Christmas bucket list ideas that will actually happen between now and New Year's, and I'm here to deliver.
Forget Lapland trips (unless you're secretly a millionaire). Let's focus on the things to do in November and December that make the season magical without requiring a plane ticket or a huge budget.
The Cozy & Creative Christmas ideas perfect for November & Early December
This is where you ease into the festive activities and get those essential pre-Christmas tasks done.
1. The Ultimate Holiday Playlist: Let's be real, you're going to listen to it for two months straight. Curate your Christmas music playlist now so it's ready for all your baking and decorating sessions.
2. Start the Bake-Off (Low-Stakes Edition): Nobody is expecting a perfect yule log yet. Try a new Christmas cookie recipe or a batch of homemade hot chocolate. A holiday baking session is the quickest way to make your home smell incredible.
3. DIY & Decorating Day: Don't wait until December 1st. Put up the Christmas decorations and the Christmas tree while listening to that new playlist. Need something new? Try a simple DIY ornament or a homemade wreath to flex those creative muscles.
4. Get Ahead on Gifting: The single most practical thing you can do to reduce stress. Dedicate a Saturday to Christmas gift shopping and a separate evening for a big gift-wrapping session.
The Out & About Adventures
5. The Local Light Safari: This is a free classic. Drive or take a walk around your neighborhood to check out the best Christmas light displays. Bonus points for packing a thermos of your homemade hot cocoa.
6. Visit the Holiday Market: Whether it's a huge downtown attraction or a small local craft fair, visiting a Christmas market is a non-negotiable December activity. It's the perfect place to grab a festive drink and pick up a unique gift.
7. Get Your Skate On: Even if you spend more time holding onto the wall than gliding, ice skating is a quintessential winter fun experience. Find a local outdoor or indoor rink and make a date of it.
8. Catch a Show (Festive Entertainment): Get tickets for a local pantomime, a Christmas concert, or a viewing of The Nutcracker. It instantly adds that "proper holiday" feel.
Heartwarming & Homey
9. Movie Marathon and Fort Night: Pick a Sunday, build a blanket fort (yes, you're an adult, so what?), and binge all your favourite Christmas movies like Elf and Love Actually.
10. Give Back to Your Community: Use the season of giving as a chance to help out. Volunteer at a soup kitchen, donate toys or clothes, or buy an extra gift for a Secret Santa charity drive.
Don't forget the moments that really matter. These are the things people search for to make the holiday feel meaningful.
Time to put on that ugly Christmas sweater (or a cute thermal one) and head out for some classic winter activities.
Don't forget the moments that really matter. These are the things people search for to make the holiday feel meaningful.
Time to put on that ugly Christmas sweater (or a cute thermal one) and head out for some classic winter activities.
What's making it to the top of your November-December bucket list this year? Let me know your favourites below.
Photo by Humphrey Muleba
I love absolutely everything about this list! Confession: I am watching a Christmas movie right now. I am so excited for all of the festive fun. I am 100% going to write out this bucket list and make sure I check everything off. This is so creative and thoughtful. I love that each item is practical, achievable, and fun. The holiday season can get stressful, but this list prioritizes the joy <3
ReplyDeletethe creation of beauty is art.
I’m glad the list spoke to you. Keeping the season simple and joyful has a way of bringing out its best moments. I hope you enjoy every tradition you choose to include.
DeleteDear Melody! Christmas in Russia is on January 7th! I still have two months to make a plan.
ReplyDeleteThat gives you plenty of time to shape the season just the way you like it. I’m glad you’re already thinking ahead, and I hope the planning brings its own kind of joy.
DeleteI loved your list being a senior mid '70's now I still bake and cook for us-always have made homemade meals-but we don't get out into crowds anymore, love good music and good eats for the holidays for the two of us
ReplyDeleteIt’s heartening to hear how you’ve kept those traditions close. Home cooking and a bit of music can make the season feel full, even when it’s kept quiet and simple. I’m glad you’re still finding joy in the ways that have always mattered.
DeleteMelody gostei das ideias, aqui eu antecipo logo os presentes não gosto de fazer na hora, Melody bjs.
ReplyDeletePlanning ahead always makes the season more relaxed and enjoyable.
DeleteI love those out and about adventures! Thank you for some really cool ideas, Melody.
ReplyDeleteI’m glad they sparked some ideas for you. Getting out for a small adventure now and then can bring a welcome lift to the season. Enjoy every moment you choose to explore.
DeleteI strongly agree on the 10th point of your list, Melody.
ReplyDeleteIt’s often the simple things that make the biggest difference.
DeleteBom dia, Melody
ReplyDeleteÓtimas dicas, o Natal é uma época tão linda, gosto muito da reunião de famÃlia, são momentos preciosos e os filmes de Natal são maravilhosos, bjs querida.
I’m glad you enjoyed the tips. Family gatherings and cozy traditions really do make the season feel special.
DeleteI believe that good planning will help us have a wonderful time this winter. A perfect topic for now. Best regards 🤗 🫶
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely, careful planning can make all the difference. It’s wonderful to approach the season with intention and thoughtfulness.
DeleteMelody, I don't like winter, but I love Christmas!!! It's a wonderful time, but unfortunately, many bad things happened in my family in the weeks around Christmas :( A few years ago, on the evening of December 23rd, my grandmother died unexpectedly!!! The evening of December 23rd, a few hours before Christmas Eve!!! :(
ReplyDeleteSpeaking of plans and a to-do list before Christmas, I don't have one yet... Although, I went to the store today to buy window stickers :)
Melody, I send you my regards!
I’m so sorry for the difficult memories that time brings. It’s understandable that winter can feel heavy, even as Christmas holds its magic. Little touches like window stickers can bring a bit of light and warmth, taking things one small step at a time is perfectly enough.
DeleteDie meisten Punkte stehen auch auf meiner Weihnachtsliste.Von Backen und Kochen bis Weihnachtsmarktbesuch ist alles dabei. Was ich allerdings nie schaffe, ist rechtzeitig Weihnachtsgeschenke kaufen. Jedes Jahr will ich früher anfangen, aber dann warte ich wieder bis einen Tag vor Weihnachten.
ReplyDeleteIt’s comforting to know so many traditions overlap. Starting earlier with gifts is always the goal, but even last-minute efforts can carry just as much thought and care. You’re keeping the spirit alive, and that’s what matters most.
DeleteI love this list! I went Christmas shopping with my sister last weekend and this afternoon I watched a Christmas move and started wrapping so I'm on it. I just heard about a light festival happening near us so that's on the list and I also like your idea of making a good Christmas playlist. You're right - I'll be listening to it nonstop!
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you’re fully embracing the season, and in such a joyful way. Enjoy the lights, the music, and every bit of the preparations, it all adds to the magic.
DeleteBoa noite de paz, querida amiga Melody!
ReplyDeleteSinceramente, so ornamento a casa no inÃcio do Adevento.
Minha cidade e comércio local já estão no clima.
A Vila Natalina daqui está sendo montada e a inauguração será no dia 21, está ficando linda.
Minha prioridade é dar um bom trato na casa, separar o não ultilizado como roupas e doar.
Tenha dias abençoados!
Beijinhos fraternos
Good evening. Tidying, donating, and enjoying the festive atmosphere around you is a wonderful way to welcome the holidays. Wishing you peaceful and joyful days ahead.
DeleteThis post made me smile and gave me a good feeling
ReplyDeleteI’m so glad it brought a smile. That’s exactly the kind of feeling the season is meant to inspire.
DeletePrezenty kompletuję już od października, wolę mieć czas i szukam okazji.
ReplyDeletePięknych świąt!
That’s such a wise approach. Preparing early makes the season much more relaxed and enjoyable. Wishing you a truly wonderful holiday as well.
DeleteThis is a wonderful list of things we can do during the Christmas season. I love movie marathon - I just watched Elf the other night. It's one of my favorites. Visiting a holiday market is a good idea. There are so many booths to browse through, and bringing home goodies is the best part. I also enjoy yard sales during the Autumn months. And your number 10 is very special. To volunteer our time helping those who need it is a thoughtful thing to do. Enjoy this beautiful season.
ReplyDelete~Sheri
I’m glad the list resonated with you. It sounds like you’re already making the season rich with joy, treats, and meaningful moments. Volunteering truly adds a special touch to the holidays.
DeleteChristmas is around the corner!!! :O 😘😘🙋🌸😘😘🌸😘😘🌸😘😘🌸😘😘
ReplyDeleteFun tips!
ReplyDeleteIt's good to be organized and plan ahead to avoid last minute holiday stress and then you can enjoy everything too. The holiday season is a little different here in South Florida where the weather is 80-85 degrees daily. Wonderful suggestions Melody.
ReplyDeleteHej Melody twoja lista jest urocza i bardzo praktyczna. Lubię ten okres adwentowy, czas przygotowania do Świąt Bożego Narodzenia. Choinkę i ozdoby instaluje co prawda dopiero przed sama wigilią, ale czasem się wyłamuje i wieszam światełka żeby było miło. Wcześniej też robię kartki świąteczne, które potem wysyłam. Jak co roku wyśle coś miłego mojej kochanej koleżance Yuki z Japonii. Zawsze wymieniamy się pocztówkami na święta. Bardzo lubię chodzić po mieście przed świętami odwiedzać jarmarki świąteczne. Moje życzenie dla siebie na święta to abym kiedyś mogła polecieć do Japonii i zobaczyć się z Yuki w Tokio. Tobie życzę cudownych świąt z ukochanymi osobami i cudownych świąt.
ReplyDelete