35 Simple Christmas Bucket List Ideas for Families with Kids

The Christmas season is the perfect time to spend more intentional time with the whole family. I have some great ideas that will ignite the Christmas spirit and maybe start a new tradition in your family. I have so many memories as a child doing these fun things during Christmas time. Enjoy trying these 35 Christmas bucket list ideas this season!

Bake Cookies

Cookie baking was a family tradition we would do with all of my girl cousins, aunts, and sisters! We would each come ready with our favorite cookie recipe and bake all day! At the end of our baking time, we would swap out cookies and Christmas treats. As little kids, my sisters and cousins would agree that these times when we would bake Christmas cookies were memory-making moments, seeing our moms make all the yummy Christmas desserts. Decorating sugar cookies was always my favorite part.

Build a Snowman 

If you live in an area that has a cold winter you may get those amazing “White Christmas” moments. As long as I don’t have to drive anywhere, I truly love the snow. A great way for kids to enjoy the winter months is to spend time outdoors! Building a snowman can be so fun, especially if you have buttons, a carrot nose, and a scarf to give to your snowman.

Random Acts of Kindness

The holidays can be a challenging time for many people. Take a few moments and do a random act of kindness for someone else. It could be simple like paying for the person’s coffee in front of you in the drive-through. Or you could simply smile at someone you pass. Delivery drivers are also busy this time of year! As a family, you could write a thank you note to your delivery driver. There are so many ways to show kindness this time of year. 

Build a Gingerbread House

Building and decorating gingerbread houses was one of my favorite things to do with my dad growing up. We didn’t just make your traditional store-bought gingerbread house. We made a gingerbread village. This can be a great activity for any age.

Make a Homemade Christmas Gift

Homemade gifts are the perfect way to save money and show how much you love and appreciate those around you. Last year I enjoyed baking my gifts for family members. A loaf of fresh sourdough bread wrapped in a beautiful Christmas tea towel was the perfect gift! Encouraging your child(ren) to make gifts for their grandparents, other siblings, or cousins can be a way to help them see what the Christmas season is all about. 

Make Chocolate Covered Cherries

Homemade chocolate-covered cherries were another yearly family tradition in our home. Here is a recipe similar to what we used. This will be on my Christmas bucket list for sure this year!

Make Hot Cocoa

Hot chocolate is a perfect winter treat for a family game night or just a cozy night on the couch watching your favorite holiday movies. Add a fun twist to your hot cocoa by making it a hot cocoa bar with special add-ins like sprinkles, whipped cream, marshmallows, and peppermint candies. 

Make Giant Paper Snowflakes

As a classroom teacher, I would teach my students how to make these giant paper snowflakes. They are so fun to hang in the window or from the ceiling. 

Make Orange Slice Garland 

Last year I had so much fun making some of my own Christmas decorations. Making a dried orange slice garland is a simple and beautiful decoration. What better way to get your kids involved than by assembling an orange, cranberry, and popcorn garland to add to the Christmas tree?

Make Christmas Cards

Another way to cut down on extra costs during the holiday season is to make your own Christmas cards. Get out crafting supplies and go to town. I love looking on Pinterest for DIY card ideas.

Go Christmas Caroling 

As Buddy the Elf says, “The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.” Christmas traditions like Christmas caroling are one of the best ways to share the joy of the season with others. Consider going with a local church or visiting a nursing home. This makes a great activity to do with extended family and young children. Take time to teach your child the words to a new Christmas carol before you go out caroling so they can participate!

Make Orange Pomanders

I remember when my aunt showed me how to make orange pomanders. They are a fun way to make your own Christmas decorations and will make your living room smell so wonderful! Simply press whole cloves into an orange. You can make beautiful designs with the cloves or just place them however you wish. 

Get Matching Christmas Pajamas for the Family

I am looking forward to starting this tradition of waking up in matching pajamas on Christmas morning. 

Volunteer in your Community

Take time this Christmas season to volunteer at a local food bank! 

Learn How to Wrap a Present 

Wrapping gifts can be a hard skill to learn and not something you would often think to put on your Christmas bucket list. This time of year would be a great time to teach your child how to wrap a gift. I’m all about bringing practical activities into our home, and learning how to wrap a present is a very practical skill for anyone to have.

Decorate the Christmas Tree

Decorating the Christmas tree while listening to your favorite Christmas songs is a favorite moment this time of year for me. My sister has the tradition with her family to decorate the tree on Christmas Eve, which is also a special tradition to hold.

Make a Snow Angle 

Add making a snow angle to your holiday bucket list if you live in a cooler location where snow falls this time of year. 

Host a cookie swap

Put together a small gathering and ask each person to bring a batch of cookies. At the party, swap out cookies to get a whole variety of cookies for your Christmas celebrations. Freeze them and bring them to your other Christmas gatherings in the upcoming weeks. To add to the festivities, you could ask your guests to wear an ugly Christmas sweater!

Here are a few more ideas for your Family Christmas bucket list!

• Drive and look at Christmas Lights
• Watch a Christmas Movie 
• Go Ice Skating 
• Go Sledding
• Check out Christmas books from your Local Library
• Cut Down a Christmas Tree 
• Make a Christmas Ornament 
• Host a dinner party
• Make a Christmas Paper Chain
• See the Nutcracker ballet
• Do a Christmas puzzle
• Listen to Christmas Music
• Wear fun Christmas socks
• Try a new holiday recipe 
• Use an advent calendar 
• Make peppermint bark
• Host an ugly sweater party