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December Holiday Bucket List
Festive things to fit into the month, from buying matching pajamas early to strolling a holiday market.
A real, editable checklist below — tick, tap a line to rewrite, drag to reorder.
Tick the circles, tap any line to change it, drag the dots to reorder.
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Matching pajamas are worth buying early. Salt Family Travels says sizes run out quickly, and the family buys a size up, hoping they will fit the following year. The rest of the list can fill whatever weekends are free. The Everygirl keeps a short list, enough for at least one festivity each weekend. This list assumes a mix of home and local outings. It leaves out religious observances, and the Huntsville market dates in the notes are only an example, so look up your own.
Why these items are on the list
- Buy matching pajamas early. Salt Family Travels says sizes run out quick; they buy a size up, hoping they fit next year.
- Get an advent calendar. Salt Family Travels suggests one to count down to the big day.
- Send holiday greeting cards. Write cards for family and for a local assisted-living home; decorated ornaments are a gift alternative.
- Donate toys to a shelter. Salt Family Travels suggests giving toys to a local shelter or Toys for Tots.
- Check holiday market dates. Huntsville's 2025 market season was scheduled from early November through Christmas week; look up your local dates.
- Take a gift-making class. Lowe Mill in Huntsville runs classes in candle pouring, painting, rug tufting and blacksmithing.
- Stroll a holiday market. The Everygirl author's favorite finds are candles, pottery and jewelry, and you can tick off gifts.
- Go ice skating. Look up your nearest outdoor rink and when its season ends.
- Drive around to see lights. A drive-through neighborhood display with Christmas music on the radio is a good one.
- Walk a luminary-lit tour. On the Twickenham tour, streets are lined with lights and a few homes open their doors.
- Catch a live holiday performance. The Everygirl says ballet, symphony, concert or theater all count, and so do carolers.
- Pick a few holiday movies. The Everygirl author prioritizes three or four; anything after that is a bonus.
- Decorate cookies, solo or as a party. For a party, pre-bake the cookies and have toppings and icing ready. Store-bought dough and icing are fine.
- Make a large batch of mulled wine. Salt Family Travels suggests a large batch; another list pairs it with homemade cider.
- Host a holiday cocktail hour. The Everygirl favors it over a full dinner party: just a nibble board and drinks.
- Host a Secret Santa. Gather family and friends for it; it's on the adult bucket list.
- Plan one adults-only evening. A Christmas movie with your partner once the kids are in bed.
- Sip cocoa by the fire. No fireplace? Put a Yule log on Netflix instead.
- Plan the new year. A head start on a productive new year, borrowed from the adult Christmas list.
Keep it on your phone and tick items as you go, aiming for at least one festivity each weekend, as The Everygirl does. Share it with the household and let everyone claim an item.
When to use it
Best opened before you start shopping, since Salt Family Travels says matching pajama sizes sell out quickly.