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Holiday Season Bucket List

Bring the joy of the season to every day this month

By Jennifer Sheran, publisher Macaroni Kid McDonough, Stockbridge, Hampton, Locust Grove December 8, 2021

With extended school breaks and a focus on family, December is a month to experience. It is a month of memory-making and traditions. Our Advent calendar is usually a mix of a daily scripture verse and a bucket list item. Bucket list items don't have to be extravagant. They are simply things you want to experience or do. A bucket list also helps me plan out adventures for some family fun during the holidays. 

Below is my family's 2021 holiday bucket list. I'm sharing it with you in hopes it helps you find your holiday family fun as well! It is available as a printable so you can keep it on your fridge and check off each item you complete.





  1. Go see Santa - Make sure to check out our article on where Santa will be in the area this month!
  2. Drive to see Holiday displays - Holiday Road is a fabulous new walking trail of lights in nearby Fairburn.
  3. Watch a holiday movie - We love Home Alone, Elf, Rudolph and Polar Express and I confess, I enjoy snuggling on the couch to watch a Hallmark holiday romance.
  4. Do a backwards dinner and put on your PJS, cook breakfast and watch a movie.
  5. Bake Cookies! Here are some easy holiday cookie recipes from sister publication Macaroni Eats.
  6. Take a family Selfie in front of the tree.
  7. Clear out old toys - Make room for something new. Get your kids involved in the action.
  8. Make a family video greeting and text it to family and friends.
  9. Try out a new recipe.
  10. Go to a local parade  - Find one near you in our round up of area events.
  11. Create a holiday playlist.
  12. Enjoy a cup of hot chocolate.
  13. Make a teacher gift.
  14. Do an act of kindness. Here are some ways to give back in our community.
  15. Make an ornament.
  16. Build a gingerbread house.
  17. Mail a letter to Santa - Our printables page has a free Santa letter template.
  18. Read the Christmas story.
  19. Roast marshmallows or make s'mores.
  20. Go to a light festival.
  21. Decorate your tree.
  22. Make an ugly sweater - Get our free Ugly sweater coloring template.
  23. Read your favorite holiday book.
  24. Donate toys or canned goods.
  25. Go to a holiday concert.
  26. Send cards - It's easy with Send out cards!
  27. Buy new comfortable PJs from one of our local retailers.
  28. Light your fireplace or a candle and enjoy the dancing flame.
  29. BONUS: Elf a friend or neighbor! Free you've been Elf'd Kit