The leaves have fallen, colder weather is pretty much here, and pumpkin spice lattes are being replaced by gingerbread lattes. All of these can only mean one thing… The holidays are just around the corner! *cue ‘All I Want For Christmas Is You by Mariah Carey’* As we begin to prepare for one of the busiest times of the year, I thought it might be a good idea to create a holiday bucket list to not only help myself and others get into the holiday spirit, but to use it as a tool to help keep the Winter Blues at bay.
Around this time of year when it starts staying darker longer and where the cold finds me cooped up inside more than I would typically like, I find I start to experience a shift in my mood. Some might call this the Winter Blues. I feel less social, I become more irritable, I’m constantly tired, and what should be the most wonderful time of the year can find me stressed and anxious.
So this year I decided to create a holiday bucket list made up of things I love to do most during this season which includes a few of my favourite gift ideas. This list that I am going to share with you includes simple things and tasks that won’t break the bank and will hopefully help beat those Winter Blues.
1. Purchase an Advent Calendar
A simple way of having something to look forward to every day! They come in a wide variety of different subject matter and range in prices. For example, Davids Tea does the 24 Days of Tea for $50.00 and Lindt has there Lindt Teddy Assorted Milk Chocolate Advent Calendar for $13.99
2. Set up a Christmas Tree
A given, but one of my favourite things to do! Put on a Christmas Playlist and/or your favourite Christmas movie and just start decorating!
3. Watch your Favourite Christmas/Holiday Movie
There are so many Christmas classics out there, including The Grinch (I’ll try not to argue over what’s better between the live-action and animated versions), Home Alone, It’s A Wonderful Life, A Christmas Story, etc. and with the plethora of Netflix Christmas Originals you will have a movie to watch every night for the month of December!
4. Admire the Christmas Lights
This could be as simple as walking around your neighbourhood and admiring the light displays at different homes! But my personal favourite is walking through a local park close to where I live that has put up a Christmas lights display every year ever since I was little.
5. Bake Christmas Cookies
A great way to take your mind off of holiday stress is by losing yourself in the art of baking. My favourite to make and decorate are my Grandma’s shortbread cookies. The cookies you make can also make for a very cost-effective gift… and make for some tasty treats for the whole holiday season!
6. Enjoy a Holiday Drink
Enjoy some classic holiday drinks like hot chocolate with marshmallows or my personal favourite Eggnog with a bit of Bailey’s.
7. Create a Family/Friend Calendar
Last year I created a family calendar for the upcoming year for each of my family members. It included pictures from the previous year and was a huge hit! Very simple to do and a great way to reminisce over the past year’s memories.
8. Participate in a Gift Card Exchange
It is a great time of year to shop, gift and of course to support local businesses (be they restaurants or artisans). If you have a favourite restaurant or store be sure to order a gift card and gift someone you care about. This could be a total stranger, a friend, or a family member – it doesn’t matter how much or where from, just spread the love and support local!
9. Enjoy the Snow
Although I’m not someone who enjoys the cold, I do, however, love a good snowfall. There’s just something so relaxing about watching big snowflakes fall from the sky. I personally like to go for a walk, and then enjoy the snowfall with a toasty drink from inside the comfort of my own home.
10. Pay it Forward
During this season I hope to pay it forward at least once with something as simple as paying for someone’s coffee order in a drive-thru line. This simple task can make someone else feel good, but can also make you feel good too. Other ideas include donating a toy/clothes to a child or adult in need, and donating to your local food bank.
No doubt this is one of the busiest times of the year, and for some of us that comes with added stress and anxiety. I created this bucket list to not only help myself ease the stress that comes along with the holidays, but to remind me of the joy this season brings me when I truly focus on the things that matter. I believe Dr. Seuss said it best – “What if Christmas, he thought, doesn’t come from a store. What if Christmas…perhaps…means a little bit more?” I hope this bucket list either sparks some newfound Christmas/holiday traditions or helps you remember what you love most about this season. If you’re looking for some other holiday-inspired content be sure to check out Alex’s Holiday Gift Guide for Fitness Lovers here or Mikaela’s Gifts from the Heart here.
Stay safe and Happy Holidays everyone! 🙂
