A Simplified Holiday Bucket List

This year, I’m getting started on my holiday bucket list early.  Ain’t no room for procrastinating in this house anymore!  My three boys are keeping me on my toes.

I’ve already been asked when we’re going to bust out our Christmas decorations (not ’til the second week of December) and I’m working hard to get out my holiday cards during the holidays this year.  Gotta have goals.

So, in no particular order – here’s what’s on the Holiday Bucket List this year, I hope we get it all done!  I’ll be sure to update you with our progress (and inevitable mishaps) along the way!

1) Show my children the importance of giving back.  I haven’t specifically selected what we are going to do, but whether it’s going through the kids toys and selecting things to donate or helping in food pantry, I hope that my boys will learn the importance of helping others this holiday season.

2) Do a craft.  Did I just say that?  I know!  I’m going to bust out some paint.  Some scissors.  Maybe even glitter.  I know.  Hell may be freezing over right now.  Seriously though, my kids love a craft, and I think they’d love it if I helped them make a few handmade gifts for family and friends.  I’m actually a little excited about it.  I’ve got a Pinterest board chock full of ideas, if you need any!

Follow Mom Favorites {Katie}’s board Our Favorite Christmas on Pinterest.

3) Check out the holiday lights.  There are quite a few destination light displays in our area, but even if we don’t do an “official” tour, we may just grab some travel mugs of hot cocoa and drive through some neighborhoods to see the houses done up in the holiday best.

4) Watch a Christmas flick.  There’s nothing I love much more than popping a bowl of popcorn, getting in my pajama’s, turning on the fire, and cuddling up with my boys to watch a holiday movie on a winter night.  That’s the good stuff.

This year, I’ve promised the kids we can watch “Curious George: A Very Monkey Christmas,” which will air on November 26th on PBS KIDS.  My boys love some Curious George, and I love some PBS KIDS.  It’s a win-win for everyone.  The movie promises to teach the real spirit of the holiday season with Curious George and the Man with the Yellow Hat going through their typical shenanigans as they try to find each other the perfect Christmas gift. 

5) Portraits with Santa.  I’ve already got this checked off my list.  Which gets me one step closer to getting those holiday cards out on time.  Booyah!  We were able to score a session at Portrait Innovations while Santa was there.  You can make an appointment during regular store hours for Santa Portraits through November 16th at the Promenade on Providence location.  After that, it’s waiting in lines at the mall, folks!

6) Finish Online Shopping by December 15th.  I’m making my list and checking it twice.  Then ordering everything before I have to pay extra for shipping.  That’s no fun.  Neither is printing off proof of purchase so your loved one has something to open in lieu of a gift.  No one likes feeling like you thought of them just at the last-minute.

7) Bake cookies.  The only challenge?  Besides my inability to bake cookies without burning the bottom?  Picking a recipe (or five) to limit myself to!  I’ll be picking one of from my Favorite Desserts Pinterest Board below…

Follow Mom Favorites {Katie}’s board Favorite Desserts on Pinterest.

8) Decorate and Celebrate.  One of my favorite nights of the year is when we decorate our (real) Christmas tree.  I love unwrapping each ornament, and having the kids help hang them on the tree, then rounding out the night with hot cocoa for the kids and a little champagne for the adults.

I’m fairly certain this is my best holiday bucket list. Ever.  But, just in case I missed something… what would you add?  What are your holiday traditions that you do every year?

{I was compensated by PBS KIDS to share the details about the “Curious George: A Very Monkey Christmas” with you, but as always, all opinions are my own.}