Creating your December Bucket List

"How did it get so late so soon. . .December is here before it's June. My goodness how the time has flewn. How did it get so late so soon?" Dr. Seuss

Dr. Seuss was right! Here it is almost December. We need to get cracking on our December bucket list. The important thing is to add some things to your December list that you haven't done before. Makes for a very good life.

I like what Jim Rohn said, "We have two choices; we can make a living or we can design a life." Or as my sister Barbara always says, "Life is what you make it." So let's make December a fun and rewarding time.

Start with your list. . .

So many websites and blogs to help us create a list~

Here are a few ideas I found:

• Go see a local school's holiday program. You'll be amazed by the local talent, and it makes for a really enjoyable evening.
• Donate a coat to a local coat drive.
• Donate a toy to a local toy drive.
• Make a December reading list, and see how many you can check off.
• Host a winter brunch for friends. You might even try a theme, such as "Pancakes and Pajamas," and insist everyone come in their pjs.
• Buy Christmas socks and wear them.
• Have a family game night.
• Take a walk in the cool December air.
• Make several flavors of hot chocolate.

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So many special cultural and holy events fall during this month. Of course we'll all be adding to our list based on the holy day we celebrate, whether it be Christmas, Hanukkah or Kwanzaa.

My list includes many items that are based on Christmas. But I'm thinking they could be adapted to any holiday celebration--especially winter holiday festivities.

• Invite grandkids over some night before Christmas for a sleepover. Watch a Christmas movie together, and sleep in bedrolls by the Christmas tree.
• Make your own Christmas cards.
• Hang stocking and exchange stocking gifts. 
• Invite the grandkids over for a winter sock hop. Play Christmas songs.
• Make Christmas candy. Try a recipe you haven't made before.
• Everyone's favorite--host an ugly Christmas sweater party.
• Invite your grandkids over for a Christmas tea.

Add to your Hanukkah bucket list and traditions~

• Add to your Hanukkah decorations. And make it really special by making some of them homemade.
• Since Hanukkah is about "light," add light to the world by doing a project for the community. And do it as a family.

Kwanzaa bucket list~

This relatively new observance for African-American families is rich with traditions, and activities to be done each night. Such a wonderful family celebration of heritage and history. It's difficult to think of what else could be added, but here's a couple of ideas:

• Take pictures of your Kwanzaa decor and components of the celebration and create a photo book of those items for family.
• Paint kindness rocks together one evening. Put an African proverb on each one and hide around your community for others to discover.

Christmas bucket list~

• Attend a candle light service at your church or a neighboring church.
• Make tree ornaments with the grandkids.
• Connect with an old friend.
• Create your personal Christmas playlist.
• Make a wreath for your front door.
• Add a new charity to donate to.

​Parting thoughts~

"Some people want it to happen, some wish it would happen, others MAKE it happen." Michael Jordan

Enjoy creating your December bucket list. Add some new items and traditions. You can make it happen!

Happy December to all!