The 2021 Holiday Bucket List

Yes, we technically kick off the holidays the day after Halloween because we are pre-Thanksgiving celebratory freaks. But hanging the Holiday Bucket List on our wall every year makes it official. We’re goin’ in, checking off simple delights and traditions that are extra special these last two months–things we often say we want to do but forget or put aside until the holidays are over and we groan that we never did take hot cocoa in the car late at night to drive and look at Christmas lights.

This list was born from pure delight, from wanting my kids to remember that we enjoyed glorious little moments together over simple holiday things–painting candy canes on our fingernails, shaping pancakes into snowmen, cutting paper snowflakes and hanging them in a window.

I started making bucket lists several yeas ago when my kids were tiny for some accountability to commit to the fun things I dream of at the beginning of new seasons. Over the years, they’ve become an important tradition in our home and something I love sharing with you. I spend many early October and November mornings alone in my kitchen illustrating each item as I make this, and that quiet time has become my church. Sharing this list with you every year is the cherry on top–or maybe steeple, if we’re sticking with church.

We print a copy of ours 16 x 20 (I just send the file to Walgreens Photo) and hang it in the main area of our home. Or you can print it on regular paper and slap it on your fridge. Our kids have so much fun checking things off, but for the record I’d still be enjoying these bucket lists even if I didn’t have kids.

Download and print your own copy of our 2021 Holiday Bucket List