Every holiday season, we go home or get together with friends and family to celebrate. We often have limited time to do so because of school, work or other commitments. Since we are on somewhat of a time crunch, it can be fun to make a holiday bucket list to complete with your friends and family.

Go see the best holiday lights/ decorations in town

When you are on holiday with your friends and family, there is nothing that will get you in the holiday spirit more than going on a cozy car ride or brisk walk around town looking at all of the lights. Some neighborhoods compete and try to put on the best light displays, others incorporate radio station music. It is hard to get bored driving or walking around such beautiful scenery. Grab a hot cocoa and some blankets and hit the bright streets this holiday season.

Go caroling

Whether it is at a hospital, senior home or around your neighborhood, caroling is the ultimate holiday activity. Even if you don’t have a great voice, it will be greatly appreciated by those who you bring joy to.

Go to an ugly sweater party (or host one)

I know these can be a little cheesy, but they are so much fun! Nothing will bring you more holiday joy than seeing all of your closest friends in their ugliest sweaters.

Do a Secret Santa or White Elephant Exchange

Participating in one of these fun ways to exchange gifts with your family or friends will bring surprise, cheer and good laughs to your holiday routine. Also, if you are ballin’ on a budget, this is a great way to set a spending budget and include everyone in the gift giving!

Make your own ornaments

Ever since I was a little girl, I would make my own ornament and hang it on the tree, usually with my sister or other friends. This is a really fun Christmas activity for anyone who celebrates Christmas or decorates a tree. Even if not, it can make a great gift for your friends who do! The great thing about doing this is every year when you decorate your tree is that you will remember all of the fun memories you have of making them with your loved ones.

Spend some time in the snow

Do you want to build a snowman? ...Whether you love skiing, snowboarding, sledding, snowman building, ice skating or whatever it may be, we do not all get our very own snow in our backyards over the holidays. Being from California, I am used to making the trek up North to find some snow to romp around in. No matter where you go or how you get there, a short trip to the snow is needed every holiday season (unless you live in the snow, then maybe have your celebration this year in the tropics and take a break from shoveling snow).

Watch all of your favorite holiday films

We are all probably big fans of the 25 Days of Christmas special on TV each year, but they can miss some of our favorites. I absolutely love White Christmas (which is on Netflix by the way, you’re welcome), as well as the classics like the cartoon versions of the Grinch and Rudolph. Whatever they may be, make sure to watch them all month long and get your holly jolly on!

Give gifts to those in need

This holiday season, do not forget those less fortunate than yourself. Even the smallest actions can have some very large impacts, especially around the holidays. Since everyone is in the holiday spirit, giving comes much easier than the rest of the year. Use this time to reflect and make it your goal to continue giving all year long.