The Ultimate Winter Bucket List

Okay, so technically winter does not begin until December, but to me the end of November always starts to feel like winter. Weather is very unpredictable in Kansas. If you want to get a head-start on The Ultimate Winter Bucket List for 2020, be sure to check out the list below. In my option it is never to early to start enjoying the winter season.

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1. Decorate Your Home

We are those people who decorate our house for Christmas prior to Thanksgiving. Whatever you celebrate this holiday season, take the time to decorate your home to celebrate. The holidays only come one time of year, so why not enjoy the decorations? It takes a lot of effort to put up the decorations, and I want to enjoy the result for as long as possible. Also, I find Christmas decor very soothing.

2. Go Ice Skating

I’ve only been able to go ice skating a couple of times in my life, but it was so much fun both times! Beware if you don’t have strong ankles, because they might struggle on the skates. However, the struggle is part of the fun. Find a local ice skating rink and check this activity off your winter bucket list this year!

3. Drink Hot Chocolate

Oh man, there’s just something about a good cup of hot chocolate in the winter all snuggled by the fire. If you aren’t a fan of chocolate, try a hot cider or holiday tea.

4. Shovel the Snow From a Neighbors Driveway

If you live somewhere that gets a decent amount of snow, use it as an opportunity to serve others this winter. It’s such a fun surprise to find the driveway shoveled when you get home, so spoil your neighbor this winter by shoveling for them. It’s also a good workout.

5. Have a Winter Movie Marathon

There are so many classic Christmas and winter movies to watch. Choose a couple of your favorites and curl up in your jammies for a movie marathon. Could there be anything better? Oh, and for movie recommendations check out our Christmas Movie List.

6. Nap By the Fire

If you have a fireplace, you are a lucky duck. There is just something about a nap by the fire. At a safe distance, obviously. One year I came home from an eventful day and fell asleep by the space heater. Not the safest idea, but it sure was a good nap.

7. Make a Fort

You are never to old to enjoy a good old-fashioned fort. Pull out some old sheets and blankets and transform your living room, dining room or bedroom. You could even play a board game or watch a movie in there!

8. Make a Handmade Gift

Winter weather usually means being stuck inside. Use the extra time you will be at home to make a homemade gift for someone you love. Winter is an excellent time to take up a hobby. For more ideas, check out the 10 Reasons You Should Make Time for a Hobby.

9. Decorate a Gingerbread House

You could go all out and make gingerbread from scratch for a gingerbread house, but there are many stores that carry ready-made kits. Either way, I highly recommend adding decorating a gingerbread house to your bucket list. It’s an especially fun group activity.

10. Drive to Look at Christmas Lights

One of my favorite holiday traditions is to look at all the beautiful Christmas lights. I don’t know what it is, but there is something so calming about twinkle lights.

11. Make Pancakes for Breakfast

Making pancakes is not an inherently winter activity, but carbs always taste better in the winter, do they not? Get up early one morning this winter and make a delicious pancake breakfast.

12. Hang a Bird Feeder

I think I said it before in a previous blog post, but I love watching the birds in my backyard. My husband recently found an app that helps you distinguish the sounds of each bird and it’s so interesting. Take time to watch the birds this winter and hang a bird feeder.

13. Go on a Nature Walk

My sister and I once bundled up and walked around the local zoo after it snowed. It was chilly, but so much fun. If the weather allows, add a nature walk to your winter bucket list. The world is so beautifully sparkly after it snows.

14. Donate Toys

It makes me so sad to think there are kids around the world who won’t receive any gifts on Christmas. If you are able, I encourage you to partner with a local shelter or organization this Christmas and help bring a little cheer. Think what a difference your donations can make.

15. Go Caroling

My family carols every Christmas season, and it is by far my favorite tradition. I honestly didn’t realize other families did not do the same thing. Bring some holiday cheer to your neighborhood by forming a caroling group this winter.

16. Bake Cookies

Oh man, is there anything better than the smell of fresh baked cookies wafting through your house on a cold winters night? Maybe I am just hungry. Anyway, baking cookies is an excellent winter bucket list activity.

17. Listen to Christmas Music

Now, I will say my rule is no Christmas music until after Thanksgiving. But, to each his own. My husband could listen to Christmas music all year round.

18. Visit a Museum

The quarantine might make this more difficult, but if you are able to safely visit a museum this winter, then I highly recommend you do. Even if you aren’t a museum fan, it’s always good to try something new. And it’s warm inside. Expand your brain this winter and learn something new!

19. Go Skiiing

I have to admit, I have never been. There’s a good chance I would hurt myself. So if you enjoy skiing, sledding or snow boarding this one is for you.

20. Make a Pot of Chili

Fun fact: I made chili on my own for the first time this year. It only took 28 years. If you enjoy a good pot of soup or chili on a cold night, then why not try a new recipe this winter?

21. Set New Goals for Next Year

Every year on New Years Eve my husband and I have a family meeting. We go over the budget and our goals from the previous year and then we set new goals. We look forward to this tradition every winter, so I highly recommend you add it to your winter bucket list.

Thank you for reading The Ultimate Winter Bucket List. Remember, a Hygge holiday season is one that is focused on coziness and calm. For more simple living and hygge content check out these additional posts:

15 Hygge Activities for the Autumn Season
How to Have a Hyggeligt Holiday Season
10 Must-Have Items for People Who are Always Cold
Hygge Sleep Tips: How to Get a Quality Night of Sleep

As always, if you have any questions feel free to send me an email or message me on Instagram. Follow @bestillandhygge on Pinterest for more travel tips and tricks and subscribe below for new content every week.

Love Always,