Fun family traditions to add to your holiday bucket list. Table of Contents: The “most wonderful time of the year” is filled with many fun things for your family to do together.  The holidays are a magical time, especially with kids. Christmas is a time to create memories and strengthen family bonds through fun traditions and shared activities. The busyness of the season can make it hard to find time for everyone to come together, so family activities, big or small, can be a great way to relax and connect with each other amid the holiday rush. Creating holiday traditions with your family can make the December holiday season feel even more special. Whether you’re looking to find holiday activities that you can turn into yearly traditions, or are looking for some new ideas to add to your tried-and-true favorites, this Christmas list is sure to inspire. It includes an assortment of ideas for all ages and interests, from cozy indoor options to outdoor adventures. How will your family spend your Christmas holiday season? Use the list below for Christmas ideas and inspiration for creating your family’s own Christmas bucket list.  Christmas Activities for Kids and Families at Home A collection of fun and festive Christmas activities to keep kids entertained and in the holiday spirit right at home. 1. Pick out a Christmas tree together and set it up at home Head out to pick the perfect Christmas tree, turning it into a fun family outing filled with holiday anticipation. Bring your tree home, set it up in your tree stand, and give the branches some time to fall into place before doing activity #2! If you have an artificial tree, you can take it out of storage and set it up. 2. Decorate the Christmas tree String holiday lights and hang ornaments on the Christmas tree together — it’s one of my favorite ways to kick off the holiday season with family. 3. Decorate your house for Christmas Deck the halls with all of your favorite holiday decorations. It really makes your home feel so warm and festive for the season. 4. Hang your Christmas stockings by the fireplace Hang your Christmas stockings and see everyone’s excitement grow in anticipation of Santa filling them up. 5. Do an advent calendar together daily Try an advent calendar for a fun way to build excitement and count down the days together. 6. Listen to Christmas music Put on some Christmas music and let it set the festive mood around the house all season long. I especially love listening to a Christmas music playlist while decorating the tree and while baking! 7. Read Christmas books together before bed Snuggle up and read Christmas books together — it’s a nice way to end the evening and get into the spirit. Related: Cozy Coastal Christmas Books to Add to Your Holiday Reading List 8. Bake and decorate Christmas cookies  Bake Christmas cookies and have a fun decorating them — they’re perfect for gifting, or, of course, enjoying them yourselves. 9. Take family pictures by your Christmas tree Take some family photos while everyone’s feeling festive, whether it’s a professional shoot or just fun snaps on your phone. You can use the self-timer on your phone so everyone can be in the photo. 10. Do a holiday craft Get creative with holiday crafts, which are fun for the kids, and you get some adorable homemade decorations to display. 11. Write a letter to Santa Sit down and write letters to Santa together — it’s fun to see what everyone’s wishing for. If your children don’t mail the letters themselves, you can hide them somewhere safe and show them the letters when they’re older, for a fun look back into childhood magic. 12. Watch your favorite Christmas movies together  Curl up with your family’s favorite Christmas movies all season long. There’s nothing better for an easy, cozy family night. 13. Watch the Christmas episodes of your favorite TV shows When you don’t have time for a movie or want to switch up what you’re watching, it’s fun to watch the holiday episodes of TV shows you and your family enjoy. 14. Make your own Christmas ornaments Don’t forget to date them. It will be fun looking back on them as you decorate your Christmas tree in the future! 15. Put fun holiday notes in your child’s lunchbox You can make your own or download a printable set to add some love and holiday spirit to their school day. 16. Eat a candy cane, or hang some on your tree Candy canes are Christmas tradition that add a festive touch to decorations and holiday treats, so I love having them around to eat or use as decor. If you aren’t a fan of peppermint, they also make them in fruit flavors now! 17. Color a printable Christmas coloring page or in a Christmas coloring book Grab a Christmas coloring book or printable coloring pages, put on some carols, and spend a relaxing afternoon coloring together. 18. Wrap Christmas gifts Have fun wrapping gifts together for friends and relatives while listening to Christmas songs. 19. Make personalized homemade gift tags Here’s one way to add a personal touch to your gift wrapping — your kids can make their own gift tags to use for gifts for friends and relatives. Another idea is for you to use personalized printable gift tags for your children’s gifts from Santa — like this festive DIY tag set. 20. Make hot chocolate with marshmallows Whip up some hot chocolate and don’t forget to top it with marshmallows or whipped cream! It’s simple, cozy, and guaranteed to make everyone smile. You can also add a mini candy cane to make it extra festive. 21. Drink a glass of eggnog Eggnog: you either love it or hate it. I feel like it’s not the holidays until I have at least one glass of eggnog. I get it from the grocery store during the holiday […]

Create your perfect winter bucket list with these fun activities and ideas for friends, couples, or solo. Winter is coming, or maybe it’s already here. The coldest season can also feel like the longest as the days drag on and the sun sets early. But you can make the most of the season by creating your own yearly winter bucket list filled with exciting things to do in winter, which will help you get through with fun activities to look forward to and keep you occupied.  As someone who thrives during summer and beach season, I struggle with the long winter months in the northeast. Creating a winter activity list helps me to enjoy this time and focus on the best possibilities for it. Enjoying activities during the winter months is important for both physical and mental well-being. Staying active helps combat the winter blues by boosting mood and reducing stress levels. This list has great activities to do with friends in winter​, activities that would be great for a date or as a couple, and ways to enjoy time by yourself. Read through the list below of fun things to do in winter, and save the activities you like to your own list.  Table of Contents: This list contains activities that are focused on the season of winter rather than the winter holidays. Outdoor Winter Activities Engaging in outdoor activities like skiing, hiking, or ice skating allows you to soak up fresh air and sunlight, which can be in short supply during the darker months. Outdoor winter activities also provide an opportunity to stay fit and maintain a healthy lifestyle, despite the colder weather. 1. Go ice skating at an outdoor rink Feel the thrill of gliding across the ice and enjoy the crisp winter air with friends or loved ones. 2. Go skiing or snowboarding Hit the slopes for a day of adventure and fresh mountain air with friends or solo. For some people, myself included, skiing or snowboarding can be the highlight of their entire winter season. If you’ve never tried it, you can take adult ski lessons to learn from an instructor before going out on your own. 3. Go on a scenic winter hike Experience a winter wonderland with a scenic hike surrounded by snow-dusted trees. Even if it hasn’t snowed recently, you can enjoy new scenery and quiet trails. My favorite place to find hikes is the AllTrails app. 4. Go snowshoeing Trek through snowy landscapes for a peaceful, scenic workout in nature. In some locations you can even find a snowshoeing guide to go out with. 5. Go snow tubing or sledding It’s not just for kids! But you’ll sure feel like a kid again as you zoom down hills on a snow tube with your friends or significant other. 6. Go snowmobiling Sign up for a guided snowmobile tour and explore snowy trails and scenery. 7. Build a snowman Embrace your inner child and the magic of winter by building a snowman. Or get creative and build snow sculptures of animals or your pets. Related: Create Your Perfect Fall Bucket List With These 32 Awesome Ideas Indoor Winter Activities, Outside of the Home There are plenty of ways to get out of the house and enjoy new experiences while still staying cozy indoors. These indoor things to do in winter will give you the chance to get out and have fun while getting a change of scenery. 8. Go to a hockey game  Enjoy the action and excitement of a live hockey game with friends or family. Search online to view the game schedule for your local team. 9. Go to the theatre to see a play or musical Enjoy a night of live theater for a fun and different experience. 10. Go to the movies Get out of the house and escape into a new film at the movie theater for a relaxing night. Bonus if you have one of the fancy movie theaters near you that serves cocktails and snacks right to your seat! 11. Go out for hot chocolate It’s cold outside, so warm up with a rich, delicious hot chocolate at a local café. Bring a book to read while you enjoy it, or take it with you on a relaxing walk. 12. Challenge yourself with a rock climbing wall Test your strength and have fun with indoor rock climbing. 13. Try a new fitness class Challenge yourself and try a new fitness class to switch up your exercise routine. This can be a great way to help beat the winter blues! 14. Go to a museum Discover fascinating exhibits and learn something new with a visit to an art museum or local history museum. 15. Join a book club Dive into new books and discuss them with fellow book lovers. 16. Try a new restaurant Enjoy a night out and try new dishes at a restaurant you haven’t visited before. Or you can meet a friend for brunch — sometimes I enjoy a daytime meal out more than going out for dinner! 17. Go to a paint and sip night Unwind with friends at a paint and sip night, where you can create art while enjoying a drink or two. 18. Go to a trivia night with friends Search your local event listings for trivia nights and grab a few friends to form a team. Trivia nights can range from general knowledge trivia to themed trivia, like based on a specific TV show, for example. 19. Volunteer at an animal shelter, or at another local nonprofit organization that you’re interested in supporting Spend time helping animals in need by volunteering at a local shelter, making a difference in their lives and in your community. If you aren’t interested in working with animals or are allergic, you can find other organizations in your area to support. 20. Start a hobby club Choose a hobby, like knitting, needlepointing, or something else, and find a local bar, restaurant, or community center that […]

Get inspired with fun Halloween activities that are perfect for both cozy nights in and spooky nights out. Halloween isn’t just for kids—adults can have just as much fun getting into the spooky spirit. In anticipation of the season I’ve put together this list of 50 fun Halloween activities for adults, all of which I’ve done in previous years, although not all in the same year! The key is finding the right activity that matches your mood and who you’re spending your time with, and this list has plenty of ideas to help you do just that. Whether you’re someone who loves the thrill of haunted houses or would rather cozy up with a suspenseful book, this list offers a variety of ways to embrace the Halloween season. The best part is that you don’t need a huge party or extravagant plans to make the most of it. There are many Halloween activities for adults that can be just as enjoyable no matter if you’re celebrating solo, with friends, or alongside your significant other. If you’d prefer some alone time, there are plenty of ways to get into the Halloween spirit by yourself. Maybe it’s time to unwind by crafting decorations or doing some Halloween-themed baking. When the night’s all yours, you have the freedom to indulge in whatever puts you in a spooky mood. Sometimes, a little solitude is all you need to fully embrace the vibe of Halloween. On the other hand, Halloween is a great excuse to gather your friends or share the experience with your significant other. If you’re looking for lighthearted fun or something more thrilling, there are endless possibilities—from casual nights in to spooky adventures out. Halloween is a great time to bond with the people you enjoy most in a way that suits you best. For even more seasonal fun, be sure to check out my fall bucket list post for a variety of autumn-inspired activities. Below you’ll find 50 exciting Halloween activities for adults that are perfect for making the most of the spooky season. Table of Contents: Fun Halloween Activities for Adults This wide range of activities has something to suit every preference. Whether you’re looking for something spooky or playful, there are countless ways to celebrate. You can enjoy Halloween at home with cozy solo activities or gather a group of friends for a more lively experience. No matter how you like to enjoy the season, there’s a perfect Halloween activity waiting for you. This Halloween activities list isn’t a checklist of things you must do, but rather a collection of fun possibilities to help you spend your October in a way that brings you joy. Whether you choose to do one thing or try them all, you can embrace the Halloween spirit in a way that feels right for you. 1. Decorate the inside of your house for Halloween  Transform your home into a cozy Halloween haven in your style, whether that’s spooky decorations like flickering candles, eerie garlands, and skeletons, or cute pumpkins and friendly witches, to get into the Halloween spirit. 2. Decorate the outside of your house for Halloween  Give your home a festive Halloween makeover with outdoor decorations like jack-o’-lanterns, spooky lights, and cobwebs to welcome guests and trick-or-treaters. 3. Host or attend a Halloween party Celebrate the spooky season by throwing or attending a Halloween party, complete with costumes, decorations, and festive treats. You can also check out local bars that might be hosting their own spooky celebrations. 4. Watch scary or fun Halloween movies Get your adrenaline pumping with a spooky movie night, where you can choose from psychological thrillers, festive comedy, or classic horror films. 5. Watch the Halloween episodes of your favorite T.V. shows Get a spooky dose of nostalgia from watching the Halloween episodes from your favorite TV shows. For easy selection, I’ve put together an ultimate list of Halloween T.V. show episodes that you can view here. 6. Give out Halloween candy to Trick-or-Treaters Embrace the Halloween spirit by handing out candy to trick-or-treaters, making it a fun night for everyone. This is the perfect opportunity to wear a Halloween costume, and play Halloween Trick or Treat Bingo (#7). 7. Play Halloween Trick or Treat Bingo while giving out candy on Halloween This fun printable game is perfect for playing while handing out candy! Simply write a costume you expect to see in each square. The first person to get five in a row wins. You can play solo, compete with whoever’s handing out candy with you, or even challenge friends over group text. 8. Go on a haunted hayride Hop on a haunted hayride for a chilling experience that lets you enjoy a fall evening with some spooky fun. 9. Take a ghost tour Immerse yourself in local legends and spine-tingling tales by joining a ghost tour in your area. 10. Host a Halloween-themed game night Gather your friends for a fun and competitive Halloween game night with spooky-themed board games or party games. 11. Read ghost stories aloud around a fire pit Gather around and share eerie ghost stories, setting the perfect spooky mood for the season. 12. Read a thriller or horror book Get into the spooky spirit by diving into a chilling horror novel that will keep you on the edge of your seat. If you’re enjoying this list of Halloween activities for adults, check out: Create Your Perfect Fall Bucket List With These 32 Awesome Ideas 13. Make or buy a Halloween costume Get creative by making your own costume, or find the perfect outfit to wear for Halloween festivities like a party (#3) or while handing out candy on Halloween (#6). 14. Drink a pumpkin beverage of your choice, like a pumpkin spice latte or a pumpkin beer Indulge in the flavors of fall & Halloween by sipping on a pumpkin spice latte or trying a seasonal pumpkin beer to help you get into the spirit of the season. 15. Make Halloween […]

The best fall bucket list ideas to help you create your perfect fall bucket list this season. Fall always seems to go by too quickly. One minute it’s Labor Day weekend, and the next you’re pulling out the Christmas decorations. If you’ve ever intended to do a bunch of fun fall activities but never got around to doing them, then creating a fall bucket list is the way to go. Once you select the activities you’d like to do for your list, it’s easy to refer back to it, and it acts as a motivator for making sure you fit some bucket list items into your fall season. There’s something so satisfying about checking off an item from a list, especially when it’s something you really want to do. Fall has a bit of a magic quality to it. It always feels like a new beginning, thanks to it being the start of a new school year (whether it’s still ingrained in your mind from when you were a kid, or if you have kids of your own). The leaves are turning all sorts of magical colors, and there’s that fresh smell of fall in the air. You get to trade t-shirts and shorts for sweaters and jeans, and the temperature is more comfortable. Below are what I consider to be the best fall bucket list ideas that you can use as a jumping off point for creating your perfect fall bucket list. Some are adventurous, some are cozy, and some are a little silly, but they’re all enjoyable. Check out the best fall bucket list ideas for adults, couples, families, or friends that are both fun and attainable. 1. Go apple picking. Apple picking is a quintessential fall bucket list item that’s fun for both adults and children. You can use the apples you pick to make a variety of delicious recipes, and apple orchards can offer other fun fall activities and treats, like hayrides and apple cider donuts. 2. Bake an apple pie or a pumpkin pie. With so many freshly picked apples, baking an apple pie (or apple crisp or apple cobbler) is a great way to use some of them. Pumpkin pie is another good fall pie option if fruity desserts aren’t your thing. 3. Go on a hike or nature walk so you can enjoy the pretty fall leaves. Fall is the perfect time of year to go hiking. The weather is a comfortable temperature for outdoor activities, and the leaves are beautiful in the fall. Whether you hike a rugged trail up a mountain or walk a paved path around your local lake, you won’t regret spending time outdoors this time of year. 4. Read a fall-themed book under a cozy blanket. With the weather getting cooler, there’s nothing better than sitting under a cozy blanket and getting lost in a good book. Even better if the book is fall-themed! Check out our list of 10 Fall Books to Get Cozy With if you need some ideas. 5. Make a fall simmer pot so your house smells like fall goodness. A simmer pot is another term used for stovetop potpourri. By boiling water and simmering fall spices, citrus, cinnamon sticks, and any other fall fruits or herbs of your choice, you can make your home smell absolutely amazing. The best part is that it’s all-natural! 6. Hang a fall wreath on your front door. Add a fun touch to your home by hanging a festive fall wreath on your front door. There are so many great options to choose from, ranging from colorful fall leaves to combinations of other natural elements like pinecones, sunflowers, and pumpkins. You can even go Halloween-themed with your wreath. 7. Wear fall colors. Now’s the time to bring rich fall hues back into your wardrobe color palette — think marigold, ochre, deep reds, dark greens, browns, taupe, terracotta, off-white, and orange. 8. Drink a pumpkin spice latte, apple cider, or your favorite fall beverage. Is everyone really as crazy for pumpkin spice lattes as the internet has us believe?! Either way, there are a bunch of other tasty fall drinks if they’re not your thing, like apple cider, hot chocolate, or this fall harvest tea assortment. 9. Go to the farmers market for local in-season ingredients. Support local farms and pick up the freshest local in-season ingredients for your meals. You can also usually find other great local items at the farmers market like honey, jams, and flowers. 10. Make a hearty fall soup from scratch. Once you have your fresh local ingredients from the farmers market, you can make a hearty fall soup or chili. There are tons of great fall soup options on Pinterest. 11. Decorate your house for Halloween. It’s fun to decorate your house for Halloween, whether inside or outside. There are so many different ways you can decorate, from cute to spooky. The most popular time to start decorating for Halloween is the beginning of October, but you can decorate in September if you feel enthusiastic about it. Another option is to start with decorations that are more fall-themed in September and incorporate Halloween decorations in October. 12. Visit a pumpkin patch. Visiting a pumpkin patch is a fun way to select pumpkins to decorate your front porch with or to carve a jack-o’-lantern. 13. Carve or paint a pumpkin. Carving a jack-o’-lantern is a quintessential Halloween activity for all ages. You can design your pumpkin yourself, or there are many free templates to be found online. Another fun option is painting pumpkins. And don’t forget to save the seeds… 14. Roast pumpkin seeds for a healthy snack. Instead of throwing your pumpkin seeds in the garbage while carving your pumpkin, put them aside to roast for a healthy snack. They’re not only delicious, but filled with valuable nutrients and antioxidants. 15. Step on crunchy leaves outside. There’s just something so satisfying about stepping on crunchy leaves in the fall. Reminds me of […]