December Bucket List

It’s December already and the next few weeks are going to fly by! There’s so many thing we want to fit in, to create fun family memories and learning experiences. So here’s our December bucket list for this year!

Watch classic and favorite Christmas shows
Letters to Santa – A yearly tradition that the girls enjoy, and a writing lesson too. We usually receive Santa’s video a week after we mail it.
Visit Santa at the mall – if you have a sensory child like mine, be sure to check out my tips for waiting for Santa
Wagon or sleigh ride – Go on a hay rides at Callingwood Marketplace or take a Sleigh ride down Candy Cane Lane.
Make snow ice-ream – scoop up some freshly fallen snow for this treat the kids love! Here is an easy recipe.
Build a snowman / Make snow angels
Visit the Royal Alberta Museum for their Closing Party – This free event starts December 4 at 5 pm and runs for 48 hours till December 6 at 5 pm. I’m looking forward to the late night market and Gateway Big Band
Make paper snowflakes – easy and fun, try different colored paper and designs
Visit the Science Garage at TWOS when it opens (rumor has it opening December 5)
Bake Christmas goodies – Christmas cookies, squares, chocolates and tarts! I definitely indulge a bit more this time of year!
Make Christmas tree decorations – Pinterest is my go to for all things crafty
Decorate a paper wall tree – grab some green Bristol board or felt and cut out a tree and attach to the wall or window, kid height. Next have them decorate and cut out paper ornaments, lights and a star
Decorate our Christmas Tree – a fun afternoon of Christmas music and snacks
Go sledding – we love heading to the hills on sunny afternoons
Go Skating – outdoor rinks are opening and free indoor skates are available at rinks around Edmonton
Visit the Alberta Legislature – the Magna Carta is on display until December 29 and if you plan you visit right, you can also take in their light display and one of the many choirs and musicians that will be performing throughout the month.
Festival of Lights at Valley Zoo – December 4-13, 5 pm-9 pm visit the Valley Zoo for beautiful light displays, fire dancers and photos with Elsa and Olaf.
Shop and donate food for the food bank – we have made a list of our favorite dry goods and other essential items and will do a special shopping trip just for our donation.
Make Homemade Christmas presents – yummy snacks, simple crafts or favorite bath products are easy to make with children. Pinterest is full of fabulous DIY projects.
Learn about holiday celebrations around the world – spin a globe to choose three countries and see what celebrations they have throughout December, and even if they have snow!
Random acts of kindness -With the busyness of the season, take the time out to do some good deeds and nice gestures for people around you. This kindness advent calendar is a great list to choose from.
DIY Holiday photos – I’m a bit on the frugal side and very rarely splurge on professional photos. So every year the girls get dressed up and we have a photo shoot in front of our Christmas tree!
Send out Christmas Cards – I still enjoy receiving cards during the holidays and we include our DIY holiday photo when we send ours out
Christmas Lights – our family Christmas Eve tradition includes climbing into the car after supper for a tour of local light displays, hot chocolate in hand