The December Bucket List: 50 Simple Ways to Bring Your Family Together

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I may get a small commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no cost to you.

Hey there! Can we all agree that the holiday season feels like a whirlwind? Between work, school, and holiday prep, it’s easy to let the whole month slip by in a blur. But when you think back on past Decembers, what do you really remember?

Chances are, it’s not the perfectly wrapped presents or the endless to-do lists—it’s the time you spent with the people you love. To have an organized holiday season download our FREE Ultimate Holiday Planner.

That’s why I want to share something special with you: a December Bucket List for families, teens and kids. This list isn’t about adding more to your plate. It’s about slowing down, being present, and creating memories that will stick with your kids—and you—for years to come.

And here’s the thing: Science backs me up on this. Spending time together as a family isn’t just fun; it’s good for your mental health, your kids’ development, and even your relationships. So, let’s dig into why family time matters and how this bucket list can help you make the most of December.

Download our December Bucket List for Families, Kids and Teens at the bottom of this page! We’ve also included blank December Bucket Lists for you to create your own adventures.

Related:

How to Have a Christ-Centered Christmas

Tips on Staying Sane This Holiday Season

Tips to Avoid Family Drama This Holiday Season

Why Family Time is Worth It

We’ve all heard the phrase “quality over quantity,” right? But when it comes to family time, both matter. Research shows that spending time together helps kids feel secure, lowers stress levels for everyone, and builds stronger relationships.

For example, the American Psychological Association found that family traditions—like holiday rituals—give kids a sense of stability. In a world that can feel chaotic, those little routines help everyone feel grounded.

And it’s not just about feeling cozy. According to Dr. Lisa Damour, a psychologist who works with teens, shared family experiences create trust.

Whether it’s making cookies, looking at holiday lights, or even tackling a family project, these moments strengthen the bonds that help families weather tough times.

So, how can you make this happen? That’s where the bucket list comes in.

The December Bucket List

I’ve put together a mix of experiences and achievements that are simple, fun, and meaningful. These ideas are designed to bring your family closer while celebrating the magic of the season.

10 Experiences to Try

1. Holiday Movie Night
   Pick a few family favorites, make some popcorn, and pile under the blankets. Bonus points for matching pajamas!
2. Visit a Holiday Lights Display
   Whether it’s a fancy drive-through setup or a walk around the neighborhood, holiday lights are guaranteed to bring out the smiles.
3. Bake Holiday Treats Together
   From cookies to gingerbread houses, baking is a classic holiday activity that doubles as a great bonding experience.
4. Volunteer as a Family
   Donate toys, pack meals, or help at a local charity. Teaching kids to give back is one of the best gifts you can give them.
5. Celebrate Winter Solstice Outdoors (December 21)
   Take a walk, build a snowman, or just stargaze. Appreciating nature is a great way to slow down during a busy season.
6. Host a Family Hot Cocoa Bar
   Set out toppings like marshmallows, whipped cream, and sprinkles, and let everyone customize their cocoa.
7. Make Homemade Holiday Cards
   Grab some craft supplies and create cards for friends, neighbors, or even local nursing home residents.
8. Have a Family Pajama Dance Party
   Blast holiday music and dance around the living room. It’s silly, fun, and sure to make everyone laugh.
9. Learn a New Holiday Tradition
   Explore a tradition from another culture, like playing the dreidel game for Hanukkah or making a Kwanzaa kinara craft.
10. Plan a New Year’s Eve Countdown
    Make it kid-friendly with an early countdown, complete with party hats and sparkling cider.

10 Achievements to Complete

1. Create a Gratitude Jar
   Each day, write down something you’re thankful for, then read them together on New Year’s Eve.
2. Write Letters to Santa or Future You
   Younger kids can share their wishes with Santa, while older ones and parents can write to their future selves.
3. Master a New Recipe
   Teach your kids how to cook or bake something new—it’s a life skill and a bonding activity.
4. Declutter and Donate
   Go through closets and toys together to find items to donate before the holidays.
5. Finish a Holiday Puzzle or Craft
   Working on something together builds patience and teamwork.
6. Set Family Goals for the New Year
   Sit down and brainstorm what you want to accomplish as a family in the coming year.
7. Complete a Random Acts of Kindness Challenge
   Make it a game to see how many kind things your family can do in a week.
8. Read a Holiday Book Aloud
   Take turns reading a classic holiday story together.
9. Build a Blanket Fort
   Yes, even older kids and adults will love this one. It’s all about the fun of being together.
10. Plan and Stick to a Holiday Budget
    Involve your kids in planning gifts and activities within a set budget—it’s a great lesson in money management.

Related:

Crafting Christmas Wishes for Best Friend

Christmas Date Night Ideas at Home

Why These Moments Matter

You might be wondering: “Why should I prioritize these activities when life is already so busy?” The answer is simple—they create lasting memories.

Studies show that our brains are wired to remember emotional experiences. So, while your kids might forget what gift they got last year, they won’t forget the time you all laughed over a failed cookie experiment or the joy of piling into the car to look at lights.

And it’s not just about memories. Spending time together strengthens family bonds in ways that last far beyond the holidays. It builds trust, improves communication, and reminds everyone that they’re part of a team.

Making December Bucket List Work

I know life is hectic, and finding time for family can feel impossible. But here’s the thing: You don’t have to do it all. Even picking one or two activities from this list can make a difference.

Start small. Maybe it’s as simple as turning off your phones for an hour and playing a board game. Or maybe you take a Saturday afternoon to bake cookies and sing along to holiday music. The key is to be present and enjoy the moment.

And remember, it’s not about perfection. The cookies don’t have to look like they came from a bakery, and the lights don’t have to hang just right. What matters is that you’re together, laughing and making memories.

Let’s Make December Count With Our December Bucket List FREE Printables!

So, what do you say? Are you ready to make this holiday season one your family will always remember? Whether it’s watching movies, baking treats, or simply taking a walk in the snow, these small moments add up to something big.

Because at the end of the day, the greatest gifts aren’t the ones under the tree. They’re the memories we create, the traditions we share, and the love we show each other.

Here’s to a December filled with joy, laughter, and time well spent. Now, go grab your family, pick something off that bucket list, and make it happen!

Frequently Asked Questions: December Bucket List

1. What are the Free Printable Bucket Lists, and how do I use them?

The Free Printable Bucket Lists are downloadable, ready-to-use checklists for families, teens, and kids. Each list is tailored to bring out the joy and magic of December, with activities and achievements that suit different age groups.

To use them, simply download, print, and start checking off items as you complete them. Hang them on the fridge or keep them in a visible spot for easy access.

2. How can I find the time to complete activities on the bucket list during a busy holiday season?

The bucket lists are designed to be flexible. You don’t need to complete every item—just pick a few that resonate with your family and schedule them into your week.

Many activities are quick and can be integrated into daily life, like baking cookies or enjoying a movie night. The key is to focus on quality time, not quantity.

3. Are these bucket lists suitable for families with teens and younger kids together?

Absolutely! While each list is tailored to a specific age group, there’s plenty of overlap. For example, baking treats, visiting holiday lights, or having a family dance party are fun for all ages. You can mix and match activities from each list to suit your unique family dynamic.

4. Can the bucket lists be personalized for my family’s traditions and preferences?

Yes! The lists are a starting point, but feel free to adapt them. Add your family’s favorite traditions or tweak activities to fit your schedule and interests. For example, if you love hiking, swap “Visit a Holiday Lights Display” for a winter nature walk. Make it your own!

5. Why is spending time together as a family during December so important?

December is often the busiest time of year, but it’s also the most magical. Prioritizing family time helps create lasting memories, strengthens relationships, and provides a sense of stability for kids.

Research shows that shared experiences, especially during the holidays, foster trust, improve mental health, and bring families closer together. The bucket lists are designed to help you carve out moments of connection in the midst of the holiday hustle.