What’s on Your December To-Do List?

December to-do list . . .

I guarantee you’ve heard it a few times already, but it really is the most wonderful time of the year. I’m so excited to celebrate Christmas in our new home. We’ve been decking our halls, adding bits of holiday cheer as we slowly finish the last of our renovation punch list. I can’t wait to see what our girls think about the Christmas lights we picked out. Let’s just say we’re thinking PINK this holiday season. I promise to post a photo to Insta Stories once we get them hung. Be sure to follow along here.

In the mean time, I’m making sure we check a few fun + festive things off our December to-do list. These are things to do with friends and activities to do with family that will make your season extra merry and bright.

Holiday Baking at Home

Spend an afternoon whipping up delicious treats in the kitchen. This brownie recipe by Ina Garten is clearly a winner, and these peanut butter cookies sound like the perfect compliment to a cup of hot chocolate. You’ll definitely get bonus points for including a round or two of spatula karaoke to the ‘Holiday Classics’ station on Spotify. It’s one of Mary Jane’s favorites.

Go Window Shopping

Call up your girl friends and head to the mall. Shopping centers are always decorated to the nines this time of the year. Plus, you don’t need to spend any money to do it (unless you really want to!). I just love eyeing the window displays, listening to the Christmas music and being a part of the excitement that comes with gift giving.

Take a Family Fitness Class

Spin, yoga, pilates, zumba . . . the possibilities are endless! No matter the exercise, there will be endorphins. And, happy people tend to be better company.

Do an Act of Service

Did you catch my post last month about ways to give back and show gratitude? I shared 10 ideas to kick start the season of giving. Why not tackle one with the help of your BFF? It could be one of your most meaningful holiday memories yet.

Enjoy the Great Outdoors

Is it snowing where you are? If so, why not plan a Saturday afternoon of snowshoeing, sledding or ice skating? Utah locals, be sure to check out this list–it’s the 5 best places to snowshoe. If there’s no snow in the forecast, head out for a leisurely walk or take a hike. The goal is to unplug, destress and get some fresh air.

Make Homemade Christmas Cards

I’ve been scouring the web for holiday themed crafts to do with toddlers. I think my girls would love helping to assemble DIY Christmas cards to give out to friends and neighbors. These paint chip cards are really cute, and they are completely customizable to suit any color scheme! I also love these button snowmen cards (I’d swap out using a glue gun for stick on adhesive).

Psst! We planning to make some cards to deliver to our local firehouse. (I’ve heard DIY cards/ornaments, etc. are better than food deliveries due to strict donation regulations.)

Plan a Staycation

I’m a big fan of staycations. It’s such a fun way to celebrate in YOUR OWN CITY. Browse Airbnb for local listings, plan a fun activity, find some delicious grub and enjoy your night away. Guys, I’m swooning over the views from this Downtown Salt Lake City listing. First time Airbnb user? You can get $40 off your booking with my referral link. Happy staycation-ing!

Host a Hot Cocoa Night

Whip up a batch of classic hot chocolate and serve up a few fun topping variations. I’m talking crushed candy canes, flavored whipped cream and simple syrup mix-ins. The Pioneer Woman breaks down how to make your own simple syrup. It’s such a fun and easy way to customize any holiday drink.

Next step: invite friends and family. Ask them to bring a plate of their favorite Christmas cookies to share. Everyone loves a good hot cocoa + cookie combination! Don’t forget to have a movie like Elf playing in the background. It’s always a crowd-pleaser.

Send out Snail Mail

Even if you don’t get around to sending out Christmas cards, it’s still fun to put a few old-fashioned letters in the mail. For holidays, we like send out things like hand written notes, holiday kid art and a current 4×6 of the girls. It’s an easy way to show people you care without feeling completely overwhelmed by a massive mailing list.

Driving Light Tour

As it gets closer to December 25th, more neighborhoods will start to light up. Why not pack the car with friends, grab some drive-thru Diet Cokes (McD’s I’m looking at you) and go sightseeing for holiday lights? Don’t forget to play the Christmas tunes!

What’s on your December to-do list?