Summer isn’t the only season worthy of a bucket list. Winter deserves a wish-list of its own (and not just the one penned for Old St. Nick). Consider adding these 10 activities to your Christmas break bucket list:
1. Build a snowman.
If you’re dreaming of a white Christmas, pencil in some time to build a snowman. Fresh snow is usually best for building a snowman, but any snow will do all long as it sticks when you pack it into a ball. Then all you need is a corncob pipe and a button nose and two eyes made out of coal.
2. Go ice skating.
There are few winter activities as picturesque as skating around an ice rink with a loved one. Bundle up and brave the cold at an outdoor ice arena, such as The Gallivan Center in downtown Salt Lake City, or try an indoor rink for a slightly warmer experience.
3. Find the best holiday lights.
Christmastime comes but once a year, so make room in your schedule to ooh and ahh at holiday light displays. Try the drive-thru Spanish Fork Festival of Lights, the Shops at Riverwoods or the Holiday Lights at Thanksgiving Point for displays that are guaranteed to make you see the light.
4. Bake and decorate Christmas cookies.
Even if you’ve had your fill of sugar for the year (or at least what’s left of it), it’s always fun to bake and decorate Christmas cookies. Instead of delivering sweets to your neighbors, take your creations to a nearby city hall, police or fire station, post office or delivery office as a thank you to the hard-working employees there.
5. Go sledding.
Sledding is good, old-fashioned fun. If you don’t have a sled, a cardboard box or garage bag will do in a pinch. Any hill will do, but be sure to pick an area without trees or other potential hazards nearby. Pulling kids up a hill is a serious workout, so if you’re tuckered out try tubing with a lift service at Solider Hollow in Midway.
6. Do a service activity.
Spread holiday cheer with a family service activity. Shovel a walkway, deliver a warm meal, donate toys for tots or go caroling at a retirement home or long-term care center.
7. Create a hot cocoa bar.
Putting together a hot cocoa bar is a cinch. All you need is a few flavors of Stephens Gourmet Hot Cocoa and marshmallows, plus candy canes for stirring and Torani flavored syrups if you want to get fancy. Invite friends and neighbors over for an easy (and inexpensive) holiday gathering.
8. Plan a slumber party under the Christmas tree.
Pull out sleeping bags and let your kids sleeping under the glow of the twinkling lights. You could let them “wait” for Santa, if you’re brave, or make a tradition of camping out the night before you take the Christmas tree down for the season.
9. Have a holiday movie marathon.
When the weather outside turns frightful, it’s time to cozy up on the couch for a holiday movie marathon. “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” “The Muppets Christmas Carol,” “Arthur Christmas,” and “The Polar Express” are a few good-for-all-ages family favorites.
10. Go walking in a winter wonderland.
Staying cozy indoors is great, but a walk in the crisp winter air can help shake off a case of the post-Christmas blahs. Recruit a friend to go walking with you, or use the solo time as a chance to clear your head.