Make a Winter Bucket List! (+31 ideas inside)

A cabin on the lake during the winter in Northern Michigan.

It's that time of the year where I'm one part "I'm moving to Arizona" and the other part "yep, I'm just going to stay right here on the couch allllllll day". Winter is hard ya'll but let's not let it just slip by. Let's live it with intention making some big things happen! (Also, here's a blog post I did on 9 ideas to beat the winter blues.)

I heard this quote recently, "You're either working toward the life you want or wishing toward the life you want."

They say writing down what you want has a way of making sure those things happen. One way you can work toward the life you want is by making a winter bucket list of things you absolutely want to do this winter!

Not necessarily New Year's resolutions, more like those things you dream of doing every winter but don't always make time for because, well, it's cold out and it's winter and your Arizona and your couch are a lot more inviting. But not this year!

The rules for making a bucket list? There are none! It's YOUR list, that's the beauty of it. Here are some guidelines to get you started!

1. Make it a family event

The best part? You can get the whole family involved with this winter bucket list! Sit down as a family with blank pieces of paper for everyone, some good ole Christmas music...or Lizzo, you decide. And some cozy drinks and brainstorm away on your own.

Then, come together choosing the ideas that are going to make up the grand list. It will be fun to see all of the different ideas everyone has come up with and how your family bucket list will come together!

2. Be intentional

There is no right or wrong way to make a bucket list, but I do challenge you to be intentional.

Don't just put everything under the sun that sounds like a good time. Write down the things you REALLY want to make sure you do this winter so when you look back in April you're like "Yep, that was the best winter yet!"

There's nothing worse than making a list of 50+ things you want to do and only crossing off 7 of them.

Be realistic. Be intentional. And give it some real thought.

3. Put the list somewhere everyone can see it

Now that you've put together your winter bucket list, put it somewhere you can see it! Hang it on the fridge, on the wall, on the bathroom mirror, wherever that place is for you. This way everyone in the family sees it daily and you can all work toward achieving it together! The more you see it, the more you'll talk about it, and the more you'll get out and actually do the things you want to do!

4. Now go do the things you said you're going to do!

This is where the fun is. Those things you put on your bucket list, start doing them! Set up dates and cross them off. Take an open night and do a spontaneous trip to the next town over. Wake up with the first proper snow and build a snowman.

Making a winter bucket list is meant to be intentional and help you take action. Don't let the list be a nice list on your fridge. Make it a goal to cross EVERYTHING off. You'll be energized by the activities and have a little pep in your step from accomplishing a goal, even a simple one. Don't underestimate the power of action. It's a snowball effect (no pun intended but dang does that fit perfectly) for making things happen in your life!

5. Enjoy it!

Make this winter season one you'll remember. Think big with your winter bucket list, even go a little crazy. Winter isn't just a season that comes and we try to bear it. Let's make it one we're excited about living!

Here are some winter bucket list ideas to get you started:

Bake cookies and take them to neighbors.
Volunteer one time.
Make a snowman family.
Write a letter to a friend and send it in the mail.
Get bundled up one night and go make snow angels under the stars.
Take a ski day.
Travel somewhere warm.
Have a pajama day and sleepover in the living room!
Try a new recipe.
Build your own pizza night!
Go to the gym as a family.
Go snowshoeing.
Try cross country skiing.
Try curling.
Go to a class in your area.
Go to a movie in theaters.
Travel to the town closest to you and go out for dinner.
Go sledding
Make homemade hot chocolate.
Go downtown and walk around at night
Have a staycation and explore your hometown. -do it big!
Get dressed up just because and go out for the night. - you deserve it.
Try your grandma's recipe. -heck, try a few of your Grandma's recipes!
Pick up a new hobby. -I wrote a whole blog post about hobbies here!
Find an event and go listen to a presenter in your community.
Go to yoga.
Make a winter fire and go have s'mores! -I'd never done this before Scott and now love it!
Have a chili cookoff with your neighbors.
Invite friends over for a game night.
DIY reindeer!
Shovel the neighbors driveway.
Make a homemade Christmas ornament.
Call a friend you haven't talked to in awhile.