Happy December! I am so excited to share my December & Holiday To-Do List. Every year, I come up with a list of things I want to do because I love the holiday season and I want to do all of the festive things. Some activities make my list every year, but I always make an effort to try new things. We all celebrate differently, but for me Christmas brings some of my favorite things: cooking/baking, decorating, and giving gifts to my loved ones.
At the risk of sounding like a Hallmark movie character, I have to admit that the holiday season always feels a bit magical to me. We all know that celebrations won’t be the same this year, but I think there is still some joy to be found. It will just look a little different. However, I know that many people are finding it difficult to be in the “holiday spirit,” and that is okay. I do not want to diminish anyone’s experience or hardships during this time. Though I will try to make this year’s Christmas season as special as I can because it makes me happy, I am not here to tell anyone if and how to celebrate. If you’re not feeling it, that’s fine! You should do what makes you happy.
With that, let’s get into the list!
Finish decorating my apartment.
I started decorating last week because I had some extra time on my hands, but I’m not finished yet! I can’t wait to share the rest of my decorations.
Bake Christmas cookies and candy.
This one is pretty standard, but one of my favorite holiday traditions. When I was growing up, my family made a ton of Christmas candy and cookies every year and gave boxes of them to our family and friends. Now that I’m older and living on my own, I’m carrying on the tradition by giving treats away to my friends.
Go ice skating.
I normally go ice skating in downtown Cincinnati, but the rink looks a bit different this year. They are still offering ice skating, but you have to make a reservation so that there aren’t too many people on the rink at once. Plus, masks are required at all times. I’m glad they are taking precautions to keep folks safe.
Get a (tiny) Christmas tree for my apartment.
I’ve never had a real tree, but I’ve always wanted one. I still haven’t decided whether I’m going with a fake tree or a live tree this year. I’m only a little nervous about my cat knocking it over…
Have a holiday movie marathon.
Some of my favorites are The Grinch, Elf, Love Actually, Home Alone, and any Hallmark Christmas movie.
Support local BIPOC and woman-owned businesses.
It is so important to support small businesses, especially BIPOC and woman-owned businesses, this holiday season. Check out my Small Business Holiday Gift Guide if you’re looking for ideas!
Concoct a fun holiday cocktail.
Preferably something with champagne 🥂
Make a dried orange garland.
How cute is this garland?! I’ve been seeing these pop up everywhere on social media recently, and they seem pretty simple to make. I love the look of natural Christmas decorations.
Bundle up and take a walk to see local Christmas decorations.
The historic German Village neighborhood in Columbus always has the best holiday decorations. There is usually a night walking tour to view the lights, too! I’m not sure if it is still happening this year. Either way, I would definitely recommend strolling through your neighborhood to get in the holiday spirit.
Wear lots of tartan.
This one is a given since tartan is the best festive pattern.
I hope you enjoyed reading my December & Holiday To-Do List! If you have any fun holiday traditions, I’d love to hear about them in the comments.
Happy holidays!
Kyndal