In the run-up to Christmas, with so many things to do and experience, December can very easily become a very busy month. Time can get away from you and before you know it, Santa is on his way. That’s where a little bit of planning comes in. Because we know parents want to make the most of the holidays and create the kind of experiences that become family traditions and treasured memories, we’ve made the Sparks Christmas Bucket list! It’s full of ideas for little moments you can create at home with your little ones, to enjoy some quality festive family time this December. How many do you think you can cross off before the 25th?

#1 Make your own Christmas cards

Making your own cards is a great way to take a break from screen time and encourage your child’s creativity. For some inspiration for a toddler-friendly card, take a look at our blog post from last year.

#2 Wear Christmas pyjamas

Matching family pyjamas at Christmas has become something of a recent tradition for many families. Our Embroidered Christmas pyjama set is one of our favourites.

#3 See a Christmas play

If your child is in nursery or school, then you may well already be going to see their nativity or Christmas play this month. If not, why not look up your local Drama groups online to see if any of them are putting on a performance and go along to support and enjoy their work?

#4 Donate food to the local food bank

A simple act of kindness is a wonderful thing at any time of the year but at Christmas time some families rely heavily on the food bank. Find your local food bank online and arrange to donate some items, it’s such a wonderful opportunity to teach children about supporting others.

#5 Decorate your own wrapping paper

Any little personal touch you can add to a gist makes it even more special and if it’s fun for little ones then it’s a double-blessing. Last year we made our own wrapping paper and you can find out more here.

#6 Send a letter to Santa

Even in this online world, Santa still appreciates a handwritten letter or even a drawing or collage.

#7 Make paper chains

Whether made from a kit or by using old magazines, paper chains have the kind of instant gratification that can turn a tiny frown upside down in minutes!

#8 Make a gift for a special teacher

Of all the people who come into our lives, it’s teachers who tend to leave some of the biggest impressions. After all, they spend many hours with our children and their hard work often goes under-appreciated. We loved this suggestion for a handmade gift from Hometalk.

#9 Visit Santa in his grotto

An annual visit to Santa is the kind of family tradition that’s never forgotten. Experience this moment with friends or grandparents to make it extra magical.

#10 Donate a toy to charity

Making space for new toys creates the chance to bless someone else. Take the opportunity to teach our child about the important work of charities and the people who volunteer to support them.

#11 Wear a fun and festive Christmas jumper

Christmas Jumper day an annual charity event, and in 2018, it is held on December 14th, with 100% of proceeds going to the charity 'Save the Children'. Find out more here.

#12 Read Christmas stories at bedtime

There are so many wonderful classic and new Christmas stories out there, this list by Junior Magazine has a round up of some of the best!

#13 Make and enjoy a special Christmas hot chocolate

There’s nothing like a yummy cup of hot chocolate after a day out in the cold. This recipe by Eats Amazing is one of our festive favourites.

#14 Take a Christmas family Photo

Whether you’re outside in the winter air or at home in you matching Christmas pyjamas, a family photo to celebrate the season is sure to become a treasured memory to last forever.

#15 Camp underneath your Christmas tree for the night

We couldn’t believe we hadn’t heard of this one before! Make a December sleepover a night to remember and get in the mood for Christmas with a night sleeping on the floor, under the Christmas tree.

#16 Take a trip around the neighbourhood to see the Christmas lights

Take a walk around your neighbouring streets to see how the community is celebrating and decorating their homes. You can mark each one out of ten and add them all up at the end to see which house wins your family vote!

#17 Make your own ornament for the Christmas tree

A little hand-made sparkle and shine on the tree is a treasure all of its own. We had a go at making our own glitter snowflakes last year in this toddler-friendly craft.

#18 Go Christmas carolling

This is a wonderful way to meet new people and celebrate the season together. Find out from your local church or community groups if there are any organised carolling events happening to see how you can get involved.

#19 Deliver treats to a neighbour

If you have an elderly neighbour or perhaps a neighbour who is a carer for a loved one, they may just be the perfect person to bless in this way.

#20 Choose songs for a Christmas day playlist

Background music for the big day is great for creating a festive atmosphere. Select your favourites and make a playlist keeps the Christmas spirit going all day!

#21 Bake and decorate sugar cookies

Because they can be made in big batches, cookies are a great thing to make for sharing with your friends, neighbours, colleagues and loved ones. This is the recipe we tried last year for our Christmas Lights cookies.

#22 Enjoy a Christmas Movie Marathon

At some point in the month you’re going to be in need of a quiet day so take some time, put your feet up and enjoy all of your favourites.

#23 Make a popcorn garland

One of the most inexpensive and simple but beautiful ways to decorate the tree, this craft can be done in front of a good Christmas movie. Find out how you can create your own with this tutorial.

#24 Have a grateful heart

Take a quiet moment when all of you are together and allow each one to say one or two of the things, that they are most grateful for this year. When we take the opportunity as a family to remember our blessings and be thankful for each other, the bonds that tie us become even more unbreakable.

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We hope you’re feeling inspired by this Christmas Bucket List. If you do, we’d love you to consider sharing it or saving it to Pinterest using the image below. Thank you!

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