My 2024 Winter Bucket List ☃️❄️🌲
Reading, watching, eating, self-care, and family fun for this winter!
Winter tends to be my least favorite season. I think this stems from growing up in snowy Pennsylvania and associating the time of year with bitter temperatures, anxiety-inducing driving, and gray clouds. Outside of Christmas, it can feel like a dull and drab time. And in places like Pennsylvania, it seems to be the one season that feels like it lasts forever.
But! I’m trying to have a more *optimistic* approach these days with winter. I’m hoping that instead of seeing this season as boring, I can see it as natures way of reminding us to slow down and rest. So that was the focus and mindset I had when creating my 2024 Winter Bucket List - cozy comfort, complete indulgence, taking things niiiiice and slow.
I’ve shared previous seasonal bucket lists on my Substack before, but I had a fun little idea for a new approach on them moving forward. For each season, I’ll follow a specific structure when crafting my bucket: what I want to read, what I want to watch, what I want to eat or drink, an act of self-care, a family activity, and a local event. Simple seasonal things that feel well-rounded, approachable and most importantly: fun! And it all wraps up with a 25 song seasonal playlist! ☃️
Let’s dive in!
Read: The Elin Hilderbrand Winter Series
Elin Hilderbrand is queen of the summer novel and I indulged in so many of her books this past summer. When I realized she had a complete winter series, I immediately pictured myself reading the books by a cozy lit fireplace during cold nights.
Watch: This Winter Rom-Com List
What is better way to escape winter dreariness than with a rom com? I’m going to set aside one night a week where I can pick a movie from this list! (but I’m changing Fever Pitch to Sleepless in Seattle).
Eat: Home-made snickerdoodles
My favorite cookie! I love anything cinnamon.
Self-Care: Sauna Session
Sauna sessions can help improve circulation, boost your immune system, help with muscle relaxation, and flush out toxins. Some much needed rejuvenation for my body during these colder months!
Family Activity: Neighborhood Christmas Light Walk
We did this last year as a family of 3 and I can’t wait to make it our family’s tradition. The idea is we all bundle up and take a walk around our neighborhood to look at each neighbors lights. Last year David and I brought along wine in to-go coffee cups and played Christmas music on our phone. It was so simple, but special.
Event: Tree Lighting
There’s something about being part of a big crowd and all counting down together. Tre lightings feel like a celebration of the start of the season! We are surrounded by many small towns that have their own tree lightings and I’m excited to go to one!
Seasonal Sounds
Wishing you a warm and cozy winter - full of cinnamon and twinkly lights and fuzzy blankets!
