My Winter Bucket List – And Inspo For Planning Yours

December 2, 2021

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Even though I’ve always run cold and have a definite preference for warm weather, there are some things about winter I always look forward to. Now that I’m thinking about it, some of my favorite things to do involve being warm and cozy when it’s cold out. Living in LA where the winter weather is pretty mild, means planning out trips for true winter fun.

At the beginning of each winter, I write down a list of things I’d like to do so I can figure out how to make everything fit in. Planning around kids, friends, and the weather forecast can be tricky. But I do my best to make it all happen. So here is my winter bucket list for this year. I’ve also included a list of other activities and things to do, as inspiration when planning out your own bucket list.

My 2021 Winter Bucket List

Snowboarding Trip

Years ago, we used to rent cabins in the mountains and snowboard for the weekend several times each winter. Every few years we would go to Colorado or Canada for longer trips with friends and family. That came to an end one year when a bad fall really fucked up my back. It took several years for my back to feel good enough to even consider riding again. I’m happy to say that last year, I bought new gear and finally made it back up the mountain.

This winter, I want to spend more time up there, and also rent a cabin with friends for a few days. Ending the day in a hot tub, or a glass of wine by the fire, and some friendly but competitive board games. A proper winter getaway.

Ice Skating

Every winter in LA, outdoor skating rinks pop up all over the city. Some are on the bigger side, others rather small. I’ll be the first to admit that I’m anything but graceful on ice, but I do have a lot of fun!

Go Sledding

Sledding always brings back happy childhood memories of the season’s first snow. We would wake up so happy to see the blanket of white snow. After rushing to get dressed we’d run outside to meet up with friends so sled down hills till we were icicles. It was the best! I want my kids to have those same memories. Hopefully, they’ll actually like the snow…

Build A Snowman

There’s something extra fun and also challenging about building a snowman. The biggest one I ever made was around 8 feet tall. It took 5 of us to roll him and put him together. Just like with sledding, I want my kids to have those memories of their own.

Have A Bonfire

Since I live in an apartment this one can obviously only happen away on a trip. Luckily I go back to my hometown a few times a year. Roasting marshmallows or sipping wine, I truly enjoy sitting around a fire on a cold night with friends.

Perfect A Chili Recipe

I find it hard to think about anything that hits the spot harder than a bowl of chili on a cold day. And with a side of warm cornbread, I’m done! Most people have a family chili recipe that’s a closely guarded secret. I’m sure I’ll be posting my own vegan chili recipe soon. Try it out and tweak it to your personal preference.

Make Apple Cider

I’ve never really been a chocolate person, so hot cider has always been my cold weather drink of choice. Plus it’s a great way to enfoy the most popular flavors of the season like cinnamon and cloves. Now I’ll be thinking about cozying up on the couch tonight with a hot cup of cider and a good book.

Host A Game Night

I think that the winter months are the best time for getting together with friends for a night in. Plus since I’ve moved into my own place, I haven’t actually hosted a gathering of friends. It’s long overdue. So looking forward to bringing out the games and serving some hot apple cider (spiked of course).

Take A Tropical Vacation

Every winter I try and head to a warm beach. I did say at the top of this post that I’m always cold. Although I love going on cold-weather destination trips, too many days at home with cold or gray weather can take its toll. I usually try and break up the winter months with a trip to a warmer climate. Besides, I think there’s something extra special about sitting on a hot beach in the middle of winter.

Other Ideas To Add To Your Own Winter Bucket List

My bucket list consisted of the top activities that I think I can do this year. There are, of course, so many more fun things to do in the cold weather months. So here is a list of ideas that you can pull inspo from.