How to Create a Realistic Summer Bucket List
Do you create a summer bucket list?
I love the idea of going into a season with some intention. Choosing how you're going to spend the time as opposed to letting the weeks just pass you by.
But I know the downside could be that it turns into something that creates overwhelm and pressure to do all the things.
Not to mention that if summer doesn't go according to plan, you could wind up feeling disappointed or guilty.
Well, what if we approached things differently? Realistically?
I think it's possible and here's how I'm going about it.
My Realistic Steps for Creating a Summer Bucket List
1. What are you already planning to do?
Vacations, camps, family visits, trips to the zoo, or certain parks.
Your bucket list doesn't have to be just about the new or novel. The things that are already on the calendar will take up time and are also about having fun this season. Start with what you're already planning on.
2. Everyone adds ONE wish to the list
I have three kids, so I'm going to ask each of them to tell me ONE thing they really want to do this summer. As long as it's within reason, it'll go on the list.
My older kid might want something like a trip to the amusement park whereas my 4-year-old probably just wants to go to the pool. It's their choice and something they can look forward to.
3. Include the small, everyday things
Bike rides, picnics, family movie night, trying out the new ice cream stand, taking a hike, having friends over for dinner, catching fireflies, making margaritas.
The little things add up to one heck of a season too and they're so much easier to fit into your schedule and budget. Fill out the list with the small, everyday joys.
4. Look at the calendar
When school lets out (tomorrow for us!), the summer feels long and expansive. But as you start to add commitments, camps, and other activities to the calendar, you'll see it fills up quickly. For anything that's not a quick and easy game-time decision (bike ride or watching a movie, for example), start to pencil it in. Start with each person's wish list item, the bigger trips and activities, and then sprinkle in the rest.
5. Give yourself space and breathing room
If time is tight, it's ok to go back to the list and eliminate or consolidate. I would much rather reset expectations at the start of the season than get to the end and feel disappointed. It's ok to do less. To leave more space. This list is not about filling every available space on the calendar. It's about doing the things you'll look back on and smile about. It's about the memories and those memories need some space to breathe.
If you create a summer bucket list, will you tell me what's on it? I'd love some inspiration!
We'll be putting ours together this weekend as a family. I know that I desperately want to take the kids to a Reds baseball game so I'll be researching dates and buying tickets. Beyond that, I'm hoping for lots of small, everyday memories of ice cream, bike rides, splash pads, and watermelon.
Did you catch this?
I recently appeared on the Nessle Together podcast to share how I plan an intentional holiday season. This is the PERFECT episode to go along with your summer bucket list. Whether it's thinking about a holiday like Christmas, Hannukah, or Easter or a season like summer, it starts with the end in mind.