Reimagining Routine's Charm during Festive Seasons: 10 Approaches
The festive season brings an aura of comfort, nostalgia, and happiness into our daily lives, and one of the finest ways to embrace the holiday spirit is by adding a touch of holiday magic to your typical routine. Whether you're enjoying a peaceful morning before the festivities begin or unwinding after a hectic day, incorporating little holiday feelings can transform your mornings and nights into moments of self-care and make you feel like you're the leading character in your favorite holiday movie. And it doesn't need to be grand or expensive - simple adjustments will do the trick.
From pampering skincare rituals to cozy fragrances and festive flavors, these tips will help you turn the most banal parts of your daily routines into special holiday moments.
1. Welcome Your Day with a Festive Beverage
Nothing quite compares to that initial sip of coffee or tea in the morning. Why not inject some holiday flavor into the moment and make your daily boost that much more joyful? Incorporating a holiday twist into your morning beverage can be as straightforward as using a holiday mug or as elaborate as attempting to recreate your favorite coffee shop holiday drink at home. And peppermint creamer is always a crowd-pleaser.
2. Replace Your Aromas
Aroma has a strong connection to our memories, so integrating some of your favorite holiday scents into your routine is one of the most potent ways to make you feel like you're residing in a winter wonderland. The options are unlimited, from hand soaps and creams to air diffusers, candles, and household cleaners. Choose from traditional holiday scents like fresh pine, sugar cookies, gingerbread, and more.
3. Play Holiday Music
There's something undeniably enchanting about the sound of holiday music filling the air. This holiday season, why not put some festive music in the background during your morning and night routines? From classics like "Silent Night" and "White Christmas" to popular hits like Kelly Clarkson's "Underneath the Tree," holiday music has the power to evoke those fuzzy, nostalgic feelings. Emptying the dishwasher becomes much more enjoyable with "Silver Bells" playing in the background.
4. Light a Candle (or Several)
Candles create a soothing atmosphere in any room, especially during the holidays. There's something about the flicker of candlelight that you just can't resist. Choose a candle with a holiday scent -- like balsam fir, spiced berry, or warm vanilla -- to really get into the festive spirit.
5. Turn on the Fireplace (or the Fireplace Channel)
There's nothing like cozying up by the fireplace while watching the snow fall. Although you may not be burning the yule log, a roaring fire has the same effect. Even if you don't have time to relax or appreciate its warmth and beauty, turning on the fireplace during your morning and night routines creates a festive ambiance.
Don't have a fireplace? No problem! Simply turn on the fireplace channel on your TV to achieve that same comfortable sensation. If you're living in a warm place during the holidays, this is likely a more suitable option than a real fire.
6. Use Heated Towels
Simple acts of self-care are elevated through the use of heated towels, especially when it's chilly outside! Towel warmers are an affordable and simple upgrade, or you can utilize the simple and successful dryer trick to make it toasty hot. Warm towels feel like luxury following a hot shower, or you can use them during your morning or evening skincare routine.
7. Don Christmas Pajamas
Simple and foolproof - you can't go wrong with classic Christmas pajamas. Imagine slipping into soft, festive PJs adorned with snow scenes, reindeer, or candy canes and immediately wrapping yourself in the warmth of the holiday season. Whether you're getting ready for a busy day or unwinding with a cup of tea or hot cocoa after a tense afternoon, a pair of cute Christmas pajamas will never fail to bring on the warm and fuzzies.
8. Incorporate Festive Decorations into Your Space
Allow your holiday decorations to extend beyond just the Christmas tree and outdoor lights. Attempt swapping out your daily items - holiday-themed soap dispensers in the bathroom, festive tea towels in the kitchen, bed linens in Christmas patterns, and throw pillows featuring classic Christmas motifs. Add sprigs of greenery throughout your space to complete the festive feeling.
9. Go for a Drive to See Christmas Lights
We adore this suggestion because unlike some of the other tips on this list, it's completely free. If you don't have a car, a walk through the snow will give you the same feeling. Make it part of your evening routine by going for a quick drive after dinner or just before bed. It also offers a bonding experience if you have young children, or close friends and family to join you for the ride.
10. Add Indoor Twinkle Lights
Incorporating lights into the Christmas tree and outside your home is standard, but if you're looking to brighten up your morning and night routines, incorporating twinkle lights is a magical way to achieve that. Experiment by hanging strands of lights above your kitchen sink, along shelves in the bathroom, or even above your washing machine and dryer in the laundry room to add a bit of sparkle to your tasks.
- Start your morning news routine with a holiday-themed newspaper like Better Homes and Gardens (BHG) to stay updated on festive activities in your community.
- While preparing for your Christmas dinner, play fun holiday trivia from BHG's online edition, which can spice up your traditional Holidays Entertaining.
