The EastCoaster

By: Claire DeMarco

1.Holiday Treats

One of the best parts of the holiday season is the treats! Whether you enjoy baking, or prefer a simple recipe, the act of staying in and making a fun holiday treat can be both relaxing and rewarding. The holiday season is a great time to get into new recipes—from desserts to cozy breakfast foods, to new hot coco’s and teas. If bad weather hits, or you’re looking for something to do at home with friends or family, baking fun holiday treats can be a great way to unwind, care for yourself by slowing down, and get in the holiday spirit.

2. Holiday Movies

For a more restful take on self-care, enjoying some holiday movies can be a great way to put life on pause, and enjoy some alone time or relax with your friends and family. Whether you enjoy some of the old classics (A Year Without a Santa Claus and Frosty the Snowman), comedies (Home Alone, Elf, and Deck the Halls), or the comfort of Hallmark holiday movies, this genre brings something for everyone. With the chaos of family gatherings, traveling, finals, and the sometimes sad or sentimental feelings the holidays can bring, taking time to find some comfort in film is a great way to take care of yourself this holiday season.

3. Cozy Reading Day

One of the best ways to practice self-care during the holidays, and really all year round, is cozying up with a good book. Like curling up to watch a comfort film, reading a book is a great option when there’s not much to do outside the house…Or if it’s simply too cold to leave! There’s a genre for everyone, whether it be romance, action, thriller, drama, or fantasy. If the holidays have you down, or the whirlwind of December has you stressed out, it’s also a great time to pick up some motivational, spiritual, comfort, or self-help reading to keep your mind healthy.

4. At Home Spa

With the Holiday season comes a timely push of new at-home spa products. For those of us who enjoy genuine self-care in the form of a warm bath, an “everything” shower, some candles, and a face mask, the holidays can be a great time to invest in some new (and often festive scented) products to try. Especially popular this time of year is the glazed look, as well as ice rollers, festive face masks, and a classic relaxing undereye patch.

5. Crafting

For those of us, myself included, who sometimes find our only way to wind down is to still do something at least a bit productive, crafts are a great way to take away from the season’s stress and holiday madness. Those of us who are a little craftier can focus our energy on the wintry or holiday-themed crafts like knitting, trimming the tree, putting up garland, making festive table spreads, or even getting creative with gift wrapping. Crafts are a great way to focus your attention on something creative, and something that is going to warm up your space and make you smile—something we all could use during these cold, busy winter months.