It’s almost Christmas! Have you been practicing self-care lately? If yes, that’s great! After all, self-care needs to be practiced regularly to be effective, similar to working out or keeping a diet. Here’s a special treat from Daybreak: Christmas Self-Care List to boost festive energy.
Christmas Special: Self-Care List
Put up Christmas decorations
What better way to make it feel like Christmas than to put up festive decorations and lightings? If you don’t already own a chain of colorful LED lights, consider purchasing one this Christmas! Even if you don’t own a Christmas tree, just hanging those handmade ornaments and rainbow lights around your room can surely brighten up your day.
Light up scented candles
Let your room be filled with the smell of Christmas with those scented candles of yours! It would not only bring a smile to your face, but it can also boost your mood. Some people might enjoy a relaxed meditation session or a nice, long bath as the Christmas self-care. Even a romantic candlelit dinner can set the mood with its gentle glow and refreshing fragrance, making it the perfect way to unwind after a long day.
Decorate a festive cake
Bring out your hidden creativity and showcase it on a beautifully decorated cake! Instead of buying the usual Christmas Cake from the bakery, try challenging yourself to bake your own this year. You can decorate it however you like it. If you need any inspiration, here is a red-velvet Christmas cake by my friend.
Spend time with your family
It doesn’t have to be Christmas to spend time with your family. But it is especially during Christmas that families gather to enjoy each other’s company and be grateful for life. Although, with the Covid-19 still roaming the streets, many people won’t be able to visit their families living elsewhere. That’s where technology comes in.
Give them a video call through Skype or Whatsapp, or even Zoom. Catch up with your family, dine with them over the call, or start a Netflix Party to watch Christmas movies together.
Put on your Christmas playlist
Whenever I hear Christmas hits, my brain immediately switches to holiday mode. Even if I’m still a month early, it already feels like Christmas to me. I love the atmosphere Christmas brings. It’s as if there’s a hidden force pulling me to excitement every day, even though it’s just another typical day. If you’ve got your holiday playlist, feel free to share it with us! If not, Spotify has its own “Christmas Hits” playlist while YouTube has several 24/7 Christmas Playlists.
Sip on hot chocolate
Hot chocolate has always been the go-to comfort beverage along with several others. I enjoy hot chocolate with marshmallows the most during the Winter when I’m all wrapped up and cozy as I stare out the window. Taking the time to sip on my hot beverage, I’d give myself the alone time I need. Just a short break for a cup of hot chocolate is enough to boost my mood as a Christmas self-care practice.
Send holiday cards
Whether it’s a Christmas card, postcard, or even e-card, anyone who receives it would be given a pleasant holiday surprise. If you’ve been practicing calligraphy, now is a great time to show off. Or, if you want to bring out your creativity, you can even design your own card from a scratch. For all those lazy people, here is a list of e-card sites.
Buy yourself flowers
Instead of buying the usual roses or your favorite type of flower, you can try a change of pace and buy yourself Christmas plants. One of my top picks is the Poinsettia. It’s well-known for its red and green foliage, making it a classic Christmas floral display. Since most apartments in HK are pretty small, Christmas trees aren’t as common. You might, however, find various Christmas plants sitting on the countertop or magically appear in the living room to lift the Christmas atmosphere.
For more self-care practices, feel free to check out Daybreak’s Happiness Checklist.