The Winter holiday season is such a dazzling and magical time of year, and it’s no wonder many start celebrating it the day after Halloween. There’s certainly so much fun to be had and so much to enjoy as the Christmas season rolls in. Although admittedly, I find Christmas to be a bit more stressful and chaotic than most other holidays. Which is why we should all be putting an emphasis on making the holidays fun for ourselves. Especially as the holidays are meant to be a time of joy, gratitude, togetherness, and enjoyment. So let’s allow ourselves to indulge in the most wonderful festivities this season has to offer and enjoy our favorite Christmas activities.
With that said, as an introvert, I know that many holiday festivities can be quite socially draining. And the good news is, there are many Christmas activities that can be enjoyed in a moment of joyful solitude. While still acknowledging the love that we have for our wonderful friends and family members. I also understand that not everyone celebrates Christmas. I personally find myself leaning a bit more into Yule myself, while still enjoying the Christmas traditions I enjoyed as a child. But honestly, many holiday activities can be enjoyed by those from a variety of cultures. Even those who may not celebrate anything in particular this time of year.
No matter what you celebrate, I hope that you’ll allow yourself a moment to enjoy this lovely time of year. The holiday season is a lovely time of year to cozy up and make wonderful memories by leaning into your favorite Christmas activities.
Magically Cozy Solo Christmas Activities At Home
While the holidays are certainly a time to get together with our favorite people, we could also all use a moment of solitude. Especially during a time as chaotic as the holiday season. Heck, even extroverts could benefit from taking a moment to focus on themselves and get cozy. Plus, it’s wonderful to celebrate the holidays all throughout December from home. Without it having to become something super extravagant. Even if it’s in the smallest of ways to get into the Christmas spirit. Honestly, taking a festive moment for yourself is a great way to practice self-care throughout the holidays.
And while many of these Christmas and Yule activities are best enjoyed solo, many of them are also quite delightful when done with your loved ones. As a matter of fact, quiet, cozy, and slow holiday activities are perfect for couples to enjoy together. And they also make for wonderful warm moments to share with close friends and family. Without it having to be a big event. Because honestly, we can’t expect ourselves to have big plans for every day in December. But we can make the smallest of moments count throughout the holiday season.
1. Make A Holiday Wishlist — Just For Fun
One of my fondest memories of the holiday season as a child was making a holiday wishlist. I always found it quite fun to compile a list of things that I hope to receive, even if I knew that I might not get all of them. And honestly, it can be just as much fun to create a wishlist as an adult. Certainly, the Barbie’s Dream Houses and Bratz dolls have been swapped out for beautiful tarot decks, various forms of stationery, and cosmetics, but it’s the same feeling. Just at a different age. And honestly? There’s nothing wrong with dreaming a little bit.
Personally, I love making Amazon wishlists and encouraging my loved ones to do the same. Wishlists are such a wonderful way to give your friends and family an idea of what you’d like to receive as a gift. And when everyone makes a wishlist, no one has to try to guess what their lovely recipients want for Christmas. Making shopping for the holidays so much simpler.
2. Watch Your Favorite Holiday Movies
Watching Christmas movies is one of the coziest and easiest activities that can easily get you into the holiday spirit. Whether you choose to watch some classic favorites from your childhood or something a bit newer, you really can’t go wrong with cozying up and enjoying holiday movies throughout December. Perhaps you want to grab your favorite holiday treats and enjoy an entire holiday movie marathon on the weekends with your loved ones. Or maybe you want to enjoy a childhood favorite in the evening after work as you wrap in a warm blanket and sip hot cocoa in solitude. Honestly, there are so many ways you can enjoy your holiday movie nights. You really can’t go wrong.
3. Curate A Festive Holiday Playlist
While many of us would prefer not to hear it until after Thanksgiving, Christmas music is quite fun to listen to. We all have our favorite holiday hits, as well as our favorite holiday classics. So why not put together a playlist of your personal favorites? It’s a lot of fun to create your own mix of classics and more recent holiday hits. Don’t be shy about letting your favorites from Mariah Carey and Ariana Grande defrost once December arrives. As well as the most classic of Christmas songs, you listened to growing up. Make the playlist your own, and allow it to play in the background as you prepare for and cozy up for the holidays.
4. Make “Decking The Halls” For The Holidays Fun and Cozy
Certainly, there is a lot of hard work that goes into decorating for the holidays. Especially if you truly like to go “all out” with your holiday decorating. And honestly, it can feel like a bit of a chore to spend an entire afternoon decorating. Heck, many of us may spend an entire day decorating, if not multiple days. So, with that said, we should certainly be allowing ourselves to make the decorating process as fun and enjoyable as possible. Whether by simply playing some holiday music as we decorate, or by playing holiday movies in the background.
Let yourself get creative as you decorate, and make it fun for yourself. Incorporate your own traditions to make decorating for the holidays feel special and less like a chore. And don’t forget to have some delightful holiday snacks available when it’s time to give yourself a break. Remember, the holidays are meant to be a time to relax and unwind. Rather than rush to get the decorating done.
5. Get Crafty and Make Your Own Ornaments And Holiday Decor
Some of the best pieces of holiday decor are often the ones that you’ve made yourself. Whether you’re making something very specific to match up with your personal tastes, or you’re simply looking to have fun making a personalized piece. Making your own ornaments and holiday decor is such a fun way to get creative, while incorporating the current season into your crafts. And honestly, it’s entirely up to you whether you keep it as simple as painting on or decorating some ornaments, or sculpting your own ornaments from scratch. Or even putting together a custom Christmas wreath. The possibilities are truly endless.
6. Get Creative With Gift Wrapping
Understandably, gift wrapping can start to feel like a repetitive chore if you have a lot of gifts to wrap. Which is why it’s best to watch some holiday movies as you wrap, and keep some hot cocoa and holiday treats nearby. But honestly, there are so many ways that you can get creative with gift wrapping to make it feel a little more special. Whether it’s the way you choose to package and present the gift, or getting creative with the wrapping itself. Because honestly, there are so many creative ways that you can fold the paper to wrap the gift. And if you’re not sure where to start, there are so many unique gift wrapping tutorials all around the internet.
But honestly, even just putting a little extra care into packaging and wrapping each gift makes a difference. Especially when you carefully coordinate the perfect bow and name tag with the gift wrap.
7. Write Out Christmas Cards — Or Make Them
Christmas cards seem to be a lost art in the days of texting, direct messages, and email. But that doesn’t mean that they’re not still deeply meaningful to give and receive. If not, even more meaningful. So why not sit down and write out a heartfelt message to your loved ones this holiday? It’s one of the easiest ways to show someone that you’re thinking of them during the holiday season. And if you’re a creative person, it can be a lot of fun to make your own custom holiday cards. Which honestly makes them an even lovelier, heartfelt gift. Send them in the mail the old-fashioned way, or give them in person. You really can’t go wrong.
And for those long-distance friends and family you may not have an address for. You can always open up Canva and make digital Christmas cards to send to them.
8. Bake and Enjoy Some Holiday Treats
One of the best things about the holiday season is the sweet treats. And you know what? The holiday season is a time to indulge in all of those little delights. Besides, I fully believe that allowing yourself some wonderful indulgences is a key part of a healthy lifestyle. So don’t deny yourself a treat this holiday season, my lovely. Especially one that looks so festive and decadent. And if you’re feeling creative, you can even try your hand at baking your own holiday treats. You don’t have to be a chef or professional baker to make something divine.
Try that holiday Pinterest recipe that you saved ages ago. Try your hand at decorating Christmas cookies, cupcakes, brownies, or any other lovely treat. It doesn’t have to look perfect. Let baking be one of those joyful Christmas activities that you indulge in just for fun. And to satisfy your holiday sweet tooth.
9. Put Together An Advent or Holiday Countdown Calendar
Advent and holiday countdown calendars are a lot of fun and give you a little something to look forward to every day before Christmas. And honestly, while there’s a lot of great Advent gift boxes available to purchase, it can be even more fun to put together your own. Certainly, it doesn’t need to be filled with the most extravagant of gifts. Honestly, the best daily Advent gifts are small indulgences that can be enjoyed throughout the holiday season. Perhaps, it could be your permission to enjoy a piece of holiday candy every day in December. Or enjoy a holiday spa session with a holiday-themed product. Or warm up your feet with some festive socks.
Heck, maybe you want to do all of the above throughout the month. Allow yourself to get creative and have some fun with it.
10. Reflect On Some Festive Holiday Journaling Prompts
The holiday season is certainly a wonderful time for reflection. And one of the best ways to reflect on the past year, what the holidays mean to you, and look inward in general, is to journal. Journaling is quite a wonderful creative outlet to dive deeply into your thoughts and feel your emotions. As well as having something to look back on and read next Christmas. And regardless of which holiday(s) you celebrate this time of year, you can’t go wrong with journaling and reflecting on what this season means to you. Whether you choose deep reflection or a fun writing holiday writing prompt is entirely up to you. And don’t be shy about adding some doodles and holiday ephemera.
11. Play Some Cozy Holiday Games
As a cozy gamer, I always find it fun to play cozy games around the holiday season. Especially when there’s a holiday event going on in the game, or I can set the game within the holiday season. And I must say, Animal Crossing hosts quite lovely holiday events in December, and incorporates the season quite well into the game. And while The Sims doesn’t follow the real-world calendar, you can always set the season to Winter and enjoy playing through Snowflake Day in the game. You can even customize the holiday to better fit your own traditions.
And if video games aren’t your thing, there are a ton of fun holiday games that you can still enjoy with loved ones. Honestly, holiday board games can be quite a cozy break from screentime anyway. Especially when enjoyed with your loved ones.
12. Have A Holiday-Themed Spa Day
It goes without saying that, while the holidays are meant to be a time of relaxation, they can be quite stressful. That said, you’ve absolutely got to give yourself time for self-care during the holiday season, my lovely. And honestly, a holiday-themed spa day could be just the treat you need to feel rejuvenated. And in the most festive of ways. So set up a nice bath for yourself using that delightfully scented holiday bath bomb. Apply that lotion or body spray from your favorite holiday line. Apply those fun holiday-themed sheet masks. Light a festive candle. Watch a holiday movie while you pamper yourself for the season. Allow it to be your festive moment of peace and joy.
Connecting and Stepping Out Into The Holiday Wonderland
Although I’m certainly an introvert, I’m not going to deny that I also crave connection with others. Heck, even as a homebody, I need to leave the house once in a while. And honestly, the holidays are about love and connection at their core. Plus, some of the best Christmas activities and joys happen out in that festive holiday wonderland beyond our cozy space. And maybe it’s just me, but I don’t want to miss out on some of my favorite Christmas activities and miss the festivities happening in my community. Especially as some of those festivities are what allow me to reconnect with my inner child during the holiday season.
Certainly, those of us who are introverted may need to recharge a bit after a holiday outing. But you know what? It’s totally worth it for the connection and festive vibes. And you don’t have to become the life of the Christmas party. You can simply attend with a few friends, or even go solo, just to enjoy the atmosphere and enjoy some of your favorite Christmas activities while enjoying some light social interaction with others. Heck, you don’t even have to go out of your way to socialize, but just allow yourself to be open to connection while enjoying the atmosphere.
13. Visit Holiday Attractions In Your Area
Let’s be honest, many of us are so accustomed to the area that we live in that we overlook the attractions that we may pass on the way to work. Or the ones that would make a lovely and festive day trip on a December weekend. So why not look into visiting some of the lovely holiday attractions that are in your local area? As well as ones that truly go all out in decorating for the holiday season. Seriously, look up what holiday attractions might be within an hour’s drive of where you live. Or check out that place you pass by numerous times as you’re driving to work or running errands. It’s a great way to find more appreciation for your local area.
14. Visit A Holiday Shop
Holiday shops are a lot of fun to visit, especially in December. In all honesty, you don’t even have to buy anything to enjoy the ambiance of window shopping in a store that’s specifically a holiday store. It can be a lot of fun just to admire the lovely displays that have been set out. Although you just might find the perfect piece of holiday decor for your own home while you’re there. Especially as Christmas stores often carry a wide variety of unique pieces that you wouldn’t typically find at a major retailer. You just might find that one set of ornaments that completes your Christmas tree. Whilst supporting a smaller business.
15. Attend Festive Community Events
Honestly, many of my favorite childhood holiday memories come from attending holiday community events. The atmosphere is so fun and festive, and so wonderful for getting into the holiday spirit. Plus, they often have various Christmas activities that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Perhaps you could attend a holiday crafting workshop and bring home your own handmade wreath or decor. Or you could witness the lighting of the community Christmas tree while enjoying some festive treats. There may even be some fun holiday games to play with members of your community, or with your friends and family.
Even if you live in a small town, you may be able to find quite a few community events taking place around the holidays. And don’t be shy about looking into community events in neighboring cities.
16. Volunteer or Donate To A Holiday Charity
It goes without saying that the holidays can be a rough time of year for a lot of people. And honestly, while it may not fix everything for them, it can be lovely to be a light for those in need during the holiday season. If you’re in a position where you can fully do so, it can be wonderful to shop for an Angel Tree to give a child a great Christmas. Or perhaps, you could even donate some lovely items suitable for adults, teenagers, and children to a local gift drive. There’s even the option to donate a bit of your time to charities that benefit families who could use the thought during the holiday season.
It’s worth looking into which charities you can potentially get involved with to bring light to others during the holiday season. But with that said, please only do so if you’re in a position to do so. Whether financially, mentally, emotionally, or all of the above.
17. Look At Christmas Lights and Truly Admire Them
One of the most magical things about the holiday season is looking at the holiday displays that so many people put out. It’s magical as a child to look at Christmas lights. And as an adult, you truly appreciate the hard work that goes into those lovely festive displays. It makes the fact that the noticeable lack of daylight in December just a little bit gentler. Because you get to enjoy the lovely lights a little longer. So why not take a drive through your neighborhood when you’re bummed about the sun setting before 6:00 PM, and enjoy the lovely displays that someone put a lot of work and love into? Or even look and see if there are dedicated Christmas light festivals in your area.
And honestly? This is one that can be enjoyed in the solitude of your car or with your closest loved ones. Perhaps, with Christmas music playing as you slowly drive along. Heck, why not admire the holiday displays along your normal commute, and make the mundane feel a little more cheerful?
18. Host or Participate In A Secret Santa
Secret Santas are a lot of fun, and they’re a fun way to ensure everyone gets a little something, without needing to buy a gift for everyone. Plus, it’s fun to see whose name you might draw, and it may even give you further insight into their interests. For the purpose of fairness, it’s best to set a budget that everyone in the group can easily manage. And always remember to respect the budget as a participant. And to make it easier for everyone to shop for their recipients’ gifts, perhaps you could have everyone fill out a little survey to share their general interests. You can even have everyone share a direct wishlist, so there’s no need to guess what each person might want.
And don’t forget to make the reveal feel extra cozy when the gift exchange arrives.
19. Host Or Attend A Small Holiday Gathering
I’m not going to lie to you, I do find it quite overwhelming to attend a lot of holiday gatherings. But I do enjoy attending a few throughout the holiday season. Which is why I must say, it can be wonderful to step outside your comfort zone a little bit and attend the holiday social events that you genuinely want to attend. Especially if you know that you’ll be enjoying some of your favorite Christmas activities in good company. While also acknowledging that you can honor your boundaries and say no to gatherings that aren’t sparking festive joy for you. Although I must say, the best and coziest holiday gatherings are the ones that you plan yourself.
Seriously, the beauty of planning your own holiday party is the fact that you control the guest list. You can absolutely keep it to just 2 to 3 of your closest loved ones. You can incorporate your own favorite Christmas activities, and keep it as simple as watching holiday movies and playing some fun games. It doesn’t have to be a black tie event. Heck, you can have everyone show up in their favorite holiday pajamas and sip hot cocoa. Your guests will certainly appreciate the low-pressure environment to connect with their closest circle.
Conclusion
The holiday season is such a magical time of the year, and there is genuinely so much to be enjoyed this time of year. And while this time of year can be a little bit chaotic, I genuinely hope that you’ll take a moment to enjoy some of your favorite Christmas activities this holiday season. Remember, you don’t have to pack your December schedule with extravagant events and activities. Some days, it’s best to just cozy up on the couch with a cup of hot chocolate and watch Christmas movies. Or to admire the holiday lights on your drive home as you listen to Christmas music. Although it’s also wonderful to go to those holiday parties and visit those holiday attractions.
Whether you celebrate Christmas, Yule, Hanukkah, Kwanza, or something else, I hope that you enjoy this magical time of the year. I’d love to wish you Happy Holidays filled with laughter, joy, and magic. And if you don’t celebrate anything, and you just read this out of curiosity? That’s okay too. ✨
What are some of your favorite Christmas activities? Are there any special traditions that you have and look forward to? Are you looking to start a new personal tradition this year? I’d love to read about what brings you the most holiday cheer in the comments.
No Comments Yet
This post doesn't have any comments yet.