The holiday season is undoubtedly a stressful time of year. With so many finals to take and presents to buy, it can be easy to get lost in an endless cycle of stress. While the “season of giving” may be taking the most energy out of us, there are still small moments in which you can find peace. So as we snowball (pun intended) our way into this year’s holiday season, here are small things I do to romanticize my life during the holiday season and winter months.
Holiday-Scented Candles and Essential Oils
Who doesn’t enjoy walking into an aroma-filled room where notes of berries and pine fill the air? To me, candles are one of the easiest ways to not only get into the holiday spirit but also make you feel like you are living inside a Pinterest board. Candles can be used to set the mood for any occasion; they just bring holiday cheer! Whether you prefer clean, woody scents that are reminiscent of balsam or gourmand fragrances that make you feel like you’re in a festive café, candles are the way to go.
While candles can be great, many are sensitive to their strong smell or simply choose to avoid them altogether. But don’t worry — there are still alternatives! Essential oils still evoke the feelings and scents a candle might without the smoke. They are also generally easy to find, which makes them an accessible alternative for those who are unable to burn candles. Whether you take a candle or an essential oil route, the general presence of holiday scents can truly elevate your holiday season and help you romanticize your life during one of the most stressful times of the year.
Instrumental Music
Similar to fragrance, music also helps promote positive feelings. While jamming out to your favorite pop song can be fun, ending (or even starting) the day with instrumental music is great for bringing your holiday spirits up! At the moment, I find myself listening to Christmas jazz instrumentals while I study and prepare to get into bed for the night. If you are not into jazz, you can try orchestral covers of your favorite tunes or even dabble in Lo-fi. Music, like many things in life, is subjective. But once you find the perfect mix that allows you to ease into the holiday season, you find yourself feeling the winter joy.
Seasonal Decorations
As a broke college student, I was worried about how I was going to make my apartment cute for the holiday season. I did not want to spend an arm and a leg trying to buy a tree and decorations. Instead, I opted for a much simpler décor style that not only made my bedroom festive but also didn’t hurt the bank. If you find yourself still wanting to get decorations for your space, I recommend finding seasonal blankets and pillows that you can easily throw on your bed to help make your room feel like a cozy space. You don’t need to go overboard with decorations, but a simple pillow or blanket can greatly elevate your mood and help you romanticize your life during this holiday season.
Dressing For Yourself
On days when I am feeling the weight of the world on my shoulders, I find dressing up for class helps me not only cultivate a positive headspace but also boost my confidence. During the holiday season, it can be easy to let the cold weather dictate your mood. But when you dress for yourself in a way that allows you to perform at your best, it can deeply impact your day. Sometimes, spending a little extra time on your hair or makeup is what you need!
Holiday Treats
One of the best parts of the holiday season is the surplus of baked goodies! It seems every café and bakery has its own specialized holiday menu, and what better time to enjoy those delightful treats than the holiday season? Simply getting a winter-themed coffee or baked good can make you feel like you just stepped out of a Hallmark movie. Plus, who doesn’t love a sweet treat? Go do yourself a favor and eat some delicious baked goods this holiday season — your body will thank you!
Winter-Themed Books
Reading a book is a perfect way to relax and unwind. While it may be difficult to find time to read with dawning finals and projects, it can serve as a great way to help ease your mind. Last winter, I read a Christmas romance novel that truly got me into the holiday season, but also made me feel like I was an aesthetic BookTok content creator getting ready to review the novel. If books aren’t your thing, then try checking out online magazines, blogs, and even other articles that discuss the holiday season. But if that doesn’t sound appealing to you, then maybe sitting down in a bookstore is what you need. Whether you decide to read or not, there is no doubt that books can help put you in a festive mood.
Creating Playlists
My guilty pleasure is curating Spotify playlists for whatever I am feeling in the moment, and during the holiday season, I find this to be much more apparent. At the moment, I have around four separate holiday playlists of songs I believe all carry a similar holiday vibe. One playlist is strictly for upbeat, pop Christmas music, another for melancholy wintery beats, the next for classical Christmas songs, and the final one for super depressing tunes. In all honesty, I don’t listen to any of the playlists I have made based on these moods; they are simply there because I enjoyed putting together different songs based on their energy. Not only is this a good way to help you sort through whatever emotions you may be feeling at the time, but it also serves as an outlet for you to explore new songs and genres of music that just may help you get to the new year.
Planning
This one seems pretty simple, but planning and scheduling different things not only make your life feel less cluttered but also serve as an organizational tool. With the holiday season being as hectic as it is, finding the time to block out different days for any appointments, gatherings, or even alone time can be greatly beneficial. My favorite tool for this is Google Calendar because I find it easy to use and manage. Plus, it is very customizable and when done right, can be aesthetic! I currently have everything set up as different shades of pink to match my desktop, and when I look at my busy calendar filled with exam dates for finals and assignments due, I feel much better knowing I have everything planned when I need to.
Creating Pinterest Boards
Similar to making playlists, creating Pinterest boards is a great way to relax and find inspiration for how you want to spend your holiday season. Looking at aesthetic photos of snowy towns, icy rivers, and beautifully lit houses can make you feel so cozy. I sometimes find myself spending hours on Pinterest creating vision boards, mood boards, or even just boards with pretty photos I like. No matter what I decide to create, it always leaves me feeling renewed.
Winter Walks
One of my favorite memories from when I was a kid took place in the dead of winter. It was around 10 PM, and my parents and I decided to walk our dog in the snow. I vividly remember opening up the front door and being greeted by a full moon reflecting its glittery light on the snow resting on the ground. The sky was a purple hue, and the air was brisk. As my family and I walked through the neighborhood, we found ourselves wandering to the local pond, which was entirely frozen. As such, we all decided to walk across the pond and simply admire the nighttime scenery. While it may be hard to find a completely frozen pond during this time of year, going on winter walks with your loved ones can be one of the most magical experiences. Something about the winter sky is so peaceful and serene. Why not take advantage of its quiet nature and enjoy a walk in the cold?
While the holiday season can be a stressful time, being able to adopt small habits into your daily routine can truly help ease the intense feelings this time of year may bring. Whether you decide to light your candles or take nighttime strolls, I hope you readers can find peace and begin to romanticize your own life this upcoming holiday season.