I love the time of the year when the weather is officially cold and the winter break is right around the corner. However, this time of the year packs a punch of stress attached to looming exams, final assignment due dates, and upcoming holiday obligations. Sometimes the best way to escape life’s responsibilities is to just have a cozy night in and have a little “me” time.
1) Get some bathtime essentials and give your bod a good soak
I’m a bath person, and love soaking my troubles away in a mountain of bubbles. Make that bath the best place to be and throw in some essential oils (like lavender and chamomile), epsom salts, or basically anything from Lush (their seasonal bath bombs and bubble bars are the best). I love getting a bunch of face and hair masks from places like Sephora (the storebrand masks are $8) and Shoppers Drugmart (these ones are 3 for $5). After I’m done my bath, I like to sit on the edge of the tub and massage my legs with a homemade scrub (literally just half a cup of sugar, a couple tablespoons of olive/baby oil and a few drops of vanilla extract), shave away that winter-grown stubble with a fresh razor, and rub myself down with a body butter (the Spiced Apple Body Butter from The Body Shop smells freaking delicious). Afterwards, you will feel as soft as velvet and smoother than a baby dolphin. The main idea is to pamper yourself, so do what makes you feel good. Pop a playlist like this one on in the background too, for even more leisure.
2) Light some candles
A not so wellkept secret of mine is that I have a somewhat unhealthy obsession with candles. I like hoarding any that I can get my hands on, and reveling in their soothing scents named after things like “Winter Candy Apple.” Unfortunately, candles can be really pricey (*cough* Yankee Candle *cough*). I mean, who has the money to spend $30+ on something that’s just going to melt away? I recommend looking at places like Bath and Body Works, which have sales on candles all the time (i.e. seasonal 3 wick candles for $12.50 that actually last a while, and smaller ones that are even cheaper) or picking through craft store like Michael’s, where I nabbed a big autumnal candle for $5 early in October, that still has life left in it to burn.
3) Throw on some comfy clothes
Pyjamas, big sweaters, fluffy bathrobes, and oversized sweatpants are basically a staple for any cozy night in. Do yourself a favour by taking off that bra, sliding into those soft PJs (toss them into the dryer for 10-15 minutes for ultimate warmth), sticking your feet into some ridiculously comfortable slippers (you can nab a pair from Ardenes for about $10), and enjoy the luxury of lounging in an outfit you can’t walk out of the house in (a travesty, if you ask me).
4) Make a soothing drink or break into a bottle of wine
Drinking a decadent hot chocolate is probably one of my favourite guilty pleasures that I indulge in during the winter months. Make a packet of hot cocoa, mix in some Bailey’s if you’re feeling adventurous, plop in some marshmallows, and pile on some whipped cream, calories be damned. I’m also in love with festive flavours of tea (Santa’s Secret from David’s Tea is actually perfection), and if you’re not in the mood for something warm and sweet, wine is pretty much always the best option.
5) Gather up comfort food
Take note from Gilmore Girls and watch how those ladies prepare for a night-in. They go all out. If I’m staying in, I like to ask myself, “What would Lorelai Gilmore do?” The answer to that usually involves food. Treat yo’self with comfort foods that you like, whether it’s popcorn, cookies, or whatever tickles your fancy. Enjoy noshing away to your heart’s content.
6) Make your space as calming and comfortable as possible
Wash those bedsheets (something that I usually put off doing for way too long), pile up your blankets and pillows, and even put a heating pad between the sheets so that your bed is extra toasty. To amp up the calm atmosphere, I also like being basic and plugging in some fairy lights that you can get for next to nothing at Dollarama and Walmart. I also enjoy putting on Fireplace For Your Home (which can be conveniently found on Netflix). It’s ridiculously comforting to have playing in the background, extra classy of course, and it’s a pretty decent substitute for the real thing.
7) Find a cuddle buddy
A cuddle buddy doesn’t just have to be a significant other; it can be your BFF or your pet (my personal favourite). Sometimes, having someone with you to veg out with makes a relaxing night even better. You have someone to share your movie commentary with, paint the nails on your left hand so it doesn’t look like a mess (maybe that’s just me), and someone to keep you company while you’re having a low-key night. And if you’re with a pet, you have a furry friend to snuggle up beside you and make your space the ultimate level of coziness.
8) Watch something festive and comforting
What would a cozy night in bed be without some Netflix and chill? When it’s cold outside and the holiday season is approaching, I like to watch festive movies that reflect the weather. Some top picks of mine are A Nightmare Before Christmas, Arthur Christmas, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, and my all-time favourite, Love Actually. If you’re not in the mood for a movie, Gilmore Girls always works for any seasonal vibes, along with Friends, Law and Order: SVU, The Mindy Project (I highly recommend this one), or Grey’s Anatomy if you just want something to casually binge-watch.
Everyone needs some relaxation, especially during this time of the year. Unwind and give yourself some well-deserved spoiling with a night indoors that is tailored to what makes you feel the most comfortable and cozy.