It’s a cold night leading up Christmas. You’ve worked or studied for exams all week. And you just want to spend the night relaxing.
What better way to chill than to create a wonderful cozy Christmas-themed night at home.
When the snow is blowing and the stores are packed, there’s nothing better than setting up in front of your TV with a purposefully relaxing evening ahead.
Check out the tips below for creating a perfect night-in.
A warm, scented bath
It’s a truth universally acknowledged that a warm bath can cure all of life’s troubles. Or at least, it’ll make you feel nice for a little while and that’s still something!
Starting off your relaxing night with a bath is ideal. There are even a few things you can do to make the experience even more enjoyable. A scented bath is wonderful, whether it’s from specific bath salts or even just candles burning around the tub.
If you’re really looking to level up your bath game, pop on a face mask and pour yourself a glass of wine (or other favourite chilled beverage). Make sure you don’t forget to grab a good book or turn on an audiobook or podcast.
Go ahead. Dim the lights. Run a bath. And let the worries soak away.
Candles, candles, candles
One of the frequently mentioned details in this post is candles. I love candles. If I could have a candle lit 24/7 without fears of fire safety, I totally would.
A candle or two can be a great way to spruce up the atmosphere of your evening. Whichever room you choose to settle in can be decorated with candles of all shapes, sizes, and scents.
Whether it’s a three-wick candle from Bath & Body Works or a taper candlestick, you’re sure to feel uber bougie with the room aglow.
If you’re looking for a great candle scent, I recommend reaching for winter scents. Anything with cranberry, pine or vanilla is a win in my books. If you have a sweet tooth, candy cane can be a great choice, too.
Ambient lighting
The principle of hygge says “let there be light” and who am I to argue?
I don’t know about you, but dark rooms are my enemy. Along with the excitement of Christmas comes the arrival of seasonal depression. Days are shorter, the weather is colder, and nights are seemingly endless. It’s easy to feel pretty glum.
The secret trick for feeling better through dark nights? Lights. And a lot of them.
There are a few ways you can implement lights to your cozy night-in. Fairy nights are a fun and aesthetically pleasing way to spruce up a room. Floor and/or table lamps to brighten up the shadowy corners of your house. Even a Christmas tree can add a beautiful glow to your room.
Personally, I prefer warm white lights to cool white, but it’s up to you! My number one rule? Never use overhead lighting.
A Christmas film
If you’re having a night-in at Christmas time, the best course of action is to put on a cozy film that fits the season. Now’s probably not the time you’re gonna want to watch a thriller or horror film. Unless that’s the sort of thing you find comforting, in which case, you do you!
If you celebrate Christmas, this is a good opportunity to put on a festive film. Some great options would be Elf, The Holiday, or Love Actually. Ideally, you want something that will fill you with the Christmas spirit and warm your heart.
But then, you don’t need to celebrate Christmas to have a warm and cozy night-in this season! There are many films that have winter vibes that aren’t about Christmas. For this, I love to put on Little Women (specifically the 2019 version) or Bridget Jones’s Diary.
While both films depict Christmas being celebrated, it’s not the central theme and still lends to a lovely snowy and cozy aesthetic.
Hot cocoa with toppings
To be honest, who doesn’t love a good cup of hot cocoa during the holidays? Or any time, for that matter. Hot beverages like tea or coffee always warm you up from the inside-out during winter months. But there’s something especially festive about hot cocoa.
Of course, you could always go old school and have a classic mug of hot cocoa. But where’s the fun in that? Take this opportunity to try something new this season! I love good flavoured hot cocoa—some of my favourites are the Carnation Coffee Crisp Hot Cocoa and white hot chocolate.
Toppings really make for the most delectable cup and you can add anything from whipped cream to crushed candy cane and chocolate shavings to personalize your cup. Let’s not forget the classic marshmallow toppings. Yum.
Some good company (or none at all!)
Christmas is a time to be surrounded by the people—or animals—that make you feel the happiest. While it’s lovely to go out to celebrate or invite people over for big parties, a quiet night at home can also be a great way to see your loved ones this season.
Whether it’s your partner or bestie, there’s definitely room on the couch for a plus one when it comes to a cozy Christmas night. Plan a movie marathon where each person picks a film. You can even have your guests bring a special treat to make it a mini snack potluck.
Company doesn’t always have to be human. Four-legged friends make for wonderful companions on a quiet night-in. Cuddle up with your pup or cat and enjoy the moment. This is especially a good idea for those of us who are introverts and recharge by being alone.
What do you do to create a cozy Christmas night at home? Let me know in the comments!
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