I know we’re all sad because Autumn is almost over and we’ll soon be heading into the depths of Winter. Gone are the spooky decorations, the horror movie marathons and the influx of pumpkin field Instagram photos. But if I’m being honest, I absolutely love Winter. I love the cold. I love Christmas. I love snow and frost that sparkles on the pavement in the morning. I think it’s magical. So today I want to offer some Winter self care ideas to help you try and enjoy Winter as much as I do!
Photo by Taisiia Stupak on Unsplash
Each season is special in it’s own way. They all come with their own set of challenges. Their own positives and negatives. And although self care is an annual thing, there’s definitely ways you can mix it up, depending on the season you’re in. This can relate to literal seasons, like Summer and Winter as well as the seasons of your life.
But Winter can certainly be a tough time for a lot of people. For a variety of reasons. From SAD and the lack of sunlight to emotions around Christmas and having to take extra care of your well-being around the holiday season. As much magic is in Winter, Christmas and the falling snow, there’s also a lot of emotion and sadness and you have to recognize that too.
So let’s all vow to really take care of ourselves this Winter. Especially after the year we’ve had so far that’s undoubtedly made an impact on our mental health.
Here are 40 Christmas and Winter self care ideas for you to adopt in the coming months – and some that you might not have thought of before!
1. Buy a hot water bottle
2. Change your bedding into something fresh
3. Check your boiler is working properly (and get it fixed if not!)
4. Watch a Christmas film
5. Bake something with Christmassy flavours
6. Go to the library and rent Christmas books
7. Start your Christmas shopping early
8. Make a Winter budget spreadsheet
9. Clear out your wardrobe of Summer clothes
10. Learn how to make soup
11. Decorate with fairy lights
12. Spend an hour in a hot bubble bath with candles – MyPriceGuide have a great feature on the best candles to buy!
13. Accept help if you’re suffering from SAD
14. Create a Winter and Christmas bucket list
15. Buy yourself some new comfy pajamas (but try and avoid fast fashion retailers!)
16. Clear out your Facebook friends before the end of the year
17. Journal how you feel about this year
18. Write yourself a Christmas card
19. Meet up with a friend for a Christmas drink
20. Consider laser hair removal! If you start their laser removal journey in winter, you can be hair free for summer so it’s the ideal time to do it. Also, you cannot really be tanned when having laser hair removal, so winter works once again.
21. Take a brisk walk in the cold
22. De-clutter your home
23. Have a pamper night
24. Wake up earlier to counteract the effects of the early nights
25. Buy lots of seasonal fruits and veggies
26. Do some Christmas crafts
27. Attend a Christmas market
28. Make yourself the perfect hot chocolate
29. Put your pajamas on straight from the dryer
30. Do Yoga in your pajamas
31. Buy yourself a Christmas present
32. Write down your goals for the New Year
33. Write a Christmas story or poem – just get creative with your words
34. Make your own bath bombs
35. Have a day of Hygge
36. Visit a garden center
37. Do a moisturizing face mask to combat dry Winter skin
38. Go for a de-stress massage
39. Paint your nails in Christmassy colours
40. Write down 30 things you’re grateful for this year
[…] JENNY IN NEVERLAND . COM […]
[…] Winter self care is so important because this time of year can be a LOT. It can mess with our moods, cause a lot of stress and with our social calendars ramping up, it can also prevent us getting adequate sleep. And I really think a good skincare routine is one of the most wonderful acts of self care we can provide for ourselves! […]
[…] Related Read: 40 Winter Self Care Ideas […]
Love the idea of writing yourself a Christmas card – might try that one! Will deffo be doing lots of these this winter x
Thank you! I’m definitely buying myself Christmas presents x
I love these winter self care tips. I love making different types of soups and stews in the winter.
Charlotte
goalofhappiness.com
I need to do more of that!
I love these ideas so much! I have been doing cozy self care stuff everyday 🙂 I love the idea of making my own eggnog! I usually just pick up some from the store!
Cozy self care is the best in winter x
Haha I watched the Grinch. Its a bit early but was needed
Never too early!
Totally agree with how magical it feels and I love the crisp bite in the air too.
Great list, cosy hot water bottles, Christmas films and hot bubble baths are my go to.
Thank you. Love that crispness in the air!
Thanks for sharing these great tips to get winter ready 🙂
You’re welcome 🙂
Self-Care is so important! Specially during these tough tiring times. I loved the idea of watching a Christmas movie and baking something with Christmassy flavors. I personally love to buy Christmas scented candles for the house it definitely relaxes me!
Christmas scented candles are the best!
Love this list Jenny! I definitely find myself getting affected by SAD at this time of year and I do find that things like creating a cosy space really make a difference (and heading out for exercise as well!). I’ve been embracing the festivities early this year and have been watching some Christmassy films which has been fab! 🙂
https://www.femaleoriginal.com
Yayyy Christmas films! I still need to watch my first one! Sorry to hear you suffer from SAD but glad you’ve found things that work for you!
I love Christmas and winter vibes but my head certainly doesn’t like the lack of sunlight – these ideas are great for my down days
The lack of sunlight can definitely affect you so negatively!
These are such great winter self care ideas! Thanks so much for sharing!
Thank you 🙂
These are so helpful – we have baking plans for this week! Can’t wait xx
Oooh exciting!
These are some lovely ideas! Last night I actually had quite a nice lil cosy evening with hot choco and a festive film – I know it’s probably a little early for that but I very much enjoyed it. I am actually really looking forward to Christmas this year and having lots of cosy nights in watching films. Fab post! x
Never too early! Sounds perfect 🙂 x
All of these are fantastic ideas x
Oh I love these tips, I never thought of it but Christmas nails sounds so fun 😊
Right! I wish I had longer nails!
Some really great tips and nothing is a better feeling than freshly changed sheets when you just want to get into bed and have a nap x
Oh there’s NO better feeling is there?
I’m much more of a Spring/Summer person, but I must admit that I love cosy nights in front of the open fire and my hot water bottle! x
Beautylymin
There’s definitely positives of all the seasons!
I am really missing the Christmas markets that usually happen in our area right now. I live in a small town, but there are usually multiple markets held in November and December. Unfortunately, with the COVID restrictions in place, they have all been cancelled at this time. I’m going to do most of my shopping online, but it’s just not the same lol
Ah that’s such a shame. I’ve never actually been to a Christmas market. I was hoping to make this year my first but obviously that won’t be happening now!
Love these! I’ve already started snuggling up with my hot water bottle. I’ll pass on the egg nog though! Roll on the Christmas films 📼
Love my hot water bottle!
I love this list Jenny, I think it would be perfect for Lockdown 2, I’m definitely going to try a few 💛
Thank you 🙂 xxx
I’ve just pinned this to come back to over and over again when I have empty moments to fill. I appreciate all the creativity throughout this post. There were so many ideas I had never thought of – like making my own eggnog! Genius!
Yesss so happy to hear that!
I love all these ideas, and I might do a checklist to do them all. 😂 I’ve already made a start as I recently bought a new hot water bottle, fairy lights and some items for a pamper night. Thank you for sharing this post. It will come in handy! 😊
Yes that’d be a great idea! A Winter and Christmas check list 🙂
Oh, so many good ideas!!! Thank you!
You’re welcome!
I love holiday smells in the air so baking is a good pastime for me! Having plenty of tea or cocoa on hand to accompany my baked goods and a good book is a must too.
We always watch National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation for our holiday laughs. 🙂
Sounds absolutely perfect!
Jenny, I’m leaving your content these past few posts! I definitely love buying myself a Christmas present! Going to write down some if these other ideas too.
Giulia
tidbitsofcare.com
Awh thank you! I love buying myself a Christmas present too 🙂
These are such great self-care ideas for winter! Having a bubble bath and massage can be so relaxing!
It sure can!
These are such great tips, Jenny! I definitely need to work on waking up early to counteract the dark nights as it affects my mental health so negatively when I wake up around midday and only have a few hours of daylight x
That sounds like a great idea my love. The darkness can be such a pain. I hate it when it gets dark at like 4pm!
I love that you focus on winter! It’s such a vital time to consider your well-being xx
It really is. Winter and Christmas can definitely be a stressful time.
I know this isn’t your latest, but this one really caught my eye. Now the weather is changing, and especially with everything else going on, winter is definitely going to be a tougher one than usual this year. Some great tips here!
Yes it will. Christmas is already a stressful time on a normal year!
These are some great self care ideas for winter! My favourite thing to do at Christmas for self care is to have a nice hot bath with lots of Lush Christmas products and then get into some cosy Christmas pjs.
Yes! Sounds perfect! I just need to get some Christmas PJs!
Great list, thanks! I’m going to pick up some fairy lights and look up an eggnog recipe straightaway!
Yayyy! Glad to hear that 🙂
Lots of good winter suggestions here. I love the one about fairy lights especially. We are moving soon, and I plan on putting them all around my daughter’s new room. There’s something about them that just makes you happy.
I bet that’ll look so lovely!
These are great ideas! I myself love fairy lights and candles. I also want to bake lots of winter treats too, so that is on the to do.
I definitely want to bake more this year!
I wanted to comment on each tip I wanted to try but there were too many! But definitely, my life needs these – days of hygge, Christmas books, and a Christmas & winter bucket list. On it!
Haha whoops! I agree. Think we all need a bit of hygge this year!
These are all such great ideas. Every year I always clear out my summer clothes from my wardrobe and a hot water bottles are life savers at this time of year.
Oh right! I have a hot water bottle like, every day!
These are some great ideas. Some being so small that you wouldn’t think of but have such a positive impact on your physical or mental health. Self care is so important and these are some great ideas you have shared. During winter months I definitely tend to have more baths than showers and do a bit more pampering. Thank you for sharing Jenny.
Lauren http://www.bournemouthgirl.com
I totally agree. But all those little things definitely add up! 🙂 I have more baths too. There’s nothing nicer than a warm bath when it’s cold outside!
Lovely tips. Fairy lights, Christmas presents, new year goals, hot bath sound good. And the best one is to get help for SAD. Even talking to someone feels good. I like to do some coloring and recently started embroidery. 🙂
Via
I totally agree. It’s so important to actually get to the root of why you’re feeling low. Candles don’t cut it sometimes!
I have to be honest, I am NEVER going to become a Winter fan. I’m a Summer girl, give me allllll the sunshine, even in a heatwave! But yes to hot chocolate, hot water bottles and going to a garden centre (the latter works for me at any time of year). Fab suggestions, Jenny, thank you! Lisa xxx
Hahaha Lisa I was WAITING for your “I HATE WINTER” comment because you’re exactly the same as me when anyone talks about Summer and I’m like “MEHH I HATE IT” xD I’m drinking so much hot choc at the moment! I do love a garden centre too xxxx
Great post, and fantastic writing 🙂 I think reaching out for help if you have SAD is really important. I try to take Vitamin D to combat some of the “depressing” feelings of winter, but often it can be more intense than this, so letting people know they need to reach out if they need the help is so important!
Oh for sure. Vitamin D is a good starting point but it’s SO important to seek that additional help if/when you need to!
Yes that’s so true!
Living off grid, we have fairy lights all around (all year). ❤️😉
Oh wow! Bet that looks so pretty 🙂
Love all of these ideas! Winter is one of my favourite seasons so I know I’ll be ticking many of these off. I think I’m going to treat myself to some new festive bedding and I want to try and get a few more christmassy bakes done over the next few weeks xx
Tiffany x http://www.foodandotherloves.co.uk
Yes to festive bedding! Can’t wait to see what Christmassy treats you make! xxx
One thing I need to invest in is a hot water bottle, I’m going to have a look around for one! Also I have never tried egg nog, let alone make it! These are great self care tips for the winter Jenny! x
Lucy | http://www.lucymary.co.uk
Oh my gosh girl get ON THAT. I couldn’t live without mine!
Amazing tips! I love binge watching christmas films on netflix xx
I need to have a Christmas film day again this year!
These are some great ideas. Warm pyjamas and hot water bottles are so simple yet so underrated.
Right! Putting your pjs on the radiator…. HEAVEN!
Such a lovely post! I’m definitely adding some of these ideas to my list. Thank you for sharing! x
Antonia || Sweet Passions
Thank you lovely 🙂
This was such a nice post to read! Especially this year I think we all need to focus on our own mental health sometimes and do things we love and enjoy and that make us happy.
I will definitely be coming back to this list and trying a few of them out!
Jared x
I definitely agree! This year more than ever! xxx
I love this post!! I honestly cannot beat a candle lit bath and a toasty hot water bottle 😀
Sophie
So simple but so lovely!
As much as I adore summer, I love the cosiness of winter! These are some fab tips xx
http://www.dellalovesnutella.co.uk/
Thank you 🙂 There’s definitely beauty in every season!
I am so ready for the Christmas season! I live in Australia so we’re going into summer rather than winter 🙂 However I can’t wait for the Christmas markets and painting my nails in Christmassy colours! Love all your ideas, thanks for sharing.
I just couldn’t imagine having a hot Christmas! But I bet you’re so used to it!
Dear Jenny. I promise to take absoloute care of myself this winter! Haha! Honestly I am not a winter person and the second lockdown in the UK has kind of made things a little more bleak. But your list has come as help! I think I’ll go for the new pyjamas, Christmas present to self and face mask options!
Thanks for this.
Haha I’m so glad! Hope these things help to make it a little less bleak for you xxx
I am SO ready for the festive season – but I am also ready to take it at my own pace and make sure my mental health is where it needs to be following this year and this second lockdown. Having time away from my family is tough at the best of times so I’m going to try to keep myself busy. We always make our own eggnong and some of our decorations!
such a great post, I hope it helps people!
Rosie
Oh totally agree. We really all do just have to do what we gotta do right now xxx
Fab tips! Deffo need to use some to get properly into the Christmas vibes! I have already watched my first Christmas films of the year over the weekend.
Shona Marie xo
Oh wow! Which film?
Fairy lights and a bubble bath are some of my favourite self-care activities for Winter. These ideas all sound so cosy – thank you for sharing!
Tash
Same! I usually have a bath on Tuesday night before Bake Off so I am MEGA excited!
Great ideas, I’m loving how cosy they all sound. I recently bought an extra long hot water bottle and it’s my favourite purchase of the year! I’m definitely going to try out some of the others from this list 🙂
Anika | chaptersofmay.com
Sounds heavenly!
Aw I love these tips! My fave method of self-care is a nice warm bath, face mask and fresh bedding and pjs!xx
Sounds perfect!
Oh Hello Winter and lovely Christmas times! Autumn is so pretty but I do love Winter, mainly for Christmas if I am honest. But I love the thought that we may get snow, I love crisp walks all wrapped up and being able to hibernate!
I love this list, so many of these are some of my favourite things to do at this time of year. I watched my first Christmas film yesterday while wrapping and enjoying a lovely festive drink x
Oh I am BEGGING for snow. I love taking walks in the snow. I remember last year, Mum and I took the dog for a walk and it started HAMMERING down with snow mid-walk and it was so magical!
Love these tips! Especially cooking and baking really relaxes me, so baking cinnamon cake is a perfect way to calm down for me. Thank you for sharing 😁
I bet that makes your house smell delicious!