Silent Nights & Cozy Delights: A Recipe for a Holiday Night In
Image Courtesy: Dairy Discovery Zone
After stressful exam weeks leading up to Thanksgiving and Christmas breaks that permeate the holiday season, most students crave rest and relaxation. When you've completed your homework, worked your last shift of the week, and classes are done, sometimes the most appealing thing is a hot date with your couch.
First Things First
My favorite way to start a relaxing evening is to take a steaming hot “everything shower.” I’ve found that feeling clean on the outside is the first step towards feeling better on the inside. After the shower, apply lotion to your legs to hydrate your skin. Next, slip into your coziest (preferably seasonal) pajamas. My favorite pair is a Victoria’s Secret silky set with pink and white stripes. Lastly, applying your skincare is the cherry on top of feeling clean and relaxed. You’re also giving your skin a head start to soak in the moisturizer overnight!
Image Courtesy: SKIMS
Set the Scene
Arguably, the most important step on this list is setting the scene. I’ve noticed that lighting is a large contributor to creating a holiday mood for a room. I light my best holiday-scented candles and turn off the overhead, replacing it with warmer, less harsh, ambient lighting. Additionally, playing holiday classics on your TV or Alexa locks in the holiday cheer.
This one’s a bonus: a good scent in the room brings the setting to a new level. Candles tie into this, but popping winter scents like peppermint or pine into a diffuser will transform the room into a winter oasis and add the finishing touch to perfect your night at home.
Image Courtesy: VOTIVO
Bake Something Sweet
Baking isn’t for everyone, but for those skilled in the kitchen, it's the perfect activity before cuddling up on the couch. Baking can be soothing and therapeutic, especially if your brain is fried from studying all week. I find it most rewarding to avoid going on my phone or tuning into social media, which helps rebuild my attention span and reminds me to stay focused on enjoying the present moment. Plus, you’ll have something delicious to enjoy later on! Some sweet ideas that I’ve tried out so far include pumpkin chocolate chip cookies, pumpkin bars, gingerbread cookies, and chai scones with a maple glaze
Image Courtesy: Preppy Kitchen
Cuddle Up on the Couch
Finally, grab your fuzzy blanket and curl up on the couch with your favorite holiday movie or comfort show. Of course, don’t forget the snacks! I like to have a glass of wine and put out a mini charcuterie platter to snack on. Other good options are popcorn, chips and dip, tomato basil soup, fruit assortments, etc.
Don’t let the cold weather, early sunsets, and relentless academic pressures get to you this season. Instead, focus on tackling things one at a time and reward yourself with well-deserved rest and recovery, whatever that may entail for you. Hopefully, you can draw some inspiration from this list for your next night in, especially with the holiday season rapidly approaching.
Strike Out,
Writer: Paige McGuinn
Editor: Layne Schulte
Graphic Designer: Emma Muersch
Tallahassee