Remember back in the day, seemingly years ago in March, when we thought that everything would be back to normal this summer? Well, it wasn't. And the spread of the virus keeps getting worse. Add flu season to the mix, and you have a recipe for disaster. Many of us are staying at home this holiday season to ensure the health of our loved ones. While it's hard, it's also the smartest move to make.
But being indoors doesn't have to be such a drag. There are plenty of ways to relax this season, and you should take advantage of every one. You survived a really tough year that nobody could have predicted, and you deserve to sit back and enjoy this time, either by yourself or with your family members close by.
Here are seven ways to truly appreciate this somewhat forced staycation.
1. Catch up on movies you haven't seen yet.
This has been a rough year for media. Not only have a lot of shows halted production, but it's often been tough to get into the right mindset to watch dramas — or anything too heavy. Now's the time to catch up on anything you've been meaning to see. Make sure your movie-watching environment is cozy: Grab blankets, a pillow, and a cup of hot chocolate before diving in.
You can also watch a bunch of new holiday movies, if that's more your thing. Netflix is getting a ton of praise for the new titles it has released this year, including Jingle Jangle and Holidate.
2. Take a long bath.
When was the last time you brought a book in the tub and just chilled out? The winter months are great for taking a nice bath. It's even better if you bring a drink in there with you, or play some calming music in the background. Pretend you're at the spa, and make sure the rest of the family knows not to interrupt.
3. Clear out some space.
Cleaning isn't fun, but it can be therapeutic — especially if you adopt an "everything must go" attitude. Get rid of all the clutter in your home that's been weighing you down. If you haven't used something in a long time, toss it. If your closet is stuffed with clothes that no longer fit, get rid of them and find new pieces that flatter you and make you feel gorgeous. Before adding new items into the home around the holidays, try hard to make some space for them so that you don't feel like you're drowning in objects.
4. Call a long-distance family member on the phone.
Call your grandmother or an aunt you haven't talked to in a long time. Reconnect with them, and ask them how their year has been. It'll mean a lot to them, and it may very well be the first non-work-related phone chat you've had in some time.
The holidays are all about family, and older relatives are surely feeling a little lonely this year — especially if they've been quarantined in a home and unable to leave. Calling and checking up on them will make you feel better and will brighten their day. Carving out time to catch up is one of the most fulfilling things you can do during this staycation.
5. Try out a new local restaurant.
Let's be real for a second — small businesses are not doing well right now. Especially small businesses that depend on increased foot traffic during the holiday season. One thing you can do is make sure to check out some of the locally owned restaurants in your area. Some may be on Grubhub, but others may be offering delivery of their own — and avoiding the companies that take a cut of the profits is a good way to make sure you're really helping.
By treating yourself to some local takeout, you're not just supporting your town — you're also taking a much-needed break from cooking. Treat yourself with something delicious.
6. Bake.
Baking is great year-round, but it's especially wonderful in the winter months. If you have neighbors you're fond of, dropping homemade cookies on their front porch will make them smile. And having baked goods in the house will make it feel even cozier. Nothing can beat the smell of homemade chocolate chip cookies.
Try out new recipes you may be a little intimidated by. If you're not the best baker, let this year be the year you learn. By challenging yourself in the kitchen, you're growing as a home baker. Who knows? That daring recipe you got from your grandmother may end up being your family's new favorite cookie. Baking is also a great activity you can do with your kids.
7. Learn a new skill.
There's a good chance you've just been trudging along this year. Based on so much uncertainty and anxiety, you may not have invested a lot of time in yourself. That happens to everyone, but it's important to step out of that mode.
Use this time to better yourself. Learn a new skill you've always wanted to learn, and don't let yourself give up. Take a class online, or figure out a new instrument. Try your hand at crocheting. Whatever you choose, really give it your all. Since you won't be traveling, now you can devote that time to something you actually enjoy.
