We're here for the peppermint mochas and self love!
Here's our list of 16 winter activities that will have you feeling good and falling in love (extra hard) with the winter season.
1. DIY Crafts and Gifts.
Crafting queens say what?? We’re all about crafting in the winter season. You can paint, knit, decorate candles, or make a DIY scrub or body lotion. These fun crafts will ease the bind while bringing you a lot of joy.
2. Do a Holiday Movie Marathon.
If we’re honest here, the Hallmark channel is on and running non-stop for us this time of year. Put on a thick foot lotion, get a pair of cozy socks and a warm blanket, and cozy up on the couch with a cup of hot chocolate. Some of our favorite movies are Home Alone, The Grinch, Elf, Holidate, A Christmas Carol (the animated version with Jim Carrey), Why Him, A Bad Moms Christmas and Noelle.
3. Have a Self Care Night.
Grab your Eye Goals eye masks, put on some relaxing music and take a moment for yourself. Hydrate and nourish your beautiful skin which is thirsty for hydration, especially this time of year! While you’re relaxing with our non-slip eye masks, might as well start the bath and light some candles. Creating this relaxing mood will help the soul. We recommend throwing some Epsom salts and bath bombs into the tub to elevate the experience.
4. Send Handwritten Holiday Cards.
There’s something about that human element and personalization that can bring so much joy and holiday cheer to those receiving it. From friends and family, to the residents of a local nursing home. Now more than ever, human “touch” is needed and you never know what joy you could bring to someone on the receiving end.
5. Have a Family and/or Friends Pajama Day.
I don’t know about you, but this time of year is when the onesies come out and it’s so cozy and fun when everyone wears theirs. Bonus points for matching PJs, because we like to be a little “extra” like that. This is the perfect background for everyone to get together and watch movies, bake cookies and play board games.
6. Go to a Christmas Tree Lot.
This is an easy pick for us, because Christmas tree lots make for the perfect winter aesthetic for pictures, a glorious sensorial experience, plus it will pull you into the holiday spirit really quickly. Maybe even leave with some gorgeous holiday decorations too? And if you get really lucky, you may even find a local lot that has a light maze or sleigh ride to add to the winter fun.
7. Go Ice Skating.
We’re big klutzes over here and ice skating trips usually end with bruises and sore elbows for us, which is why we prefer cheering on from the sidelines. But that doesn’t mean the experience is any less fun. Especially when a hot beverage is involved.
8. Check Out Local Holiday Lights and Decorations.
This time of year, you can look for neighborhoods in your city or county that go all out. Driving around those neighborhoods, or bundling up and walking the streets (bonus points for extra steps), will literally fill your heart with cheer. And holy kamoly you’ll see some folks really committing to their decor, it’s fascinating!
9. Learn About Your Family Tree.
This is something informative and meaningful year-round, but it holds particular weight this time of year. Call or video chat grandparents and other relatives, have them tell you stories about their childhoods, and learn more about your family. It’s so powerful and empowering to learn more about where you came from, not to mention it’s a great activity to engage both kids and extended family and really build a deeper generational connection.
10. Make Your Own Tree Ornaments.
You can either craft plastic blank ones, or get really crafty and make your own from fabric or paper. This is when all your glitter, glow-in-the-dark beads and puffy paint dreams can come true.
11. Have a Game Night.
Conjure up your friends and family for a game night with your favorite board games, puzzles and card games. Don’t forget the snacks, the drinks, and you’ll have a fun night (and maybe a new holiday tradition) to remember.
12. Get Peppermint Mochas On a Coffee Date.
We'll be the first to admit that this may sound a little basic. But hear us out! Whether you're taking yourself on a coffee date for some self love, going with a partner, friends, or family, a peppermint mocha is bound to give you all of the winter vibes. And while you’re at it, consider supporting a local coffee shop this season, you might just fall in love with a new spot.
13. Go For a Walk On The Beach.
If there’s one by where you live, there’s something extra magical about walking on the sand all bundled up in warm clothes on a cold winter day. The ocean itself is healing. Take deep breaths in and out, and absorb the crisp salty air. Let’s ground ourselves on winter walks this season and find the good in each day.
14. Go See The Snow.
At VREA, we are a few hours away from the snow. And if that's the case for you too, taking that trip may just be the next highlight of your winter season. Small mountain villages, snowmen on the side of the road, people having snowball fights, warm drinks... It’s dreamy to say the least!
15. Bake Holiday Cookies.
We love this one! Let’s make this activity even easier for you if you’re not big into making homemade cookie dough. Most convenient stores sell pre-cut holiday cookies in the shapes of snowflakes, reindeer, gingerbread men and Santaaaa (we know him!). Grab these pre-cut cookies, some icing (and maybe a bottle of wine - we’re not judging) for an amazing winter night in. Invite some friends over and make it a night to remember.
16. Do a Good Deed.
What’s a sure way to feel better no matter what?!
It’s doing good for others. From helping your local food bank, to volunteering to walk dogs at your local animal shelter, shoveling the driveway of an elderly neighbor or donating socks and blankets. And if you want to get extra crafty here, you could knit a chunky blanket yourself and give it to someone in need. Giving back is what the season is all about and truly the best way to feel (extra) good.
And lastly, don’t forget to end your days with our incredible eye masks. Your skin will love and thank you for it! Happy Holidays from us to you, we love you!