12-Day Self-Care Christmas Challenge
This 12-day Self-Care Christmas Challenge is perfect for people who’d like some time to slow down and nurture themselves while also embracing the Christmas spirit at the same time.
The weeks leading to the Holidays and Christmas can get so hectic and chaotic that taking the time to embrace and enjoy the season can get difficult, as well as slowing down and taking care of yourself.
This is why I’ve designed this Self-Care Christmas Challenge specifically. To offer 12 days of activities to help you slow down and unwind amidst all the chaos, while still embracing the season as it ought to be–with comfort, as well as joyful and cozy moments.
How this Christmas Challenge Works
This challenge is specifically designed to be simple to follow every day, no matter how busy and chaotic your life gets during the holiday season.
So how does this challenge work then?
- One cozy Christmas-themed activity per day: Each activity is a simple self-care ritual that can easily be adapted and incorporated to your schedule, no matter how chaotic it is.
- Focus on being present: The goal of this challenge is to enjoy yourself and embrace the season’s comforts. So when you engage in the day’s self-care activity, don’t hesitate to slow down and engage in the present moment as much as possible.
- Enjoy yourself and have fun: Again, the point of this challenge is to enjoy and nurturing yourself while having fun.
(And if you need to tweak things to make them more pleasurable for you, go ahead and do it – it’ll enhance this whole Christmas challenge’s experience.)
12-Day Self-Care Christmas Challenge
So let’s take a look at what this self-care challenge entails then, shall we?
DAY 1. Mindful evening walk
First day, let’s go!
Let’s start the challenge with something nice and simple. So why not find some time today to go and take a slow evening walk to admire the Christmas lights. This one is a perfect opportunity to be mindful, to pay attention to all the beautiful things in the world around you, and take the time to notice and appreciate all the decorations and lights.
DAY 2. Journal
Now that the holidays are near, so is the end of the year, so why not take a moment today for some reflection journaling.
Journal your favorite memories and moments from the whole year, and maybe make a list for what you’re most thankful and joyful for, as well as all the new stuff you’ve accomplished discovered over the last twelve months.
DAY 3. Spa Night
Having a spa night is the perfect way to let go, slow down, and take care of yourself, body and mind.
So tonight, why don’t you go ahead and treat yourself to a full, Christmas-themed spa night. Think peppermint scrub, cozy robe, soft christmas jazz music in the background, self-massage, face masks, etc…. (With what you have available at home, of course–or if you feel like buying yourself a treat for the experience, then go ahead!)
DAY 4. Favorite Treat(s)
This Christmas challenge is guilt-free! And today is all about your favorite Christmas treat(s). So go ahead and bake (or buy, depends on what you prefer) your favorite holiday treat.
And then go ahead and enjoy it fully, slowly, mindfully, and without guilt. One moment of enjoying yourself and little pleasures is always good for the soul, and key to live a joyful life.
DAY 5. Creativity project
Today’s activity is all about creativity.
Go ahead and do a festive craft or DIY ornament project just for fun. Christmas is a good time of year to be creative and have some fun with crafting projects. Inspiration is absolutely everywhere. And if you’d like some inspiration, check this guide for easy diy christmas crafts.
DAY 6. Social Media Detox
Most of the previous activities can be considered as social media detox, but today the detox is on purpose. So for a couple of hours, turn off screens and disconnect from social media, and use this time to engage in a screen-free activity you enjoy, and try to be truly present and appreciate the mental peace.
DAY 7. Movie Marathon
Today marks the end of the first week.
So why not celebrate with a Christmas marathon? Make a whole evening of it if you can, and snuggle on your sofa to watch your favorite cozy Christmas movies and or shows. Perfect slow evening to relax and enjoy yourself.
DAY 8. SMALL Festive Dinner
What better way to enjoy the Christmas spirit than to embrace all the delicious foods the season offers?
Today’s challenge is to enjoy a small festive dinner. Cook your favourite festive meal, though you don’t have to go and make it a huge thing, you can absolutely keep it simple and make it a small dinner. Pick your favorite recipe and your favorite festive drink and have a nice slow evening enjoying a warm and comforting meal.
DAY 9. Christmas Bath
Sometimes the most perfect way to relax and nurture yourself is with a simple warm bath.
And as this is a Christmas challenge, then you can guess what this means: Christmas bath. Take a long, candlelit bath with holiday scents like pine, vanilla, or cinnamon. You can even add bath bombs and or essential oils. (Today you don’t need to go all the way like spa day–today is less elaborated and more focused on simply relaxing in the water.)
DAY 10. Your Favourite Christmas Activity
Today’s activity is entirely up to you.
Your goal today is to indulge in your favorite Christmas activity, no matter what it is. The Christmas season is full of so many fun and cozy activities, and everyone has a favourite one. So for today’s activity, you get to pick something that you’d really like to do.
There’s no rule. You can either choose something new that you’d like to try, or something you’re already familiar with and simply enjoy doing. It can be something outdoorsy, or a more domestic activity to enjoy in the comfort of your home. It can be absolutely anything you want–just go have fun and enjoy yourself!
DAY 11. Write Cards
Today, some writing again, but rather than journaling let’s write some cards instead.
Writing cards is such a good holiday activity, isn’t it? So why not find some time today to write heartfelt cards to your loved ones: friends or family or the people who’ve supported you this year. A card is always a nice and simple gesture to show your loved ones that you care about them. It’s not expensive nor cumbersome, and can feel more heartfelt than any other present. Besides, who doesn’t enjoy receiving a beautiful card?
And a card lasts. You don’t know–perhaps they’ll be cherished and appreciated even years from now.
DAY 12. Ultimate Hot chocolate
Let’s end this challenge on a sweet and savory note, shall we?
What would the holidays be like without drinking decadent hot cocoas on a cold night? Certainly less warm and cozy.
So today, for the last day, go ahead and make your ultimate hot chocolate creation–think whipped cream, marshmallows, spices, and whatever else you can think of.
And again, no guilt! The key here isn’t to make you feel miserable, but to fully enjoy one moment of pure decadent delight that drinking a hot chocolate can be. (Besides, joy and happiness will always be better than feeling guilty for enjoying yourself and life’s little pleasures.)
LAST Words
If you’re reading this part after reaching the last day: it means you’ve completed the 12-Day Self-Care Christmas Challenge. Congrats!
As always, I hope you’ve enjoyed the last 12 days, and had a pleasant time slowing down and nurturing yourself with these small self-care rituals, and fully embracing the Christmas spirit.
If you’ve enjoyed this challenge, and would like to keep the momentum going, you can always go and check the 14-Day Self-Compassion Challenge next, or the 7-day self-care rest challenge for a shorter one.
I hope you have a wonderful day, and Holidays filled with warmth and joy and happiness. And remember: be patient and kind with yourself. No matter what happens, you deserve to nurture yourself, and embrace small daily joys.