December is a great month to get together with friends and family and enjoy the festive season. Here are 50 terrific December self-care activities to fill your days and nights.
50 December Self-Care Activities
- Do your health a good turn before the holiday goodies come out – eat a red apple on December 1, Eat a Red Apple Day
- Make a gift for someone special on December 3, Make a Gift Day
- Bake a batch or two of cookies on National Cookie Day, December 4
- Drink a classic cocktail on December 5, Repeal Day, which recognizes the 21st Amendment ending Prohibition
- Hang your stockings for St. Nicholas Day, December 6
- December 7 is a day of Remembrance as we recognize Pearl Harbor Day
- Pop those Christmas cards in the mail by December 9, Christmas Card Day, and congratulate yourself for finishing that task early!
- Share a few quiet moments with a cup of homemade cocoa on National Cocoa Day, December 13
- Bake yourself a yummy breakfast on December 19, Oatmeal Muffin Day
- Grab all your friends for an old-fashioned door-to-door caroling event on December 20, Go Caroling Day
- Embrace mindfulness by focusing on a puzzle (and nothing else) for awhile on December 21, Crossword Puzzle Day
- December 23 is Festivus. Air your grievances!
- Indulge in some delicious eggnog on December 24, National Egg Nog Day
- December 24 is also Christmas Eve. Celebrate according to your beliefs and traditions
- Merry Christmas (to Christians) on December 25, Christmas Day
- On December 26, celebrate Boxing Day, and the beginning of Chanukah and Kwanzaa
- December 27 is Make Cut Out Snowflakes Day, so make a bunch and hang them on your windows for some winter cheer
- Make that decision you’ve been back and forth on, and stick with your choice. December 31 is Make Up Your Mind Day
- Celebrate the end of one year and start of the new one on New Years Eve, December 31
- Keep your nails party-ready with a festive holiday manicure
- Keep your hair looking its best with a fresh cut (and color, if you choose)
- Visit a toy store and pick out something fun – then donate it to a toy drive
- Collect a box of non-perishable food and donate to your local food pantry
- Get outside and run or walk a 5K for a charity you support
- Make a shopping list for all the gifts you’ll be buying and shop early in the month
- Planning ahead for gifts will help you stick to your budget
- Grab a journal or workbook, and reflect on your year in review
- Choose your word of the year for next year
- Make your New Year resolutions – and put them in writing, you’ll be more likely to keep them!
- Gather your friends together for a cookie exchange
- Make or bake small gifts for your neighbors, just to let them know you appreciate them
- Sign up for a craft class to make holiday ornaments or gifts
- Learn to knit or crochet, and donate your creations
- Brush up on your piano skills so you can play at your family sing-a-long
- Learn about holidays and special occasions for religions and cultures other than your own
- Spend an afternoon at your local shopping center just to look, not to shop
- Decorate your home with live greenery – the smell will be incredible!
- Make a homemade wreath for your front door
- Too much holiday decor? Take the time to declutter it and donate what you no longer use
- Plan for a cup of tea and cookie break each afternoon
- Try your hand at making candied fruit or fudge
- Host a festive cocktail party
- Plan all of your meals out early in the month to keep things simple when time is short
- Dress your dog up in a costume or cozy sweater for your walks
- Take a break from your usual background music, and play seasonal music instead
- Fill your home with fragrance, from candles, sprays, plug-ins, or fresh greenery
- Eat extra healthy when you are home so that you can indulge guilt-free at parties
- Treat yourself to a special new party dress or outfit
- Read classic Christmas tales every evening
- Plan some quiet time into your schedule, as a break between all your activities
December Self-Care: Relax Indoors
DIY Spa Day
Why not treat yourself to a DIY spa day at home?
You can create your own face masks, body scrubs, and bath bombs using natural ingredients like honey, coconut oil, and essential oils.
Cook Festive Treats
December is the perfect time to indulge in some festive treats!
Spend some time in the kitchen baking cookies, making hot cocoa, or cooking up some warm and comforting soups.
You can even invite some friends over for a baking party and enjoy the delicious treats together.
Read by the Fireplace
There’s nothing quite like curling up with a good book by the fireplace on a chilly December day.
Choose a book that you’ve been wanting to read for a while, grab a cozy blanket and a cup of tea, and settle in for a relaxing afternoon of reading.
TV Holiday Specials
Nothing gets you in the holiday spirit quite like a classic holiday movie or TV special. Luckily, there are plenty of streaming services that offer a wide selection of holiday content.
Whether you’re in the mood for a heartwarming classic like It’s a Wonderful Life or a modern comedy like Elf, there’s something for everyone.
December Self-Care: Outdoor Fun
Shop at Christmas Markets
Take a break from the hectic holiday shopping and enjoy a leisurely stroll through a Christmas market.
You’ll find unique gifts, festive decorations, and delicious treats. Don’t forget to sip on some hot cocoa or mulled wine while you take in the sights and sounds.
Take Photos in the Snow
If you love photography, bundle up and take a walk through a snowy park or nature reserve.
You’ll capture some stunning winter landscapes and maybe even some wildlife.
Ice Skating Escapades
Get some exercise and have some fun by going ice skating.
Many outdoor rinks open up during the holiday season, and some even offer special events like themed skate nights or live music. Don’t worry if you’re not a pro – it’s all about having a good time and enjoying the festive atmosphere.
December Self-Care: Creative Crafting
Handmade Ornaments
One of the easiest and most enjoyable crafting activities is making your own Christmas ornaments.
Use felt, paper, or even recycled materials. Cut out shapes like stars, snowflakes, or Christmas trees, and decorate them with glitter, paint, or sequins. You can also personalize them with names or dates.
Festive Greeting Cards
Sending out holiday cards is a great way to spread cheer to your loved ones.
Instead of buying pre-made cards, why not make your own? Use cardstock or construction paper, and decorate them with holiday-themed stickers, stamps, or drawings. You can also include a personal message or a family photo.
Gift Wrapping Ideas
Wrapping presents can be just as fun as giving them.
Instead of using plain wrapping paper, try using brown paper or newspaper and decorate it with stamps, stickers, or ribbon. You can also add a personal touch by making your gift tags or wrapping paper bows.
December Self-Care: Keeping Fit
Winter Dance Workouts
Take a dance class at your local gym or community center, or dance in the comfort of your own home.
Dancing is a great way to get your heart rate up and burn some calories while having fun.
Meditation for Holiday Stress
Meditation is a great way to reduce stress and anxiety, and it can help you feel more relaxed and focused during this busy time of year. There are plenty of guided meditations available online that you can listen to, or you can simply find a quiet place to sit and focus on your breath.
Taking just a few minutes each day to meditate can make a big difference in how you feel during the holiday season.
December Self-Care: Social Gatherings
Holiday Movie Nights
Gather your gal pals and cozy up for a night of holiday movie magic!
There are plenty of classic films to choose from, like “It’s a Wonderful Life” or “A Christmas Carol,” or you can opt for newer releases like “Love Actually” or “The Holiday.”
Make sure to have plenty of snacks and drinks on hand, and don’t forget the blankets and pillows for ultimate comfort.
Potluck Dinners
Hosting a potluck dinner is a great way to bring everyone together and share in the holiday spirit. Have each guest bring a dish to share, and coordinate so you don’t end up with five desserts and no main dishes. (Although that has a certain appeal, doesn’t it?)
You can also choose a theme, like “holiday comfort foods” or “international cuisine,” to make it even more fun.
Cookie Exchange Parties
If you and your friends love to bake, a cookie exchange party is a perfect way to showcase your skills and try out new recipes.
Each guest brings a batch of their favorite holiday cookies, and everyone gets to take home a variety of treats to enjoy.
Read More About Winter Self-Care:
- 25 January Self-Care Activities to Greet the New Year
- February Self-Care: 25 Ways to Love Yourself and Others
- 5 Steps to a Joyful Holiday (Free Printable)
- How to Politely Decline Holiday Invitations
- Simple (But Effective!) Tips to Avoid Holiday Weight Gain
- 10 Quotes About New Beginnings for a New Year
This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a commission at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you for supporting my blog. See my disclosure page for details..
Lori is an energetic woman in her early 60s, dedicated to living life fully through self-awareness and self-care. Inspired by her own transformative journey toward confidence, self-love, and positivity, she writes with genuine passion and authenticity.
With degrees in Psychology, Education, and Nonprofit Management, Lori’s diverse career has spanned education administration, counseling, teaching, conference planning, and the rewarding chaos of full-time motherhood. What ties these experiences together is her steadfast commitment to uplifting others.
Today, Lori focuses her energy on empowering mature women, advocating for the vital role of self-care in building confidence and joy. She firmly believes that every woman in midlife deserves to feel capable, radiant, and fulfilled. Join Lori as she shares insights and inspiration to help you live your best life!