Fun Staycation Ideas for the Holidays
The holiday season is the perfect time to recharge and reflect, especially for women who juggle leadership roles, entrepreneurial endeavors, and busy professional lives. But a getaway doesn’t always have to mean hopping on a plane. A staycation — a vacation at home or nearby — can be just as refreshing, rejuvenating, and restorative. Whether planning to spend the holidays with family and friends or by yourself, here are some creative staycation ideas to help you unwind and make the most of your time off.
1. Spa Day at Home
Transform your home into a luxurious spa oasis. With a few thoughtful touches, you can create the ultimate relaxation experience.
• Set the ambiance: Light candles, use essential oils in a diffuser, and put on soft background music.
• DIY facials & treatments: Indulge in a homemade face mask, exfoliate your skin with a sugar scrub, or run a long, hot bath with Epsom salts.
• Massage and pampering: Treat yourself to a self-massage or ask your partner or friend to give you a relaxing back rub.
• Manicures & Pedicures: Don’t forget to pamper your hands and feet. Try experimenting with festive nail art to make things extra fun!
This spa day can be a solo escape for a peaceful retreat or an opportunity to gather your closest friends for a pampering session and great conversation.
2. Cooking or Baking Class with a Twist
As a leader or entrepreneur, you’re often thinking about business and strategic planning. Why not take a break from the grind by mastering new culinary skills?
• Private chef experience: Many chefs offer virtual or private in-home cooking classes, so why not bring a professional in to teach you and your friends or family a new recipe or cuisine?
• Baking challenge: If you have friends or family over, host a baking competition with a fun theme. Whether it’s creating holiday-themed cookies or reinventing a classic dessert, baking together can be a joyful, stress-free way to bond.
• Food & drink pairing: You could also take a wine-tasting or cocktail-making class, pairing the drinks with unique appetizers or gourmet dishes.
A cooking or baking class is not just about food; it’s a way to create memories, have fun, and try something new, all while learning a valuable skill that you can use throughout the year.
3. Outdoor Adventure Day
Get outside and reconnect with nature — even if you’re on a staycation. Women in leadership roles often spend a lot of time indoors or behind a desk, so an outdoor escape can do wonders for your mental and physical well-being.
• Hiking or nature walks: Find a local trail and explore the beauty of nature with a loved one or in solitude.
• Outdoor yoga or meditation: Set up an outdoor yoga session in your backyard or at a nearby park. Yoga in nature can elevate your practice and help reduce stress.
• Winter sports: If you live in a colder climate, activities like ice skating, snowshoeing, or skiing could make for a fun and invigorating day.
Taking a break from the hustle and bustle and simply being outdoors can leave you feeling recharged and refreshed.
4. At-Home Movie Marathon or Book Club
Sometimes, the best way to relax during the holidays is by curling up with a good book or hosting a movie marathon with your favorite films.
• Movie marathon: Create a lineup of your favorite holiday classics or binge-watch a series you’ve been meaning to catch up on. You could even make it a themed movie night (think: 80s movies, rom-coms, or a holiday film festival).
• Book club for a day: Invite a few friends to pick a short holiday-themed book or a novel you’ve been meaning to read. Spend the afternoon discussing the book and enjoying each other’s company over tea or wine.
This laid-back activity can be both fun and thought-provoking, perfect for women who lead busy lives and need some downtime to unwind.
5. Creative DIY Projects or Crafting
Get in touch with your creative side by tackling some DIY projects that allow you to express yourself, relax, and possibly even make personalized gifts for others.
• Craft your own decorations: Create handmade holiday decorations for your home or gifts for loved ones. Whether it’s wreaths, personalized candles, or festive garlands, crafting can be both fun and fulfilling.
• Vision board for the New Year: With a glass of wine in hand, gather magazines, photos, or quotes that inspire you. Spend the afternoon creating a vision board that helps you visualize your goals for the coming year.
• Gift-making: Whether it’s homemade bath salts, knitted scarves, or personalized photo frames, making thoughtful gifts adds a personal touch to the holiday season.
Crafting not only gives you something beautiful to display or gift, but it’s also a great way to reduce stress and unwind in a creative environment.
6. Wellness Retreat at Home
If you’re really looking to unplug and reset, why not create a wellness retreat in your own home?
• Unplug: Turn off your phone and set an out-of-office message. This is your time to disconnect and be present.
• Yoga and mindfulness: Hire a virtual yoga instructor for private sessions or follow along with a video. Add meditation or journaling to help center your thoughts and find clarity.
• Healthy eating: Prepare clean and nourishing meals for the day — think smoothie bowls, superfood salads, or homemade grain bowls.
• Mindfulness activities: Engage in mindfulness practices like deep breathing exercises or guided visualizations to help reduce stress and promote relaxation.
Creating a wellness retreat experience can leave you feeling physically rejuvenated and mentally clear, helping you start the new year on a positive note.
7. Game Night Extravaganza
For a night full of laughter and bonding with friends and family, host a game night! Whether you prefer board games, card games, or even video games, playing games is a great way to unwind and connect with loved ones.
• Group games: If you have a large group, try games like charades, Pictionary, or trivia.
• Escape room challenge: There are many at-home escape room kits available, or you could even try an online version for a thrilling challenge.
• Themed games: Make your game night holiday-themed with festive challenges and prizes.
This is an excellent way to let loose, bond with friends and family, and unleash your competitive side in a fun, low-pressure setting.
8. Indulge in a Creative Hobby or Learn Something New
Take this time to invest in yourself. Engage in a hobby or pick up a new skill you’ve always wanted to explore.
• Learn a new language: Use language-learning apps or take an online course to start learning a new language.
• Start painting or drawing: Unleash your inner artist and spend a few hours on canvas, watercolor, or sketching.
• Photography: Take a local photography class or simply explore your city or neighborhood with a camera to capture beautiful moments.
Hobbies and creative activities are great for personal development and relaxation, plus they offer a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment.
This holiday season, as a busy woman leader, executive, or entrepreneur, don’t forget to take time for yourself. A staycation can be an opportunity to step away from the pressures of work and refocus on your well-being, relationships, and creativity. Whether you’re indulging in a home spa day, exploring nature, or tackling a new DIY project, there’s no shortage of ways to make this holiday season special and memorable. So, gather your loved ones, or enjoy some time alone — whatever helps you recharge and refresh for the exciting year ahead!
