With so many things to do, people to see and events to enjoy, it can often feel like Christmas passes us by in a whirlwind of parties and presents, which can soon become overwhelming. That’s why it’s essential to make time to unwind and recharge over the festive period.
I thought I would share a list of the things I do in my own home to create a spa-like atmosphere in my bathroom in the run-up to the big day. Hopefully, these ideas will inspire you to carve out a little me-time for yourself this winter – without needing to splash out any cash.
Lovely low lighting
If you’ve ever been to a spa, you may have noticed some of the decorative elements that make it into a peaceful space. One of these elements (that’s easy to recreate at home) is lovely low lighting. The dimmed lights help you to feel more relaxed in a room, which is one of the reasons why I prefer lamps over overhead lights.
It’s easy to achieve a similar ambience in your bathroom. Firstly, you could dim the main light if you have a dimmable fixture and dimmer switch installed. When you’re next upgrading your bathroom, consider adding this lighting option along with any other work you’re doing, ready for your next spa-like soak.
No dimmer? No problem – at this time of year, you could use a string of battery-powered LED fairy lights along your windowsill or draped over your bathroom mirror to create a cosy, warm glow. Don’t use plug-in lights and don’t put your fairy lights near the bath or shower, as water and electricity are a dangerous combination.
An even more spa-like illumination suggestion is to light a few candles. Make sure they’re in heat-proof holders and can’t cause any damage in your bathroom. This is a two-in-one treat if you choose scented candles – choose a fresh eucalyptus scent for spa vibes or opt for a festive mulled spice candle to celebrate the season.
Perfect products
While you might not have the budget to splash out on new products just to pamper yourself, don’t overlook the products you already have. It’s likely that you’ve got rarely-used items in your beauty cupboard, such as leave-in hair oil or a clay mask, that you could bring out to use during your bathroom ‘spa session’.
Because you’re going to be spending a little more time relaxing in the tub, that’s the perfect duration for enjoying a sheet mask or a hair conditioning treatment while you chill out. Plus, always make sure you’ve got bubbles in your bath – select a seasonal scent of cranberries or vanilla to make it a Christmassy treat.
Plus, it’s likely that you’ll receive some lovely haircare or beauty products as gifts this year, so make some time for yourself after Christmas and before the New Year to relax in your spa-like bathroom and recover from the busy rush before the big day.
Magical music
If I want to feel totally at ease when enjoying a bubble bath, I’ll always put on some music. Again, you don’t need to plug in a sound system to enjoy some peaceful music – you could either play it from another room and leave the door ajar, listening to far-away sounds (much like in a spa), or you could stream some music from your phone.
Just leave your phone somewhere safe, dry and out of reach so that you’re not tempted to check your emails while you’re relaxing – and won’t damage your phone with water! I always head to YouTube to play some Christmas jazz music, as it doesn’t have any lyrics to distract you, and it feels fabulously festive. I’d recommend choosing one with no mid-roll ads so that you’re not interrupted by advertising while you’re chilling out.
Festive reads
Instead of trying to do anything techy while you’re in the bath, go back to basics and have a relaxing read. When else do you get time to lie still and flick through a magazine or pick up a book? Just keep a hand towel close by to dry your hands before you pick it up!
At this time of year, I always choose a Christmas interiors magazine to read to make it into a fabulously festive moment and to get more inspiration for my seasonal decorations. Pull up a little side table (like this one I DIYed!) beside your bathtub to hold your book, hand towel and maybe even a lovely soothing hot drink – you deserve it!
What else would you add to this list of things you can do to create a relaxing, spa-like atmosphere in your own bathroom? Let me know in the comments below! And I hope you enjoy a bit of peaceful pampering time for yourself over the festive period. Enjoy!
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