12 Festive Self Date Ideas for the Holiday Season

Have you Ever Considered Going on a Date With Yourself Over the Holidays?!

With the hustle and bustle of the season, many of us are running on empty and burning the candle at both ends.

Just thinking about all of this is downright stressful!

So, if you are dreading the lack of time, stress and exhaustion over the holidays, we need to have a little chat.

Even though you want to make the holiday season perfect for everyone around, you need to look after yourself first, so you have the energy to make it through!

You need balance and self-care is what you deserve to find this balance. 

This time of year should be enjoyed, but that’s impossible if you don’t fill yourself up with some good quality alone time that I like to call the self date 🙂

You may be thinking… Self Date? Huh?!

Hear me out!

I am a huge fan of dating yourself, also known as a solo date or self date. It’s basically finding fun things to do alone (and actually doing them)!

I already have some great solo date ideas you can do throughout the year, but because the holidays are extra special I want to share my festive version with you!

12 Self Date Ideas for the Holidays

1. Take Yourself on a Date to a Local Christmas Market

Going to a Christmas market during the day or in the early evening is such a treat.

You do not have to purchase gifts to enjoy yourself. Instead, take in all the holiday feels, have some apple cider or hot chocolate and browse the goods from the various vendors.

And don’t forget to take in the decorations and Christmas carolers!

2. Write Your Holiday Cards

Let’s set the stage…
Holiday cards, Christmas music, dimmed lights, candles and a little vino perhaps? Yes this sounds like a date… with yourself!

Many of us don’t spend time writing cards anymore. We tell ourselves we are too busy and we probably are!

Saying that, I bet you can think of at least 5 to 10 people that would really appreciate receiving a card from you.

All you need to do is:

• Make a list
• Pick up some affordable cards
• Take the time to write meaningful words to each and every person
• And don’t forget to mail the letters! I have been guilty of this on a few occasions.

Need some quality alone time this holiday season? Go on a date yourself! #selflove Share on X

3. Get Baking

You can find a local cooking class that offers holiday baking. Where I live one of our largest grocery chains has culinary courses that are super affordable.

You can sign up to a holiday baking class for just $15 which is a pretty sweet deal 🙂

See if you can find local cooking or baking classes in your area over the holidays.

You can of course replicate this experience at home. Get out the flour, chocolate and baking sheets and create your own bake and self date night!

If you are able to get some quiet kitchen time in (most likely late at night) then get baking.

4. Visit Your Local Coffee Shop

There’s something extra special about coffee shops over the holidays.

They are extra cozy with holiday music, decorations and special sweet drinks you would normally would pass up.

Bring a journal along which you can use for different reasons depending on your mood.

• Write a gift-buying list
• Journal about your day
• Brainstorm some creative ways to share your love with others over the holidays
• Or simply doodle!

Creating your escape with a little creative writing time and a warm cozy drink will make you feel oh-so good.

5. Go to a Christmas Movie

See if you can sneak away from the holiday craziness to go to a matinée for a great Christmas movie.

Many movie theatres (or cinemas) have more affordable prices during the day and it’s a lot quieter than going at night. So, this is the perfect time to go to the movies solo.

Find a cheesy holiday flick and book your tickets!

6. Decorate the Tree

Sometimes our friends or families just aren’t into decorating the tree. Don’t get stressed about this. Instead turn it into a positive way you can spend some much needed time with yourself!

Take advantage of this quality alone time and get into the true spirit of the season all on your own.

Set up your favourite music, put some candles on, fill up your glass with something festive (cider, or mulled wine perhaps) and enjoy!

7. Wrap Presents

I love wrapping presents when I’m all alone. I blast the Christmas music, get out all of my supplies from years past and get to work.

This annual ritual of mine brings me right back to being a kid and getting excited about what could be in each specially wrapped box.

Now as an adult I love to wrap each gift with love so my family can get excited when they see the parcels under the tree.

Try and be eco-friendly with your gift wrapping by using Kraft paper or Kraft paper gift bags – then you can be creative and decorate.

8. Visit a Local Park

You can find so many treasures in the park that you can repurpose for holiday decorations. Look for pine cones, greenery and branches that may have fallen,

You can then add these items to your decor for a natural, eco-friendly, affordable touch. Add a little gold or silver sparkles or a spray to make even more festive.

9. Get Creative with DIY Gifts

Stretching your creative muscles is a wonderful way to open up your mind and heart over the holidays.

There are so many beautiful gifts you can make for others that are far more affordable than purchasing gifts – and a lot more meaningful too.

10. Visit Some Christmas Displays

Go for a walk in a neighbourhood that has lots of beautiful lights and decorations this time of year. Take advantage of your walk and be mindful with every step you take.

Look around, take in the lights, the decor and most importantly your feelings.

As you appreciate the scenery think about what the holiday season truly means to you or reminisce over holidays past.

11. Take a Holiday Cooking Class

Venture out and find some holiday cooking (or baking) classes in your neighbourhood. Not only will you have fun learning some new meals to make, but you’ll also meet new people too.

12. Gift Yourself a Spa Day

This can either be a DIY spa day at home with a gorgeous bubble bath, facial, mani and some healthy green tea. Or you can go for a massage and get a mani and pedi and then grab a delicious holiday drink.

How Will You Find the Time To Go on a Date With Yourself?

Quite simply, you make the time. No excuses.

Allocate some time in your calendar (yes, actually block the time off) and get out there.

I’m counting on you to do this for YOU.

What Self-Date Ideas Will You Try This Holiday Season?

I’d love to hear what fun things you like to do by yourself, so please share in the comments below 🙂

More Resources For The Holiday Season:

• Self Care Checklist During the Holidays + Free Printable
• Unique Gift Ideas for Someone Who Has Everything
• 40+ Thoughtful Stocking Stuffers for Everyone on Your List
• Master Your Holiday Dinner with Jamie Oliver – 5 Must Watch Videos

For more inspiration and to get the latest post from Put The Kettle On, let’s connect!

Pinterest | Facebook | Instagram

Yolanda xo