Cookie-decorating parties, gift-wrapping gatherings, and dinner dates at holiday-themed restaurants usually fill my December calendar — but not this year. Instead, I'm making the best of my party for one with festive self-care [1] products. My only rule: if it doesn't smell like the holidays and make me as happy as I am on Christmas morning, I don't want it.
If you Zoom [2] me, don't be surprised when I pick up from the tub, wine in hand, with Mariah Carey [3] Christmas music on loop. You won't be able to smell through the screen, but you can bet cedar-, gingerbread-, or peppermint-scented candles, body lotion, and bath bombs are the reason my smile is so wide.
Lather's Evergreen Fir Bath Bombs
When I drop Lather's Evergreen Fir Bath Bombs [5] ($20) in my tub and close my eyes, I'm no longer in Brooklyn — I'm in a hot tub at an Airbnb set deep in the woods of upstate New York.
Mrs. Meyer's Snowdrop Soy Candle
I elevate my soak further by lighting a Mrs. Meyer's Snowdrop Soy Candle Large [6] ($10) while dreaming of fresh snow sprinkling around my imaginary forest.
Native Candy Cane Body Wash
In the case of Native Candy Cane Body Wash [7] ($8), minty doesn't just mean fresh — it's festive, too.
The Body Shop Warm Vanilla Body Buddy
Like the icing on top of a gingerbread house, I like to finish off my bath session with The Body Shop's Warm Vanilla Body Buddy [8] ($21), so my skin is left feeling silky and hydrated and smelling delicious.
SpaLife Holiday Treats Facial Masks Christmas Masks 12 Pack Assorted
Eggnog that promotes antiageing, soothing gingerbread men, and nourishing hot chocolate — SpaLife Holiday Treats Facial Christmas Masks [9] ($20) come in a variety of cheery flavours that smell great and give your face a fresh boost, too.
Illume Balsam and Cedar Reed Diffuser
Who needs a Christmas tree when you can have the Illume Balsam and Cedar Reed Diffuser [10] ($30)? Fill your home with earthy notes of cedar, balsam, oak moss, cinnamon, and eucalyptus without any mess of falling pine needles.
Revive Christmas Morning Essential Oil
I'm declaring every December day a holiday this year — that's why I habitually drop Revive Christmas Morning Essential Oil [11] ($15) in my diffuser every morning of the month.
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