Lately, I’ve been thinking about how Christmases went when I was growing up. Since I was a young girl, I was expected to be the cook, the server, and the cleaner at holiday events. Unfortunately, this workload fell on me simply because I was the daughter, the girl. Only later, when I grew up and attended university, did I realize how unfair it was that women in the family often ate cold Christmas dinner because they were busy running around cooking and serving.
Rupi Kaur, a poet I adore, famously said, “How you love yourself is how you teach others to love you.” Like me, you may have been trained to love others first, leaving self-love as an afterthought—or never a thought at all. This holiday season, I’ve been focused on undoing that cultural conditioning. Here are some simple winter self-love rituals I recommend if you want to reset your self-care routine.
1. Start the Day with Morning Light
During winter, shorter days and dark mornings can throw off your circadian rhythm. Exposure to 20–30 minutes of morning light helps regulate your sleep-wake cycle and boosts mood. If getting outside isn’t feasible, try a SAD lamp or sit near a bright window to soak in the light.
2. Make a Cup of Tea a Mindful Ritual
Rushing through the day is easy, but taking time to mindfully brew and sip tea can create a moment of calm. Focus on the aroma, warmth, and taste. Pairing your tea with a relaxing bath can elevate this small act into a nurturing self-love ritual.
3. End the Day with a Digital Sunset
Screens before bed can interfere with sleep. Try to put away your phone and turn off the TV 1–2 hours before bedtime. Use this time for a calming ritual, like reading a favourite childhood book or journaling. Prioritizing sleep is an essential act of self-care.
4. Keep a Gratitude & Praise Journal
Even in the dark winter months, writing down three things you’re grateful for and three things you did well each day can improve your mindset. This simple ritual helps cultivate a self-love state and keeps your mental health in check.
5. Take a Mindful Bath
Baths became a cornerstone of my self-care routine during my medical leave. Magnesium-infused, aromatherapy baths help reduce stress and improve sleep. For an extra nurturing touch, try bath bombs like Vanilla Cocoa Dream or Sleepy Blue to moisturize skin and elevate the ritual.
Final Thoughts
Winter self-love doesn’t have to be complicated. Small, intentional rituals such as morning light, mindful tea, digital sunsets, gratitude journaling, and soothing baths can make a big difference in your mood, energy, and well-being.
What are your favourite winter self-love practices? Share them in the comments—I’d love to hear how you show yourself love this season.
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Warmly,
Patricia Robson
