"I know it’s not a competition, but if we were crowning the queen of romanticizing, I’d win in a landslide. In my brain, even a trip to the gyno or an afternoon at the DMV becomes an A24 coming-of-age movie scene with me as the main character. So when the holidays roll around, you better believe I’m in full romanticizing mode. For the entire month of December, I strive to rival Santa himself as the holliest, jolliest person to ever exist.
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The main obstacle I face is that the holidays are already packed with gift-giving, travel, and managing other expenses, which leaves little room in the budget for anything extra. But that doesn’t mean I’m slowing down my romanticizing ways. Here are 20 completely free ways to romanticize the holidays and make the most of this magical season.
1. Watch your favorite holiday movies
Every year, I plan to watch as many festive films as possible, but December flies by, and I’m lucky if I check one off the list. This year, make time—whether that’s on a weeknight after work or a free weekend evening—to slow down and watch some of your seasonal favorites. Make it a holiday movie marathon and invite some friends over, or simply cozy up on the couch with a mug of hot cocoa in hand.
2. Take a cold girl walk
I love a hot girl walk in summer, but I’d argue that a winter cold girl walk is way better. Bundle up in warm layers, queue up a podcast or a festive playlist, and head out to brave the crisp air. It’s so peaceful to stroll through quiet streets, and it feels extra idyllic at this time of year.
3. Drive around to see Christmas lights
I always aim for my home to look straight out of a Hallmark Christmas movie, but it just never quite measures up. Thankfully, there are entire neighborhoods of people who have mastered the art of holiday decorating indoors and out. Cruise through areas known for their dazzling light displays for a free show.
4. Bake a holiday treat
One of the best parts of the holiday season is all the delicious desserts that come with it. The baking inspiration is endless with flavors like peppermint, gingerbread, and eggnog. Find a recipe for a sweet treat you’re dying to try and spend the afternoon baking. Then package some up to share with your neighbors or to give as a budget-friendly holiday gift idea, or just enjoy them all yourself.
5. Go caroling
Speaking of holiday movies, so many feature characters cheerfully knocking on doors and caroling, but I’ve never actually heard of someone doing it IRL. If you’re down to spread some holiday cheer, why not try it yourself? Gather a group of musically inclined friends, print out lyrics to holiday jingles, and knock on a few doors. Even if you can’t carry a tune, you’ll make plenty of holiday memories.
6. Perfect your at-home peppermint mocha recipe
Every year, when the Starbucks holiday menu returns, I spend way too much money on their delicious seasonal beverages. If you’re trying to avoid $7 lattes like me, try to replicate them at home instead. It saves money, and you’ll also have something tasty to sip on every morning.
7. Host a holiday potluck dinner party
If you’re dying to host this season but an elaborate holiday party simply isn’t in the budget, a potluck dinner party is the way to go. Decorate with things you already have on hand and whip up something simple and shareable using pantry staples or groceries sitting in your fridge. It’s all the joy of a holiday party without the hefty price tag.
8. Create the ultimate holiday playlist
You either love it or hate it, but IMO, nothing sets the tone like holiday music. I wait all year to listen to it, and one of my favorite parts of the season is curating a Spotify playlist of holiday hits. Trust me, It’s nearly impossible not to romanticize your life with the perfect playlist.
9. Read a holiday novel
Holiday movies get all the hype, but holiday books are vastly underrated. From cheesy holiday romances to suspenseful winter thrillers, a book with the right atmosphere is the perfect tool for romanticizing. Snuggle up with a winter read, and you’ll welcome the cold weather with open arms.
10. Start thinking about your goals for next year
Right now, you’re probably focused on all the events and excitement the holidays bring, but before we know it, 2025 will be here. To get a headstart on your New Year’s resolutions, try journaling to brainstorm your goals or intentions for the new year. It never hurts to be prepared.
11. Get out in the snow
As someone from Texas, I have always been so jealous of people who grew up being able to build snowmen, go sledding, and have snowball fights. I know the snow gets old when it sticks around for months on end, but a nostalgic afternoon playing out in the snow will make you feel like the main character of a holiday movie. So, throw on that parka and get snow angel-ing.
12. Cozy up your home
If you don’t love your space, it’s so difficult to romanticize the short days and cold weather. Prioritizing your space and investing the time to make it a little cozier makes it so much easier. Lay out throw blankets, light winter candles, and display your favorite holiday decor items.
13. Get creative wrapping presents
I love cosplaying as one of Santa’s elves and transforming my living room into his workshop with a holiday movie on in the background. If you enjoy wrapping presents every year, take it to the next level by getting creative with your wrapping. Try using fabric, hand-stamped paper, magazine spreads, personal photos, or any other materials you imagine.
14. Volunteer
It’s easy to get caught up in the holiday chaos of gift-giving and a never-ending to-do list, but it is important to remember that’s not the true spirit of the season. Make a point this season to set aside your daily responsibilities and focus on giving back. Find a way to volunteer in your community, whether that means serving meals at a food bank or donating time to a local charity.
15. Get crafty
I’m not the craftiest girl out there, but there’s something so peaceful about tapping into your inner artist, especially if you get some cute decor out of it. Holiday crafts also make great (budget-friendly) gifts for other people. Even something as simple as an adult coloring book can be a relaxing way to embrace the season.
16. Go window shopping
Just because you want to save money doesn’t mean you can’t admire from afar. Perusing decorated department stores and festive shopping streets is a fun way to get in the spirit without making any purchases. You also might come up with some ideas for your own wishlist.
17. Allow yourself to slow down
There is so much to get done during the holidays, and it can quickly turn from holly-jolly to pure stress. Make sure you allow yourself to slow down and enjoy the season instead of worrying about all the little details. Schedule time for a self-care night to just focus on relaxing.
18. Spend time with friends and family
When the weather turns frigid and it gets dark at 4 p.m., I’m tempted to spend all my free time rotting on the couch alone with a Bravo show on. However, forcing yourself out of your routine to spend time with friends and family is an immediate mood booster. Even if you’re still just sitting next to each other and binge-watching Bravo together, it’s way better with someone else.
19. Make a gratitude list
Whenever I feel disconnected from the present or need some help romanticizing, I always jot down a few things I’m grateful for. It taps into the abundance mindset part of romanticizing and is especially apt around the holidays. Sit down for a full-blown gratitude journaling session or quickly write some things in the Notes app on your phone.
20. Send holiday cards
Snail mail is a lost art, and I absolutely love sending holiday cards to my friends and family around the holidays. Your cards can feature full-on photoshoots or just a thoughtful message written on stationery you already have on hand. It’s a simple way to connect with loved ones and so much fun to put together.
Lauren Blue, Lifestyle Staff Writer
As a Lifestyle Staff Writer for The Everygirl, Lauren ideates and writes content for every facet of our readers’ lives. Her articles span the topics of home decor, delicious recipes, hobbies, travel itineraries—and everything in between. When she isn’t testing the latest TikTok trend, she can be found scouring Instagram for beautiful homes to feature on the site.