Let’s be honest: the holidays are magical, but they are also exhausting. Between the gift shopping, the cooking, the family logistics, and the endless social calendar, it’s easy to feel like you’re running on fumes by the time December 25th actually rolls around.

That is exactly why you need a timeout. Not a “scroll on your phone for 10 minutes” timeout, but a dedicated, intentional evening to reset your nervous system. I’m talking about a full-blown home spa night.

You don’t need to drop hundreds of dollars at a luxury resort to feel pampered. With the right ambiance, a few key products, and zero interruptions, you can create a sanctuary right in your own bathroom. This is my personal guide to the ultimate holiday self-care ritual—a DIY face mask and candle night that will leave you feeling human again.

Setting the Scene: Ambiance is Everything

Before we even touch a product, we have to talk about the vibe. A spa isn’t just about the treatments; it’s about the atmosphere. If you try to do a face mask while staring at a pile of laundry with the big light on, it’s just skincare. We want an experience.

1. The Lighting

Turn off the overhead lights. They are the enemy of relaxation. Instead, light as many candles as you can find. The flicker of a flame instantly signals to your brain that it’s time to slow down. If you want to get fancy, choose a scent that screams “relaxation”—think lavender, eucalyptus, or a warm vanilla.

2. The Sound

Silence is golden, but sometimes a little background noise helps drown out the chaos of the house. Put on a lo-fi playlist, some acoustic jazz, or even nature sounds. The goal is to create a sound bubble that separates you from the rest of the world.

3. The Attire

Get out of your work clothes and into your softest robe. If you don’t have a plush robe, your comfiest oversized sweats will do. The point is to remove any physical restriction.

Step 1: The Prep (Don’t Skip This!)

Okay, let’s get into the ritual. The first step to any good facial is getting your hair out of your face. There is nothing worse than sticky mask goop getting in your hairline.

This is where a good spa headband comes in. You’ve seen the fluffy ones all over TikTok for a reason—they work, and they make you feel cute while doing your skincare.

Honestly, putting on a fluffy spa headband is the “on switch” for my relaxation mode. If you need one, check out these adorable microfiber headbands that are super soft and don’t squeeze your head too tight. https://amzn.to/4iFjl6s  

Start by double-cleansing your face. You want a completely blank canvas so that the good ingredients can actually penetrate your skin.

Step 2: The Soak

While your face is fresh and clean, run a bath. This is the heart of your home spa night. Warm water relaxes tight muscles and raises your body temperature, which can help you sleep better later.

To take it up a notch, you need bath salts. Magnesium-rich Epsom salts or Himalayan pink salts are fantastic for soothing aches and pains. They also help detoxify the skin and soften the water.

I swear by adding a generous scoop of high-quality bath salts to the tub.is a classic for a reason—it smells heavenly and melts stress away instantly. https://amzn.to/4iFjxCI

Soak for at least 20 minutes. No phone. Just you, the warm water, and the candlelight.

Step 3: The Treatment

Now that your pores are open from the steam of the bath, it’s time for the star of the show: the mask.

For a holiday reset, I love sheet masks. They are easy, mess-free, and incredibly hydrating, which is exactly what our skin needs in the dry winter months. Plus, there’s something undeniably luxurious about lying there like a glazed donut while your skin drinks up all that serum.

If you’re feeling crafty, you can whip up a DIY face maskwith kitchen ingredients (honey and yogurt are great for hydration!), but let’s be real—sometimes we just want to open a packet and relax.

My go-to for an instant glow are these Dr Jart Mask]. They are packed with essence and fit the face perfectly without sliding off. https://amzn.to/44fp7WE

Apply your mask, lean your head back, and close your eyes. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes. This is your time to meditate, manifest, or just think about absolutely nothing.

Step 4: The Post-Spa Glow

Once you peel off the mask, don’t wash your face! Massage that excess serum into your skin. It’s liquid gold. Follow up with a thick moisturizer to lock everything in.

By now, you should feel like a stick of butter that has been melted on warm toast. Blow out the candles, drain the tub, and carry this soft energy with you into bed.

Why This Works

This simple routine works because it forces you to stop. In the hustle of the holidays, we are constantly in “do” mode. Creating a home spa night shifts you into “be” mode. It reminds you that you are worthy of care and rest, not just when you’ve burned out, but as a regular part of your life.

Prioritizing holiday self-care ensures you actually enjoy the season instead of just surviving it.

Your Turn

I’d love to hear how you unwind during the busy season. Do you have a favourite bath bomb or a specific playlist that instantly calms you down? Share your favourite spa products for relaxation in the comments below! Let’s help each other stay sane and glowing this holiday.