As you scroll through your Instagram feed double tapping all your friend’s beach vacation pictures, do not feel sorry for yourself. Not everyone can go away for the holidays each year, so instead of curling up on the couch watching holiday movie marathons while sipping on spiced rum and eggnog, plan a mini holiday staycation in the comfort of your own home.
Whether you’re in need of some alone time or want to celebrate the holiday with friends and family, here are a few holiday staycation ideas that will keep you off Instagram long enough to forget about the beach.
1. Hire an in-home chef
Hosting dinner parties is fun but hosting a dinner party with a personal chef is entertaining for everyone, including the host. There’s nothing more joyful being catered to in your own home while enjoying drinks and convos with your favourite non-vacationers. Toronto has many personal chefs that hosts holiday parties if you’re hunting check out Elle Cuisine.
2. Holiday murder mystery party
Bring some unique holiday cheer to your home by hosting a holiday tacky sweater murder mystery party or a Ho Ho Homicide if you may. This is one fun way to find out who is on the naughty list. Don’t worry, the game itself doesn’t take a lot of planning. There’s a ton of downloadable game packages online to choose from. Which also means you’re not the only weirdo out there hosting murder mystery parties during “the most wonderful time of the year”.
3. Get a psychic
As twenty-sixteen comes to a wrap most of us are wondering what’s in store for the new year. Before writing out your annual resolutions, invite a psychic into your home for a look into your future. Host a party with non-vacationers or do a private phone session with Tara Tarot. Find the answers to your questions from the power of tarot cards, astrology, and numerology.
4. Have a wine tasting
Often when you find a good bottle of wine, it becomes your LCBO go to. The holidays are a great time of year to extend your taste buds to find a new favourite bottle for your wine rack. Tell a few friends to come over with their go-to wine(s) and host your very own makeshift wine tasting event. If you want to host something a little more sophisticated, hire the Wine Sisters to host an event right inside your home.
5. Get a massage
The holidays really start in November. Unfortunately, this doesn’t mean that’s when your vacation time begins; therefore, there’s a good chance you’re running around for work luncheons, gift shopping, and weekend party hopping. And as wonderful as this season is, sometimes the holidays can be stressful. To give the gift of joy you must be relaxed and present. Give yourself a moment to diffuse some essential oils and hire a mobile massage therapist over to your house.