21 Ideas for a Cozy but Luxurious New Year's Eve
Nolan Pelletier
This article is part of SELF’s third annual Rest Week, an editorial package dedicated to doing less. Taking care of yourself, physically and emotionally, is impossible without genuine downtime. With that in mind, we’ll be publishing articles up until the new year to help you make a habit of taking breaks, chilling out, and slowing down. (And we’re taking our own advice: The SELF staff will be OOO during this time!) We hope to inspire you to take it easy and get some rest, whatever that looks like for you.
For a holiday constructed around a big buildup, it’s ironic how often New Year’s Eve ends up being a total letdown. But beneath its sparkly packaging, the downsides are in abundant supply: Pressure to dress to the nines in subzero temps (and find someone to smooch on a time crunch), long lines, expensive covers, dangerous roads, next day hangxiety…and, despite all that, the looming pressure to end your year on the highest note possible.
But even if the “traditional” version of the holiday sounds like your personal hell, no one wants to start the new year off with FOMO. The good news is that there are plenty of lovely alternative options for people whose inner party animal is in hibernation, but who still want December 31 to feel a little more special than a regular Tuesday night. The secret is to be intentional about your plans, so that the holiday feels luxurious and cozy versus shabby and lonely.
Below, take your pick of 21 gentler New Year’s Eve ideas that perfectly bridge the gap between party rocking and bedrotting.
1. Treat yourself to a nice hotel room—better yet, without leaving town. Order room service, take a bubble bath, wear a fluffy robe, and put a new spin on a “glamorous.” night.
2. Go to the movies. Make it a double feature. You’ll probably have your pick of seats, and there’s no better escape from reality if you’d like to forget what day it is altogether.
3. Host a pajama party. If you’re anything like me, a luxe new PJ set is always at the top of your Christmas list. Now’s your chance to show it off—and stay comfy while getting your social fix.
4. Get your mood board on. Craft girlies, this is your time to shine—and tear through that dusty stack of magazines you’ve been saving for…something. Invite your besties over, enjoy some snacks and sips, and make a perfectly Pinterest-worthy vision board for the year ahead.
5. Take all the pictures. If social media always makes you feel like crap on January 1—especially if you don’t have something fabulous to post—there’s no shame in orchestrating a photo opp (and returning to your PJs on as soon as you get the shot).
6. Make a list of your wins from the past year. The pressure to set ambitious goals for yourself starts on January 1, but New Year’s Eve is the perfect time to celebrate the big (and small) things you’ve already accomplished. Whether you got a promotion, finally found a great therapist, or just stuck to a new self-care habit, take some time to give yourself your flowers.
7. Recreate your best meal of the year. Whether that means going back to the restaurant, ordering in, or whipping it up at home, gift yourself the best bite possible.
8. Binge all the festive movies you didn’t get to. There’s never enough time to watch them all. Take advantage of the last night of the holiday season and have a proper marathon.
9. Treat yourself to a luxurious spa night. Book a massage, stock up on fancy face masks, and draw yourself a cartoonishly luxe bubble bath. Then say, “I can’t even imagine being out right now” out loud, and laugh uproariously.
10. Plot out your PTO for the coming year. Plan a fun trip or just designate a few self-care Fridays. You’ll start the new year with a bunch of things to look forward to, and it might save you from entering another December with unused vacation time.
11. Commit to a new hobby. Spend the day gathering supplies—hit the craft store for crochet needles, or pull the trigger on that gel manicure set—and the night binging tutorials. By next year, you’ll be a seasoned vet.
12. Plan a glamorous daytime activity. Get all dressed up and head to a museum, see a Nutcracker matinee, or make a fancy lunch reservation with friends—you’ll be able to say you did something celebratory, and get yourself off the hook for the night.
13. Scrapbook your sentimental junk. If you have a drawer or shoebox full of mementos from the last year (or well, well before), find a creative way to store or display them. It’ll be a sweet walk down memory lane, and a creative challenge to keep you busy all night.
14. Plan for your inner child. What would your 8-year-old self want to do most on New Year’s Eve? Whether she’d build a pillow fort to watch the ball drop, stockpile her favorite candy, invite her besties for a sleepover (stuffed animals mandatory!), or play video games for hours—trust your roots on this one, while making it happen on an adult salary.
15. Make a playlist that sums up your year. Your Spotify Wrapped may have told you the stats, but only you can capture the feeling of 2024. Curate your personal soundtrack for the last 12 months, and blast it all night for a nostalgic fix.
16. Plan a takeout dinner party. If you love everything about a party except leaving the house, this one’s for you. Order dinner in so that you can focus on the fun stuff—cute invitations, a gorgeous tablescape, a great outfit, festive decor…whatever tickles your fancy.
17. Have a game night. It’s a total cliché, but the right people can make board games, cards, or even puzzles more hilarious and entertaining than any packed bar scene.
18. Give your bedroom a mini makeover. To be clear, I would never tell you to spend a holiday cleaning your room. But refreshing your bedding, sprucing up your decor, or hanging up some new art might help you wake up feeling especially great on the first day of the year.
19. Indulge your superstitious side. Put on all your lucky clothes, manifest your heart out, and run through all the habits that you’re convinced bring you good juju. If you’re in the mood for company, it’s also a great theme for a gathering.
20. Turn your pantry cleanout into a cooking challenge. If you find comfort in productivity, you’ll feel great about ending the year decluttering. Instead of letting the weird baking mixes or seasonings go to waste, team up with your partner or roommates and make an Iron Chef style meal of the rejects.
21. Go to bed early. If you need permission, here it is. The new year will be there in the morning (and for 364 days after that), even if you don’t stay up to greet it.
Related:
If Being Single Around the Holidays Makes You Feel Super Lonely, You’re So Not Alone
If You’re Having a Hard Time During the Holidays, Consider a Horror Movie
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Originally Appeared on Self
