21 Steps For The Perfect Winter Nighttime Routine
21 Steps For The Perfect Winter Nighttime Routine
By Morgan Toporek — December 5, 2025
After a frigid, hard, and stressful winter day, the one thing we always think about is how excited we are to go to bed. A moment of relaxation can really encourage a sense of peace and excitement at the end of the day, especially now with daylight savings. It is vital to have a strong nighttime routine so you can make sure you’re prioritizing yourself. These 21 steps will help you create your very own routine.
1. Take a steamy shower
The first thing you should do is rinse off all of the sweat and stress you endured throughout the day. Using a scented body wash or even washing your hair. This allows a relaxing state while also getting clean before bed.
2. Use your best, fluffy robe
After your calming shower, putting on a big, fluffy robe can feel extra soothing to the skin.
3. Do a complete skin care routine
Now that your pores are opened up from the steamy shower, it’s the perfect time to complete a full skincare routine. This can help with stress acne and can keep your face moisturized as temperatures drop. Include a face massage to imitate a spa experience and relax the muscles in your face.
4. Use a face mask
To add extra love to your skincare routine, include a cooling face mask. Face masks can be used as a little special treat on certain nights to really elevate your ritual.
5. Light your favorite candle
Adding a special scent to your night can increase dopamine and a sense of comfort. It can also add ambient lighting to help you romanticize your everyday routine.
6. Apply your best lotion
Moisturizing your skin is so incredibly important after the shower, especially when the weather gets cold. The act of moisturizing your entire body might feel like a chore, but your future youthful and glowing self will thank you.
7. Put on fuzzy socks
Wearing warm and fuzzy socks to walk around the house can make you feel at ease and can help you retain body heat. Try adding a thick layer of lotion to your feet before slipping on your socks to keep your feet moisturized and happy.
8. Play a soothing nighttime playlist
Having a playlist that you can queue while doing your routine can help the mind start to unwind and know when it's time to relax. It is important that these songs are slow, relaxing, and don't overwhelm you or cause your heart rate to spike.
9. Turn on the fireplace…or a fireplace YouTube video
Having that warmth, or even just a crackle in the background, can make your space feel inviting and comforting. It can also add an ambient glow to increase soft lighting. Nothing says winter better than an open fireplace.
10. Use a sound machine
Loud noises can happen around you, whether you live in a city or not. Having a sound machine helps drown out the other noises around you and encourages you to focus on relaxation—even while you sleep.
11. Switch to softer lighting
I have a strict rule in my home: No overhead lighting allowed. This also applies before bed. Having a dimmable lamp or a candle burning provides soft lighting that is imperative to the space where you are relaxing and getting ready for bed.
12. Turn on a heated blanket
With the cold weather approaching, it may be hard to get warm quickly. Having a cozy, heated blanket feels like a big hug before bed.
13. Use a diffuser with essential oils
Essential oils can help with a variety of things. Curating your perfect remedy to add to your diffuser can help relax and heal you. For a specific holiday scent, a eucalyptus or pine smell will do the trick.
14. Slip into a cute pajama set
Nothing feels better than feeling coordinated—even before bed. Slipping on a cute pajama set before bed will encourage you to feel put together, and matching Christmas pajamas will help you get in the Christmas spirit.
15. Make a warm cup of tea
Drinking a warm cup of tea not only relaxes your body but can encourage a better night’s sleep. Brewing a sleepytime tea with chamomile, peppermint, and more can feel like a little treat before bed.
16. Read a good book
Letting your mind escape reality by reading your favorite book allows you to effortlessly bring the day to a close. Reading also calms your nerves and prepares your body for a good night’s rest.
17. Enter Do Not Disturb
Putting all devices on DND and taking a moment to pause creates a peaceful environment after a long day. Finding time to disconnect is so important for mental health and overall well-being.
18. Do a quick stretch or yoga flow
Doing some light and gentle stretches can help release tension created throughout the day, and loosening up your muscles prepares your body for relaxation and a good night’s rest.
19. Journal
Releasing the moments you’ve endured throughout your day allows the brain to discharge wandering thoughts. Keeping your journal entries also lets you go back and read about the previous days you’ve had. Emptying your mind creates space for better sleep.
20. Take a calming melatonin remedy
In moderation, melatonin or other calming remedies can support your melatonin production and help your body relax and rest.
21. Sink into bed and enjoy the peace
Lastly, you are ready to end the day by sinking into your comfortable bed and slipping into a relaxing state.
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