The winter holidays are usually filled with parties, gatherings, and trips to see family and friends. However, this year I decided to do something different and spend my holiday vacation relaxing at home alone. While it may sound boring to some, I looked forward to cozy days filled with my two favorite things – sipping tea while listening to music on my speakers.
As an audiophile who also happens to love a hot cup of tea, I knew this would be the perfect holiday for me. I took time off work and cleared my schedule. My only plans involved my tea kettle, favorite teas, and speakers blasting my favorite holiday music throughout my home.
Each morning when I woke up, I would make myself a cup of hot peppermint tea to sip while lounging in my pajamas. I would use my wireless speakers to play cheerful holiday tunes as I opened up the blinds and watched the gently falling snow outside my window. My cat Snuggles would curl up on my lap as I savored the comforting tea and melodic music. It always put me in a warm, relaxed mood.
In the afternoons, I would switch over to listening to classical holiday music performed by a full orchestra over my hi-fi speakers. The incredible stereo separation and dynamic range made it sound like a live concert in my living room. I loved closing my eyes while sipping Earl Grey tea and letting the soaring melodies of the strings and horns wash over me. It was my own private holiday musical experience.
At night, I would make a mug of chamomile tea, put on my favorite Christmas jazz playlist, and decorate around my home. The smooth vocals of Frank Sinatra and Nat King Cole filled my space with nostalgia. My speakers brought out each subtle detail in the classic recordings. I would sing along under my breath while hanging lights and garland.
Other days I stayed in my pajamas all day reading under a blanket on the couch. I would periodically get up to refresh my cup of vanilla rooibos tea while my speakers played acoustic holiday tunes in the background. The music created a soothing atmosphere that complemented the coziness of the book and tea perfectly.
When it snowed heavily outside, I would just turn up the music and watch the snowfall from my window. The speakers allowed me to immerse myself in the music. I could forget about the winter weather and transport myself to memories of holiday gatherings and sledding as a kid.
I also caught up on some of my favorite holiday movies using my home theater speaker system. Nothing beats snuggling under a blanket drinking gingerbread tea and watching classics like Elf, The Grinch, and Home Alone with surround sound. The dialogue was crisp and the sound effects really made me feel like I was part of each zany holiday adventure.
While it may have seemed like an unconventional way to spend the holidays, my staycation with speakers and tea was the perfect reset I needed this year. I was able to completely relax and get into the holiday spirit at my own pace. My speakers enabled me to customize the ideal holiday soundtrack no matter my mood or activity. By the end of my vacation, I felt peaceful, well-rested, and ready to take on the new year. It was a holiday I will always remember fondly.