Christmas means jolly different things to different people, but it also serves as a reminder that the year is coming to an end. Like any festive season, the noise and energy will be in full swing, which is part of the charm of a celebration. But for some people, they’re simply looking for a balm to soothe themselves before the new year approaches.

While there is always the option of a simple, cosy, and quiet domestic celebration, Christmas can also be the perfect time to seek other rejuvenating experiences. It could be an opportunity to check off a few last-minute items on your yearly bucket list.

1. Eco-retreats

If you’re up for being a bit extra, and by that we mean you don’t mind going out of your way to detach from the usual festivities, this might be the option for you. You can never really go wrong with escaping the city buzz and reconnecting with nature. Being in a tropical country, eco-retreats are abundant, so there are plenty of options to choose from.

Finding an eco-retreat by the beach too summery? No worries! Jungle or hillside retreats are equally marvellous alternatives. Most of these retreats tend to offer structured wellness programmes like guided hikes, meditations, and yoga, so you will be spending quite a mentally and physically enriching Christmas away from the bustle of the city.

2. Sound healing

    Sound healing works as a gentle mental escape from the rest of the world. Through the harnessing of vibrational sounds by trained practitioners, sound therapy focuses on improving one’s well-being by alleviating stress and promoting relaxation. Paired with an ideal environment, such as in nature, it makes for an immersive healing activity.

    One particular spot in Bukit Bendera, conserved by The Habitat Group, offers exactly this with their monthly sound healing sessions. Surrounded by the rich biodiversity of the UNESCO Penang Hill Biosphere Reserve, their evening sound healing sessions take the experience to another level. Follow @thehabitatpenanghill for updates on sound healing events.

    While not held in a similar environment, other practitioners around KL and Selangor, like Supparetreat, also offer restorative sound-healing experiences you might be seeking for a slow Christmas.

    3. Train journeys

      While train journeys are naturally reminiscent of the holiday spirit (picture the Polar Express), it is also a unique way of having a slow Christmas. The thought of going somewhere (or even nowhere) while taking in the passing scenery and the buzz of the train carts will send your mind on an unexpected healing journey.

      A trip you could take locally is the Jungle Railway sleeper train. It takes you from the Singapore–Malaysia border in Johor Bahru all the way to Tumpat, near the Thailand border on the east coast. This trip was particularly designed for passengers to enjoy the scenery that spans Peninsular Malaysia. Your blissful train of thoughts will take you just as far, with the time you would spend on the journey. What a way to spend a slow Christmas.

      4. Cabin hibernation

        Typically, when we think of festive cabin retreats, a lone wooden cabin in a snowy forest comes to mind. But, cabin-like retreats in Malaysia can be just as cosy, especially with how cool the end-of-the-year monsoon season can be. Spending a slow Christmas in a cabin lets you focus on nurturing your soul by doing simple activities such as reading, napping, and other hobbies you may have neglected all year.

        Imagine a local cabin retreat in a chilly location like Cameron Highlands, where you let the day carry you with no outside pressure. In the spirit of the holiday season, you can even sip on hot chocolate while listening to the sounds of nature, or enjoy a playful activity like making ornaments to take home for your Christmas tree.

        5. Stargazing trips

          Take Christmas to the road. Go on a stargazing trip to famous local spots and admire constellations or even the Milky Way, in a starry twist of the festive season. Picture Santa Claus riding across the sky on his sleigh as you count the countless stars. For KL-ites who are not planning to go so far out of the city, Kuala Kubu Bharu is a short drive from Kuala Lumpur, and it just so happens to be one of the darkest spots for stargazing in the Klang Valley.

          If you’re up for a longer road trip, combine stargazing with a cabin retreat by going to other low-light pollution spots like Kundasang or higher-altitude locations like Cameron Highlands. A quiet escape under the stars sounds like the perfect way to celebrate Christmas. It’s a 2-in-1 deal, if you ask me.