It’s easy to get swept up in the notion that Christmas is a time of rushing around, feeling stressed as we race between stores buying gifts. But if we pause to reflect for a moment, what feels most resonant is a festive season imbued with presence, connection and the simple pleasure of being together.

After all, the most incredible gift is the people with whom we get to share our lives, and this Christmas we’re looking at ways to celebrate the joy of togetherness. We’ve gathered some ideas to weave meaningful moments into your December.

christmas movie night

When practised with intention, watching Christmas movies can be a time for group connection. You might organise a movie night as a family or with friends and take a vote on the film, or watch one film per week and take turns choosing.

Create a cosy atmosphere with candles and fairy lights, arrange some festive treats and then agree to put your phones away and share in the experience together.

make something together

Creating something together, whether it’s Christmas crafts or festive treats, invites teamwork and quality time side by side, and leaves you with something meaningful to show for it.

This might mean getting together to bake shortbreads or gingerbreads, prepare Christmas chutney or make rocky road. Or, sit down for a mindful craft afternoon and make your own Christmas candles by pouring soy wax into glass jars and enhancing with festive essential oil scents such as orange or frankincense.

bathe at peninsula hot springs

Relaxing together as a couple or in a group can be a deeply enjoyable and out-of-the-ordinary way to connect. Our Mornington Peninsula Bath House welcomes guests young and old, making it a beautiful multi-generational experience. Explore geothermal pools ranging from thermoneutral to hot, cold plunge pools, saunas, hydrojet pools, steam room and more as you roam the grounds. 

There are plenty of opportunities for larger groups to choose their own adventure: grandparents might like to luxuriate on the sun lounge while grandchildren are drawn to plunging in the cold pool, for example, and everybody might like to take a stroll through the Food Bowl and Sensory Garden or soak in a hot spring together. 

Guests are most welcome to bring their own picnic lunch to enjoy on our wooden tables of grass lawns, or allow us to cook for you in the Amphitheatre or Bath House cafes. That way, no one in your group has to prepare food or clean up, giving you ample time to simply focus on wellness and connection. 

Discover hot springs gifts

immerse in nature

Pack a meal, hot chocolate or your favourite treats and make a date with nature. Whether you head to a local park, river, beach or sunset spot, taking the time to be present with the natural world and with each other can be a beautiful way to connect and invite calm amid the festive rush.

Make an effort to put your phones away, savour whatever you bring with you, and take in the beauty and peace of your surroundings.

Of course, you can always immerse in nature among the remnant bushland at Peninsula Hot Springs.

agree to exchange meaningful gifts

Make an agreement to present each other with at least one meaningful gift, and create some gentle parameters. Perhaps the gift must relate to a shared memory, be homemade, or offer an experience rather than a material item.

You might do this with friends, family or your partner, and the gift could represent one particularly thoughtful present among more conventional ones, or you might decide to keep things simple and only exchange your one chosen gift. 

This Christmas, give the gift of connection. To discover how we can help realise mindful traditions and meaningful gifts, browse our Christmas gifts page or contact our friendly Reservations team.