May Day Staycation: Joy of Staying Home

Last week a colleague asked me: “Where are you going for May Day?”

I said: “Staying home.”

She looked shocked: “You finally have time off, and you’re not going anywhere?”

I smiled without explaining. Because I know—the joy of staying home is something only those who’ve tried it truly understand.

It’s not that I don’t want to go out—it’s that I don’t want to go out during holidays. Highway traffic, scenic spot queues, restaurant waits… just thinking about it is exhausting. Rather than spending big money to suffer, better to rest properly at home for a few days.

But staying home doesn’t mean lying flat. I planned out 4 days in advance—both relaxing and fulfilling.

Day 1: Deep clean + laundry.

Sounds laborious, but it’s actually a “reset” ritual. Thoroughly clean the house, change all bedding to fresh ones, organize seasonal clothes in the closet. Afterward, you feel “completely renewed.”

Plus you still have energy on day one for physical work. The following days can be pure enjoyment.

Day 2: Cook a big meal.

Usually busy with work, I just grab quick bites at home. With holiday time, you can make “time-consuming” dishes. Like stewing soup, baking a cake, or learning a new recipe.

Last May Day I learned to make braised pork belly. This year I’m tackling sweet and sour spare ribs. Doesn’t need to be perfect—the point is enjoying the cooking process.

Day 3: TV + reading.

Shows I’ve been saving up, finally time to binge. But my advice: don’t stay up too late, maintain normal sleep schedule. Otherwise adjusting back after the holiday is painful.

Besides TV, I’ll find a book to read. Not a “must finish” book, but a “flip through casually” book. Lying on the sofa, sun shining, reading slowly.

Day 4: Organize + plan.

The last day of holiday isn’t suited for tiring activities. I’ll spend some time tidying—cleaning the fridge, organizing drawers, decluttering unused items.

Then do simple “post-holiday planning.” Not detailed hour-by-hour schedules, just sorting out upcoming work priorities and life goals. Mental preparation so I’m not suddenly anxious when the holiday ends.

Of course, these 4 days will include some “small joys”:

Like sleeping until naturally waking, no alarm;
Like afternoon tea on the balcony, spacing out;
Like ordering delivery food I crave, not counting calories;
Like face masks, foot soaks, massages anytime, no rush.

These small things feel luxurious normally, but are everyday during holidays.

I know some will say: “This counts as a holiday? So boring.”

But my view is: the meaning of holiday isn’t “where you go,” but “disconnecting from routine.” If you normally have high work pressure, the best holiday gift is the freedom to “do nothing.”

Plus, staying home really saves money. No plane tickets, hotel bookings, attraction tickets—saved money can buy things you like or be put away.

This May Day, I’m trying a “not going anywhere” holiday again.

If you’re also tired of fighting crowds, consider this plan. You might discover the joy of staying home truly exceeds imagination.