If you can believe it, we’ve only just begun the winter season. But wait! Before you head back into full-on hibernation mode, give us one post to change your mind. With the right attitude, winter can be a magnificent season, not just one to be endured until the rising temperatures of spring.
So here’s a fun bucket list of ideas to fill the long evenings (complete with a customizable printable below for you to print, hang, and check off as you go):
- Find your new comfort food.
Tis the season for stews, casseroles, and sweets. Take advantage of the frost-kissed windows by trying new recipes for cheesy soups, sweet breads, hearty stews, and more. Bonus: There’s no warmer spot than the kitchen. - Get crafty.
Break out a complicated jigsaw puzzle by the fire, cut paper snowflakes for your windows, or slather peanut butter and seeds on pinecones for the birds. If you’ve wanted to learn something new, this is the time to go for it. - Stay in touch.
While the weather outside may make you less willing to change out of your pajamas, friends are like vitamin D during the cold months. Call out-of-state friends and family, send sweet notes of appreciation, or invite your best friends over for a night of games, movies, or s’mores by the fire. - Plan a lazy Saturday.
In a world where our to-do lists only lengthen, slow down and indulge in a lazy Saturday. Sleep in, whip up pancakes, take a bubble bath, wear the coziest of sweaters, read a book, and fall asleep by the fire (or space heater).Get your family involved by building a fort of blankets and pillows and watching movies for the rest of the day.See? What’s not to love about winter? - Get moving.
It’s hard to find motivation when the temperature drops, but if you can get through the first few chilly minutes, you’ll be glad you did. Exercising is a great way to elevate your heart rate and core temperature during the winter, so use the dreariest of months to try something new or make a habit of exercise you love. Shop local gyms to find workout classes that will make sweating fun, or round up a group of friends to walk neighborhood sidewalks together. - Get outside.
Hear us out before you veto this one altogether! The trick to enjoyable winter sports and activities is dressing for the elements. Don your puffiest of jackets, snow pants, and boots, and you’re ready for a day on the slopes, skiing or tubing with the kids in your life. Or simply tackle your favorite local hike in the winter. Trails will be less crowded, and you’ll be able to see for miles without the thick foliage of warmer months. - Involve your grandkids, kids, or nieces and nephews.
Seeing the season through the eyes of a kid will forever change your perspective on winter. Throw a slumber party, serve hot chocolate, and watch movies all night. Build snowmen, start snowball fights, and look for animal tracks in fresh snow. When in doubt, ask the kids in your life for fun activity suggestions—they’re bound to add sparkle to an otherwise drab season. - Explore your indoor options.
Now’s the time to explore your area for new cozy coffee shops, art museums with new exhibits, and music venues to find your new favorite band. Or simply head to the movies for a matinee. When the weather is truly frightful, stay warm and dry while still getting out of the house. - Start fresh.
Clean out your drawers, dwindle down the clothes in your closet, and declutter your garage. Getting rid of items you don’t use will give you space to breathe and less to clean on a daily basis. Plus, you’ll be able to help families in need through local ministries.
And if none of these winter activities work for you, gather your small group and pray for an early spring. 🙂
How will you make the most of the winter season?
