Winter is the perfect time to try out a few new activities. Whether you are inside or outside, there are limitless activities to keep you entertained throughout the winter. Winter is a unique time of year because it is the season that is most well-known for snow. The snow in and of itself can be an activity!
Growing up, my mom was big on winter activities. There was not a day that my sisters and I did not have a winter activity to do during our school breaks. Having winter activities you can do makes the darker months much more fun and full of joy. Winter might not be your favorite season, but there are still many activities you can do to keep yourself busy until Spring. The idea of winter activities is to give you a break from the stressors of life and give you an opportunity to enjoy the season.
Even if you don’t enjoy snow, or there isn't much snow where you live, there are still many activities to keep you busy this winter.
Here are five ideas to try:
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1. Make "Snow" Angels
One winter activity to try this year is to make snow angels. Snow angels might sound like a basic idea, yet it might be radical to many people, especially your kids. Kids of all ages are always on social media or on media devices, which can distract them from the real world. This can cause them to miss out on little things, such as the opportunity to make a snow angel. Not to mention being out in the snow gives you the opportunity to do more things in the snow, including snowball fights, sledding, and making snowmen.
Getting out of your house in itself can be a huge accomplishment because some of us are more indoor-type people. If you are an indoor person, challenge yourself to get out in the snow and make snow angels. If you have kids, bring them out too. Or if you have some furry friends, bring them out, too, and see if they would like to play in the snow. For many of us, snow doesn’t come too often, so when it does come, it can be a very special day.
Even if you are not a huge fan of snow, you can still watch it fall from your windows. There is something calming about watching fresh snow fall. Maybe this could be a good alternative if you don’t want to go out in the cold temperatures. While you stay inside and watch the snowfall, enjoy your time of relaxation and warmth.
If you don't get snow, consider getting crazy and making a shaving cream angel! When you get outside, the messiness doesn't matter!
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2. Go Ice Skating
A second winter activity to try this year is ice skating. Ice skating has always been one of my favorite winter activities. My mom used to take my sisters and me ice skating when we were little and these magical memories still stay with me today. There was a big gap between the times I was able to go ice skating; however, when I got to ice skate as an adult, it was just as fun as when I was a little kid. Ice skating can be difficult, but once you discover how to balance and find your gliding rhythm, it's a blast!
I recommend going ice skating with friends or family members. The last time I went ice skating, I went with a few friends from college, so never think you are “too old” to go ice skating. There is no age limit on ice skating. As long as you have a pair of skates and a willing heart, you are more than qualified to go ice skating. When you go ice skating, try to soak in the season of winter and enjoy every minute. Even if you take a few falls, laugh it off and have a great time.
Even if you live somewhere that isn't cold, check your local recreation center or indoor hockey rink. Many places host seasonal ice skating indoors.
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3. Spend a Day Lost in a Book
A third winter activity to try this year is to spend a day lost in a book. This is more of an activity for those who prefer to stay inside the warm house during the winter months. However, even if you are an outdoorsy person, spending a day lost in a book could still be a great winter activity option. Maybe you have a book that you have been eagerly waiting to read, but you haven’t had much time to start on it. Use a snowy, cold day as an excuse to start reading this book and read as much as you want.
If you are an avid book reader like myself, you know how tempting it can be to read an entire book in one sitting. Sometimes it is too hard to put the book down once you start it because it is so interesting and intriguing. Even if you want to space out reading your book, that is alright too.
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4. Try a New Cozy Recipe
A fourth winter activity is trying a new cozy recipe. Making new recipes can be a lot of fun, especially on cold, winter days. Pull out your favorite cookbook or pull up the recipe you’ve been dying to try online. Make sure you have all the ingredients and try your hand at making a new recipe. You don’t have to do an extremely hard recipe. Rather, you can choose whatever looks good or what you feel you have the energy to do. This could be as simple as mixing together a crockpot soup recipe, throwing a batch of warm cookies in the oven, or trying a new spin on the classic hot chocolate.
I’m not the best at keeping track of time when making recipes; therefore, I suggest keeping a timer to help you remember when your recipe is done. It is all too easy to lose track of time while you are waiting for something to bake (especially if you take #3 to heart and get lost in a book!). Consider having friends and family over to try your new dish.
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5. Make Your Own "Beating the Winter Blues" Cards
A fifth winter activity to try this year is to make your own cards to send to family and friends as a simple encouragement while everyone battles the winter blues. Be as unique as you want and put your own personal touch on your cards. They can be photographs of your family or you could hand design the cards with personalized artwork. Even if you are unsure about your artistic abilities, I can assure you your family and friends will love to see your homemade cards.
Winter is a hard season for many people, especially those who battle seasonal depression or have lost a loved one in the cold winter months. Sending them a personalized card, especially after the Christmas hype has died down, is a great way to show Christ's love.
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Originally published Wednesday, 24 January 2024.
