Busting through the winter blahs
This time of year, the cold weather and lack of sunshine can be a bit of a bummer.
And, with COVID restrictions in place, the next couple of months could prove to be particularly difficult.
Many people (young and old) are already battling the “winter blahs,” so today I’m sharing some fantastic ideas for winter fun that, I believe, are guaranteed to help you bust through winter boredom.
The best way to enjoy winter is to get outside and enjoy the activities the season has to offer. Skiing, skating, snowshoeing, hiking and sledding are perfect ways to take advantage of freshly fallen snow.
If you are looking to try something new, but you aren’t ready to invest in equipment, do a little research.
You may have friends who have items you can borrow, local businesses may offer rentals, and some cities and towns loan out equipment (for free) through their recreation departments and libraries.
Building snowmen, having snowball fights and constructing forts are fun activities too. My boys have always loved using plastic containers to make “snow bricks” that can be stacked to create large walls of snow. You can even paint the bricks by putting water and food colouring in spray bottles.
Eating outdoors can be enjoyable too. Consider roasting marshmallows and hotdogs around a bonfire or planning an outdoor picnic.
Prepping a portable hot chocolate basket (filled with hot chocolate, cups, stir sticks and marshmallows) makes warming up outside a breeze. Adding a “cold day cookie tray” (filled with goodies to dip into the hot chocolate) just adds to the fun.
On days when it is too cold to stay outside for long periods of time, it’s a wonderful idea to have a few indoor activities ready to keep family members entertained.
Baking (and enjoying the freshly made sweet treats) is always a worthwhile endeavour and crafting is another great option.
Popular winter-themed crafts include snowmen made from empty toilet rolls or white socks, sleds constructed from cardboard boxes covered with duct tape, cozy wreaths made from wreath forms covered in white pompoms and good old-fashioned paper snowflakes.
Google “winter crafts” (or visit my blog at www.EastCoastMommy.com) and you are certain to find something to suit every age and skill level.
Board games and movies are also perfect ways to entertain family members on cold winter days.
Pop some popcorn, and gather around the kitchen table for some friendly competition. Some excellent game choices include Monopoly, Sorry and Skipbo.
Alternatively, you can cuddle up with blankets and pillows, enjoy a tray of hot chocolate and cookies, and pop in a movie.
Consider a family-friendly, winter-themed movie like Frozen, Jack Frost, Snow Buddies or Cool Runnings.
Grey skies and cold temperatures can make January and February a bit depressing, but there are many fantastic winter activities to enjoy that will brighten your days.
Make a checklist of your favourite indoor and outdoor winter activities, and challenge yourself to complete them all.
Have fun, enjoy all this season has to offer and spring will be here before you know it.