11 Oct 20 Ways to Make This Winter Great
Winter often divides the population. Some people love the cold weather and snowy days while others dread the chill and can’t wait for spring. Whichever camp you fall into, you can still make this coming winter great. From fun trips and events to free activities at home, keep reading for 20 ways to make this winter your best one yet. Check off all the items on this list and summer will be here before you know it!
Stay Warm and Trendy
There’s no need to sacrifice style for comfort this season. Throw on a fun graphic hoodie or sweatshirt for a look that is trendy while staying warm. Dress it up with a matching scarf or keep things casual with a pair of jeans.
With the right layers, you can ditch your bulky coat for a stylish look. Layer long sleeve graphic tees with your favorite sweater. Throw on a scarf, hat, and some gloves to stay comfy and warm all day long.
Keep Your Car Running Smoothly
Colder weather can be brutal on your vehicle. It may take longer for your car to start up, and it definitely takes a while for the heater to start working. You can find tons of products to protect your car from the cold on Groupon. From steering wheel and seat covers to car starters and parts, you can keep your vehicle running properly all winter long.
Always be Prepared
Don’t let the cold catch you off guard! An unexpected snow flurry or an impromptu afternoon of sledding can leave you wet and freezing. Keep an extra change of dry clothing in your car or bag throughout the winter. You can easily have all the winter fun you want and stay warm in a fresh outfit. Throw a graphic hoodie or sweatshirt in your car for unplanned outdoor activities as well. You’ll never have to turn down a snowball fight or a crisp winter walk again.
Be Ready for Any Weather
Winter weather can be unpredictable. In some areas, a winter storm can easily pick up without warning. You may find yourself faced with sleet or freezing rain. Whether your car is at the front of the parking lot or the back, you can keep from getting wet by keeping an extra umbrella nearby. This could even make you the hero at your office when you help others stay dry this winter.
Plan a Small Getaway
If the winter weather is making you dream of white sandy beaches, plan a little getaway for your family. Take a few days off and go to somewhere that’s warm. Soak up the sunshine and vitamin D to help you get through the last few weeks of winter.
Visit sites like Expedia.com or Kayak.com to find discounts and deals on your travel plans. You can bundle your flight and hotel for a lower price and find deals on car rentals. Your family will be thanking you when the warm sand is sinking beneath their toes.
Spend Time with Family
Even if you can’t plan a vacation, the winter is a great season to spend more time with your family. The holidays are already the perfect reason to visit relatives and spread cheer. Reconnect with family members you haven’t seen in a while and share holiday meals together.
The cold weather is also likely to keep you and your immediate family indoors. Spend time playing with your kids, have a family movie night, or make a fun craft. Time spent inside can be anything but boring if you plan ahead.
Cook Fun Foods
Winter is the time for comfort foods, but you can also experiment with new treats. Roasted chestnuts, roasted pumpkin seeds, and s’mores all make great winter snacks. Spend the winter perfecting a new pie recipe or crafting the perfect dish for your next get-together.
You can even make food fun for the whole family. Have a “build your own pizza” night or set up a “load your own baked potato” bar. Get everyone involved in creating a warm dish they will love to eat.
Prepare for Summer
You don’t have to wait for summer to roll around to get in summer shape. That warm weather creeps up and before you know it, it’s time to shop for a bathing suit. Make the whole process a little easier by hitting the gym during the winter. Workout indoors to stay warm and maintain your fitness level. We all like to eat comfort food and lounge around the house during the winter, but we usually regret it when the seasons change.
Get Out (Even When You Don’t Want To)
Winter can affect your mood, and not for the better. The cold weather can cause increased irritability, lower energy, and other symptoms of seasonal affective disorder. When the temperatures turn colder, you might want to stay inside, eat junk food, and sleep every day. However, you should make time to get out of the house even if you don’t want to. This can help you stay active, maintain a healthier diet, and lift your mood.
Find New Hobbies
For those days when you can’t possibly leave the house, keep your mind busy with a new hobby. Take up knitting or embroidery, start a puzzle, or build a model. No matter what you prefer, there is a hobby out there for you. You may have to try a few things this winter to find something you love. But once you find the right hobby, you won’t mind a day spent inside.
Read a New Book
There’s nothing cozier than snuggling up with a good book and a cup of tea. Get lost in a story by picking out a new book this winter. Make time each day to read a few pages, and you may be able to get through a few books before the snow starts to melt.
Learn a New Skill
There’s no reason to stay stagnant during the winter. The kids may be out of school, but you can keep learning. Set a goal at the beginning of the season and learn a new skill before winter is over. You can try to master the basics of a new language, learn a new computer program, take an online course, or build your portfolio.
Call a Friend
The winter weather can make it difficult to travel on the roads. However, you can keep up with friends, old and new, by picking up the phone. We have a tendency to send a quick text message or leave a comment on social media, but having an actual conversation can do wonders to improve your mood.
Have an Indoor Dance Party
Laziness can set in really quickly over the winter. Break up the winter blues by turning up the music and having a dance party in your own living room. Getting your heart rate up and burning some calories can help you feel rejuvenated even if the snow outside is bringing you down.
Treat Yourself to a Spa Day
Pamper yourself with a day at the spa. You can treat yourself to a luxury afternoon at a professional spa, or set up your own spa in your home. Put on a face mask, soak your feet in warm water, buy a new nail polish, and use a soft moisturizer. You’ll end up feeling calm and relaxed during even the worst winter storms.
Build a Fort
Few things are cozier than an indoor fort made of pillows, blankets, and couch cushions. Children and adults can spend a fun afternoon creating a fort. Hang up holiday lights for a magical look and bring your favorite books or snacks inside. You can even use your laptop or tablet to have a movie night inside the fort.
Make Snow Ice Cream
Snow is good for more than just building snowmen. Turn that fluffy stuff into a sweet treat by making snow ice cream. There are plenty of recipes available online, and they usually include the following ingredients.
- Snow
- Sugar
- Milk
- Salt
- Vanilla extract
Clean Out Your Closet
Cleaning isn’t just for the spring. Give your wardrobe a winter refresh by cleaning out your closet this season. Keep the pieces you love and donate anything else to a local shelter or charity. Those in need will greatly appreciate your contribution, and you can make room for new pieces.
Keep a Journal
Keep track of your favorite winter memories with a journal. Record your winter bucket list and mark off all the activities you complete. Write out a log of your dreams and try to interpret them, or keep a record of how you’re feeling this winter. Journaling can be a fun and therapeutic activity that you may keep up in the spring and summer.
Have a Karaoke Jam Session
Whether you sing about the holidays or warmer weather, a karaoke jam session can be a fun winter activity. You can use an actual karaoke machine, or just blast your favorite music at home. Turn it into a contest or spend a couple of hours singing with friends or family.
This winter is sure to be the best!
You don’t have to love the season to have a great winter. Even if you despise the cold weather, these 20 tips will keep your days interesting and fun. Once you finish these activities, make your own list for ways to stay happy all winter long.
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