When the day ends earlier and all you want to do is hibernate, it’s a sure sign that you need to dust off your boots because winter is coming! Game Of Thrones fans will tell you that it’s the longest time of the year. When the colder months set in, it can feel like they will never end. But they also offer unique opportunities that aren’t available during the other seasons, so don’t write them off just yet. Check out this list for 10 ideas on how to beat the cold season.
1. Build a jigsaw
You can pick one up online or visit a charity shop, and it’s the perfect activity for extra-chilly days and nights. Find a warm nook and start building, use a puzzle mat for extra convenience, making it easy to rotate and complete in stages.
2. Try your hand at a new game
Learn to play online roulette or poker or even backgammon or maybe chess if you’ve never learnt before…now is the perfect time to try! Why not get your friends or family involved and take games night to a much more engaging and interactive level!
3. Have an indoor snowball fight
Ain’t got snow, or don’t want to be asked to clean wet and muddy clothes? Buy some soft indoor snowballs and set up targets throughout the house. These are ideal for injury-free fun! Just watch the ornaments in colder months and don’t try to be a hero!
4. Write letters
In today’s world of distraction, nothing could be better than unplugging for the afternoon and putting pen to paper for a good, old-fashioned letter. Write to your distant loved ones, and send pics along with the letter. It’s always a nice treat to get a handwritten letter from someone you know. Writing out your sentiments by hand will also help make you feel closer to them, even from time zones away.
5. Take winter photos
As the scenery starts to change, the landscape becomes full of great photo opportunities. Think falling leaves, sparkling icicles, warm cups of cocoa with melting marshmallows, and buildings covered in snow. This season can produce a collage of Insta-worthy pics for your collection.
6. Do a wardrobe clean out
Spend the day re-organizing your wardrobe and plan your warm outfits for the season. Pack away the summer gear and come up with some looks that not only make you look good but are practical and convenient and help keep you feeling cozy. You’ll be surprised at what’s been forgotten in the back of the cupboard!
7. Bake a dessert or cookies
There’s nothing like a freshly baked cake or chocolate chip cookies to instantly warm you up and make your house smell delicious. When cooling the oven, leave the door open to let that warm air waft through the house, bringing a better aroma than any candle ever could. Snuggle up with a book and blanket and enjoy your homemade deliciousness.
8. Make winter decorations for your home
Collect pine cones for the fireplace and stack wood beautifully, fill the rooms with candles or make your own using mason jars. Make a wreath with dried foliage or even cut snowflakes out of paper. Create snowmen out of salt dough, and put together paper chains.
9. Warm yourself with a walk
As long as you wear plenty of layers, a walk in the cold can be lots of fun. Collect pine cones for the fireplace, take your phone for some interesting shots and don’t forget the scarf and gloves. Afterwards, nothing warms you up quite like a steaming mug of hot cocoa. Why not turn it into an activity by setting up a hot cocoa bar complete with mini marshmallows, chocolate shavings and your favorite cookies for dunking.
10. Visit a museum
These days, many museums and art galleries offer virtual tours, so you can keep that snuggy on! Keep warm and learn at the same time, it will be almost like being at the museum in person. Of course, you could still wrap up warm and go out to visit one, but you can always save that for another day.
And there you have it… 10 ways to make the colder months go by quicker! It’s also the season for football so perhaps you could make the time fly by inviting all your friends over to root for your favorite team. You can make a big bowl of chili which is one of the most loved dishes to enjoy in the winter season.
But if sports is not your thing, you can spend an afternoon creating your own gingerbread house. Ok, so it might land up looking like something from Nailed It, but it takes time and still tastes awesome. Buy a kit, or if you’re more adventurous in the kitchen make your own gingerbread dough from scratch. Have fun decorating it with plenty of icing, candy canes and other candies.
The colder months can also be fun so whatever you choose to do while away the time, the list above is sure to give you plenty of warm inspiration.
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