Yes, the holidays are over, but that doesn’t mean that the joy has to go too. You can still display seasonal decorations, enjoy delicious food, and create memories with family and friends. Old Man Winter may have settled in, but he is not the party pooper you think he is.
Instead of dreading this time of year, try embracing it. Winter is unique, letting us slow down, but not requiring us to hibernate. We can experience the cold weather or bask in the warmth of a roaring fireplace. We are given the best of both worlds, if only for a short time. Why not make the most of it?
Eat summer food picnic style—inside. Make burgers and potato salad. Finish up with ice cream sundaes!
Visit a local winter market or festival. It’s a great way to support local businesses while spending time with others in your community.
Host a Souper Night In. Invite friends to bring their favorite soup or other comfort foods like casseroles or chilis. Make it a simple potluck night or add a competitive spin to the night by voting on the best.
Try a winter craft. Holidays aren’t the only time to use your creativity. Have the kids look up indoor crafts they’d like to do this month.
Go on a cold weather vacation. Instead of getting away from winter, try enjoying it by going sledding. Flip to page 7 for a list of snow parks in the Valley.
Stay warm by learning a new dance. There are dozens of challenge and dance routine how-tos online. Which one will you master?
Use an indoor pool or outdoor hot tub. Wearing a bathing suit in the winter makes us remember the warmth and sunshine of the summer months.
Go on a winter hike. Bundle up and explore your local trails. Capture the beauty of winter around you with some nature photography.
Create a winter scrapbook or photo collage. As you start the new year, it’s a great time to sort through all the photos on your phone and save them for the family to enjoy.
Roast hot dogs and s’mores over the fire pit. Call friends to pull up a chair and get warm. It’s a great way to get out with the neighbors after being cooped up on winter days.
Glamp in the living room. Move the couch to the side and set up a tent in the middle of the room. Fill the tent with cozy blankets, fluffy pillows, and twinkle lights.
Redecorate for winter. It’s such a letdown when the holiday decorations come down. Why not decorate the house with snowmen, snowflakes, and winter scenes until the hearts come out in February?
Bake your heart out. Nothing makes a house smell better than something baking in the oven. Just because the holidays are over doesn’t mean you have to stop.
Plan your summer vacation. When winter gets you down, make plans for your summer vacation. Search online together for fun places to visit and start a vacation countdown on your calendar.
Start an indoor garden. Teach your children about the growing cycle of plants. Buy packages of seeds and watch them grow into seedlings. Move them outside in the spring and enjoy them all summer long.
Make homemade hot cocoa. Mix 1 cup of milk, 1 tbsp. sugar, 2 tbsp. cocoa, and ¼ tsp. vanilla. Heat on the stovetop and serve with options like marshmallows, sprinkles, or whipped cream.
Play outdoor flashlight tag. Take advantage of the shorter daylight hours. Bring flashlights outside after the sun goes down. Try to tag others with the light from your flashlight.
Join a winter reading challenge. Check out programs at your library or online. When the winds are howling and the temperature drops, sometimes it is better to appreciate winter from the inside.