Fall has come and gone, so it’s time to throw on your nearest hoodie and sweatpants to face the next few months. Buckle up and get ready for shorter days, colder temperatures and the sun setting way before it should; what do you mean it’s only 5 p.m., it’s completely dark outside? I’ve compiled a list of the best wintertime activities to keep you occupied during some of the most boring days of the year (no offense to all my winter fans out there).
#8: Movies and TV shows: The options for outdoor activities during winter are few and far between. So, what better way to accept your fate by staying indoors and binging your favorite films! In all seriousness though, curling up under a blanket and watching a comforting show (i.e. Gilmore Girls) really does hit the spot, especially on those extra bleak days.
#7: “Good for you” indoor activities: If you want to spend your time inside without staring at your phone, you still have plenty of options. Reading, arts and crafts or board games are entertaining ways to keep yourself occupied (some of my favorites include playing Uno or completing a puzzle). These activities can really keep the cabin fever at bay when you find yourself stuck indoors during the winter.
#6: Going for walks/hiking: When the cold outside just makes you want to nap forever, managing to get up off the couch and go on a stroll is certainly an accomplishment. Once you zip up your coat and make it out the door, you’ll realize why winter walks made this list: crisp, fresh air on your face, no bugs and no sweating. Make sure to bundle up, of course. (Pro-tip: walks are always better with a hot drink in hand, see #3 for more details).
#5: Winter foods: The temperatures are low, and since the weather is cold, the food can get hot to make it more bearable. That means baked goods, steaming soup and other warm dishes. There’s nothing quite like getting home from a dreary winter day to be greeted with a bowl of chili or a plate of homemade pasta. It’s official; winter foods are the icing on the cake, the best of the best, the carrot on top of the snowman (pun intended…).
#4: Ice skating: If you’ve ever experienced the sensation of gliding across the ice, then you already know how much fun this activity can be. Ice skating is both an enjoyable way to get moving and a great excuse to dress cute and get out of the house to hang with friends. Clumsy and unsure about whether or not you’ll be able to stay upright while on the ice? Don’t worry, just make sure you wear long socks to prevent blisters and be prepared to fall (it doesn’t hurt too bad, and trust me, the experience is worth it).
#3: Warm drinks: I don’t know if this is just me, but I cannot function without some sort of steaming drink in my hand at all times. Hot chocolate, coffee, tea, you name the comforting hot beverage, chances are it’s winter related and ready to cheer up your day. What’s not to like?
#2: Cozying up by a fireplace: Every season has its vibe. If you were to picture the perfect winter aesthetic, chances are that a fireplace is one of the first things that comes to mind (and for good reason). Listening to the crackle and pop of the fire, with a mug of cocoa in hand, while curled up under a blanket during the most desolate months of the year? Sign me up.
#1: Snow activities: It’s St. Louis, so you never know what to expect when it comes to the weather. However, if you’re lucky enough to get a snow day with no school, you’ve truly hit the jackpot. There are plenty of ways to make the most out of a good snowfall. Whether it’s good for sledding or building snowmen, it really doesn’t matter. As soon as those first snowflakes fall, life gets a little easier, and the bleak days of winter do truly lighten up.
