While Winter is certainly not my favorite season by any stretch, that doesn’t mean that it can’t be a fun season. At least, in some moments. I’m not going to deny that there are some pretty wonderful things about Winter. Even if I’d prefer for it to pass quickly, which just doesn’t happen in the Midwest. But you know what they say, time flies when you’re having fun. So, why not make the most of this cold and snowy season? Especially since Winter is the most introvert-friendly season for someone who is admittedly a bit of a homebody. And Wintery activities are often an indoorsy introvert’s dream.
Heck, minus the cold, even some outdoor activities become even more enjoyable in the wintertime. Especially when you’re looking for a moment of peaceful solitude. Because not nearly as many people are outside on cold, snowy days. Besides, many of us looked forward to snowy days as children, because the snow itself is a lot of fun. At least, when you don’t have to shovel it, walk in it, or drive in it. So why not allow yourself to have a bit of fun with it as an adult? We might as well make the most of the snow if it must accumulate. Or maybe we really do just want to use the Wintery excuse indulge in our favorite indoorsy activities.
Or maybe we’re looking to do a bit of both. Whether on our own or with loved ones. Whatever the case may be, let’s make the most of this snowy situation. And maybe it’ll pass before we know it. Heck, come Spring, we may even miss the calm and cozy stillness that Winter invites us to indulge in. At least a little bit.
Wintery Outdoorsy Fun
While we may not want to spend a ton of time outside in the Winter, it’s still lovely to get some natural daylight on a chilly day. Especially spending a little bit of time helps quite a bit with warding off Seasonal Affective Disorder. Besides, when there’s snow on the ground, it’s genuinely so pretty outside in the Winter. So as long as it isn’t too cold or icy to safely spend time outdoors, why not enjoy it out there as best as you can? Even if it’s only for an hour, or even just for a few minutes. And honestly? It feels good to take a moment to do some outdoorsy Wintery activities you’re not technically obligated to do.
And you know what? Choosing to have fun outside in the Winter before or after breaking out the shovel makes it all worth it. While reclaiming the narrative of our time out in the Wintery wonderland.
1. Go For A Wintery and Snowy Walk
While I’m not a major fan of the cold, I do love to go for short walks in the Winter. I actually love to catch a day when it’s pleasant enough to go for a lovely Wintery walk. Especially if it’s actively snowing when I go for my walk. And while I do walk substantially slower in the Winter to be cautious of slick spots, it actually adds to the Wintery vibes. After all, Winter is about slowing down and even being still. And while I’m pretty sure my neighbors think I’m crazy for going for a walk when the snow is coming down hard, it’s still quite lovely to walk in a Winter Wonderland.
Honestly, I’ve never regretted a snowy or chilly walk. I actually get bummed out when I can’t go for a Winter walk because I either have to work, or conditions are just too hazardous for safe Winter walking.
2. Have Some Fun In The Snow
Who didn’t get excited to play in the snow as a child? It was one of the things that I looked forward to the most about Winter back in my childhood years. The snow is quite lovely and fun when you don’t have to do any adulting in it. But honestly, just because you may have to shovel the snow now, it doesn’t mean that you can’t still play in it. So go ahead and build a snowman. Or make some snow angels. Or throw some snow up in the air like it’s confetti. Write or draw in the snow. Heck, go sledding if you have the desire. Seriously, let yourself have some fun in the snow and enjoy your favorite outdoor Wintery activities from childhood.
3. Winter Wonderland Photoshoots
Let’s not pretend that the snow isn’t beautiful, and doesn’t make for a lovely outdoor photography studio. Honestly, while I’m not about to manifest a snowstorm, I do look forward to the photographic opportunities that come with a snowy day. After all, the freshly fallen snow looks absolutely stunning as it sits upon tree branches. Heck, snow can even make power lines look a little prettier. So why not take some lovely pictures of the snowy landscape? Or even do a Winter fashion photoshoot out in the snow, to give your Wintery outfit of the day photos more impact. Turn those snowy days into some lovely photos for your Instagram, or even for your wall.
4. Go Ice Skating — Or Visit An Ice Skating Rink
I’m not going to lie, I’m not the most graceful person to be going ice skating. However, ice skating could still be a fun experience, even if you don’t intend to become a figure skater. It’s such a lovely and fun way to move your body in the Winter, while also turning your attention away from your phone. And while a few falls are inevitable, it can make for some good laughs along the way as you learn a new skill. So, why not find an ice skating rink near you, and add ice skating to your Winter bucket list this year? Especially if you’ve ever pretended to ice skate on the school blacktop when it was slightly slick as a child.
5. Attend A Winter Festival
I’m going to be honest, when I think about seasonal community festivals, my mind goes more to Summer and Autumnal festivals. But you’d actually be surprised by how many exciting and delightful Winter festivals may be happening in your area all throughout Winter. And honestly, I highly recommend checking them out, rather than completely hibernating inside all Winter. Sometimes, just putting yourself in an environment that’s actively romanticizing Winter makes the season feel so much more magical. And when you get to enjoy some delightful Wintery activities with your friends and family, it makes you realize that there’s so much to love about this chilly season.
And honestly, if there’s an ice sculpture festival near you, it’s more than worth seeing. It’s so wonderful to sip hot cocoa as you admire the crystal-line artwork that you can only see when it’s below freezing.
Extra Warm and Cozy Indoorsy Activities For Those Frigid Wintery Days
Understandably, Winter is not the most exciting season for spending a lot of time outdoors. And you know what? It’s more than okay to spend most of your time indoors in the Winter. Especially as some Winter days are legitimately too cold for spending any more time than absolutely necessary in the elements. And on those days, nature gives us full permission to cozy up and enjoy our time indoors. And really, there’s so much to be enjoyed from the warmth of inside your home. While still embracing the spirit of Winter.
Heck, taking the permission slip to stay indoors is embracing the beauty of Winter, in my opinion. But mind you, I’m quite the indoors girly. But seriously, rather than groaning about the cold on a Saturday afternoon, why not make the most of it and cozy up inside? There are so many Wintery activities to be enjoyed as you wrap up in a warm blanket and sip hot cocoa. Without even stepping a foot out in the snow.
6. Set Up A Hot Cocoa Bar
Hot chocolate is one of the greatest things about the Winter months. It’s actually the first thing that I personally find myself missing once the weather warms up. And I must say, when you play barista as you prepare your hot cocoa, it makes it even better. Seriously, adding some marshmallows, a bit of whipped cream, extra chocolate drizzle, and coffee creamer makes it a wonderfully indulgent treat. And making your hot cocoa in coffee? It’s the perfect treat on a cold Winter morning.
Seriously, get creative with your hot cocoa creations. Add sprinkles and chocolate chips. Drizzle in some caramel. Stir it with a candy spoon or drink from a candy straw. Dip a cookie in it. If you can dream it, let yourself drink it. It’s cold out there, my lovely, and honestly? These indulgent treats are an essential part of looking after your wellness anyway.
7. Prepare Some Hearty and Delightful Winter Treats
Every season has some delightful meals and treats associated with it, but you don’t deny that Wintery treats are so divinely rich and hearty. Whether we’re talking sweet treats or stews, soups, and other hearty meals, the food is one of the greatest parts of Winter. Plus, there’s no worry of heating up the house as you’re cooking, as that’s actually an added bonus. So why not stay in and cook or bake something from scratch? You don’t have to be a professional chef to create something absolutely amazing. Perhaps you could try that Pinterest recipe that you saved ages ago. Or you could make up your own dish entirely.
8. Tidy or Reorganize Your Space
While it may sound like a little bit of a chore, there’s actually something quite therapeutic and calming about reorganizing and decluttering your space. Heck, I must say, reorganizing and tidying is one of my favorite productive procrastination activities. Because who hasn’t reorganized their closet or desk area to avoid shoveling the driveway in the Winter? Whether you’re tidying up intentionally as part of a seasonal reset, or you’re productively procrastinating, it feels wonderful to end up with a freshly cleaned and organized space.
And don’t forget to make yourself a cup of hot cocoa to sip as you go about the oddly fun and satisfying process. And don’t forget to reward yourself for a job well done at the end of the day.
9. Try An Indoor Home Workout
You don’t need to head out to the gym or to a studio class on a cold and snowy day to get a good workout in. Nor do you need to walk in the cold or snow to get your daily movement in. And honestly, sometimes a little bit of movement is exactly what you need to boost your mood in the Winter. Or to help warm you up when you’re feeling chilly from just thinking about the cold. So, why not look for a lovely home workout on YouTube to try out when you’re feeling a little cold, stagnant, or stiff? It’s such a lovely and free way to reenergize yourself when the Winter blues start to kick in.
Home workouts are such a lovely way to get yourself off the couch and get your blood flowing when you really don’t want to go out. Plus, with the gyms often being so crowded in January, you also get to miss the lines and go at your own pace.
10. Learn A New Skill
The cold months of Winter are perfect for cozying up indoors and taking up that new hobby or skill that you’ve been thinking about learning. And honestly, with life being a bit slower in the Winter months, there’s no reason not to find a new way to enrich your life. Winter is the perfect season to lean into taking up cozy hobbies such as knitting, crochet, cross-stitch, painting, and other cozy creative skills. It’s also the perfect time to play around with learning new creative digital skills, such as photo and video editing, web development, and digital art. Or maybe you’d prefer to learn how to bake or refine your cooking skills during your time indoors.
And please, don’t put too much pressure on yourself to master your new craft this Winter. Let yourself have some fun with them, and enjoy the learning process.
11. Curate A Wintery Playlist
Let’s be honest, when you’ve been listening to the same playlist on repeat for months at a time, it can start to get a little bit stale. And honestly, some music also just fits perfectly with the vibes of certain seasons. Whether intentionally or unintentionally. And really, it can be quite fun to curate a playlist of songs that relate to the current season. Whether directly or just in vibes. I also find that there’s a lot of music that happens to fit well with the Winter season. And I’m not just talking about holiday music. So, why not sit down and make a Winter playlist to listen to as you go about your Wintery activities this Winter?
12. Write Some Wintery Journal Prompts
Journaling is such a wonderfully cozy activity that’s appropriate for any season. But Winter is the ideal time of year to wrap up in a warm blanket, grab a warm drink, and get your thoughts out. And honestly, Winter itself has quite a few lovely themes and lessons that we can sit down and reflect on. It’s a wonderful way to tune in with yourself. While also embracing the beauty and meaning that Winter brings to our lives. Journaling about Winter also gives you an opportunity to reframe this season of stillness into something a little more positive.
13. Cozy Up With Some Wintery Movies, TV Shows, or YouTube Videos
Let’s be honest, while we should be striving to reduce our screentime, there is absolutely nothing wrong with cozying up and watching some shows in the Winter. Especially as it’s quite a lovely self-care treat to sit down with some snacks, a cup of hot chocolate, a fuzzy blanket, and watch something that brings you joy. Especially if it relates to the season, and brings just a little more joy into Winter. And honestly? I particularly love watching Wintery content on YouTube. As I find it helps me find inspiration to better romanticize the season. Rather than focus solely on the potentially slick walkways and the arctic air.
I also find that it helps to have at least one favorite show that premieres in the Wintertime. Just to give you a little something to look forward to about the season. Especially after the holiday season passes.
14. Shamelessly Indulge In Indoorsy Guilty Pleasures
I’ll be honest, I should be loving cold days for one of the same reasons that Iove rainy days. Because any day when the weather isn’t ideal is an invitation to shamelessly indulge in my favorite indoorsy guilty pleasures. Seriously, the Wintery weather makes for the perfect excuse to stay in and play cozy games all afternoon. Sometimes I just want to read a book all day, and read in my room instead of on the back patio. And honestly? There’s also nothing wrong with a little bit of TikTok or Instagram scrolling on a cold Winter day. Let yourself take the excuse to stay in and not do anything productive. After all, you’re a human, and you need time to just unwind.
15. Let Yourself Enjoy A Slow Day — Take A Nap If You Wish!
It’s only natural to feel a little bit tired and sluggish during the Wintertime. Even if you genuinely love Winter, it is certainly a sleepy season. And you know what? That’s not necessarily a bad thing, as Winter calls us to slow down and take a rest. After all, just like the flowers and trees, we’re not meant to be in full bloom all the time. Sometimes, we all need a moment to slow down and rest. So why not take the opportunity to just take life slowly, or even be still? Sit and meditate. Sit and watch the slow falling from your window. Take a nap. Or just allow yourself to exist in the moment.
Take this invitation to slow down and not rush through your day. Because honestly, some of the best Wintery activities are not big or grand at all. Nor are they even planned. Sometimes, a moment of intentional slowness is the best way to fill your time in the Winter.
Conclusion
There is so much fun to be had in every season, and Winter is absolutely no exception. And because we can’t skip Winter, we might as well make the most of it in any way that we can. There is so much to bring us joy both outdoors and indoors this time of year, and honestly, we should be allowing ourselves to enjoy both. Seriously, find those Winter festivals and attend them, even if you’re just there to walk around and enjoy the atmosphere. Let yourself have some fun in the snow, rather than just seeing it as a nuisance. But also, give yourself full permission to cozy up inside and be still when the cold feels like too much.
Romanticize this season as much as you can, my lovely. Spring will come. But we have to get through Winter first. And you know what? If we allow ourselves to enjoy Winter for what it is, and enjoy its calm and cozy festivities, we just might miss it a little come Spring. Or at least on that 96º day in the middle of July, when it’s conversely too hot to be outdoors.
What are some of your favorite Wintery activities? Are you like Elsa, and do you actually love the cold? Or do you prefer to just hibernate until the warmer days of Spring? I’d love to hear how you make the most of this chilly season. And at least mention one seasonal activity that brings you joy in the Winter.
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