With fall months now officially behind us, winter and the holidays have officially arrived. This time of year is known for being incredibly busy, hectic and downright stressful. On top of holiday shopping, meal prepping and planning various visits to see friends and family, this month can also bring bitter wintry weather. December is the perfect month to participate in self care and indulge in cozy indoor activities, designed to warm both your heart and soul. These ventures can be done as a solo project, or they can be something you do with loved ones.
The winter months can also become a perfect time to recharge and regroup. The first step to doing so can be setting time now to nestle in the cozy comfort of your home. While there are the traditional winter indoor activities, such as reading a new thriller or enjoying a new baking recipe for a holiday gathering, there are plenty of other options geared towards enjoying these frosty winter months. Curious about what types of indoor activities make the cut? Read on for five innovative ideas to kickstart winter and make it a time of refuge, not anxiety.
Cozy Winter Activity #1: Plan a puzzle night! This can be something you do by yourself, with a partner or with a close group of friends. If you choose the latter, consider asking each friend to bring a puzzle to do together. Clear off the coffee table, turn on a relaxing playlist, pour a warm beverage for everyone and enjoy figuring out a tricky puzzle together! The best part of this type of activity is that you often enjoy sharing stories as you are looking for pieces. If this is a project you would rather do by yourself, consider visiting a secondhand consignment store to pick up a new puzzle!
Cozy Winter Activity #2: Make one night a “Classic Movie-thon” Night! While this would be an ideal time to stay in and watch all the holiday classics, you could also investigate and watch all the movies within a particular genre or certain decade. For example, if you normally enjoy comedies, consider researching classic Hollywood comedies and watching these one evening. If you love the style of the 1940s, then this is the time to research the classic movies from within this decade. Another idea is to watch specific movies by a favorite director, say Alfred Hitchcock, or starring a favorite classic actor or actor, like Marlon Brando or Audrey Hepburn. Grab those soft blankets, pop some popcorn and get ready to enjoy a movie night!
Cozy Winter Activity #3: Plan a cookie swap! Do you have a favorite cookie recipe? Now is the time to show it off! The concept is simple – everyone brings a batch of their favorite cookies, baked plain (without any frosting or toppings) and everyone goes home with a mixed batch of all the cookies. You can level up your gathering by providing light, savory snacks as well as some protein to offset all the sugar. Also, make sure to have fresh, cold lemon water on hand and/or festive drinks. End the night by giving each guest a box with parchment paper and ribbon, so they can take home beautifully wrapped treats!
Cozy Winter Activity #4: Learn a new textile craft, like needlepointing! If you already know how to crochet or have tried out knitting but want to try something new, consider taking time this winter to learn how to use a needlepoint. There are plenty of different needlepoint kits which include canvases, needles and thread, and walk you through how to complete the project. Oftentimes, the canvas can be inserted into beautiful frames or even Christmas ornaments. In the end, decide to either keep your final piece or make it a holiday gift for a special loved one!
Cozy Winter Activity #5: Grab your notebook, and take time to reflect. Since this month is the final of the year, it is also a wonderful time to sit back and think about all you have accomplished, as well as about what you would like to accomplish next year. If you do not already have one, consider buying yourself a new notebook and pen, slip on some fuzzy socks, light a few candles, play some soft music and start writing. If you are feeling a bit of writer’s block, consider first reading a journaling guidance book, such as The New York Times bestseller, “Bird by Bird,” by Anne Lamott, which not only offers witty life advice, but also, tips on writing in general.
