The global pandemic is still very much affecting our every day lives, and social distancing is still keeping many of us far apart. While we’ve been keeping this up for nearly 10 months, it can still be difficult to imagine different activities and seasons without our usual fanfare and fun. But there is still plenty of fun to be had during the winter, even amid COVID adjustments. Try a few of these activities to keep your season filled with that winter magic!
Rent a cabin in the woods.
Spend a weekend — or week if you have the time — tucked away in a secluded cabin with family or your significant other. Enjoy the beauty of the surrounding nature without the risk of being around too many people. Take advantage of destinations that are a quick drive away, and utilize short-term rental options like Airbnb or VRBO to browse virtually endless options in regions not too far from your home town. For those in a mountain destination, take hikes nearby, enjoy surrounding wildlife and sit by the fire to roast marshmallows. For those in a beachside location, rent a house along the water, watch the waves roll in and enjoy the cool ocean breeze. Relax, escape and enjoy the serenity of being on your own.
Host a virtual gingerbread house competition.
While social distancing may keep us 6 feet apart, your social life doesn’t have to stop! With a good video chat program in place, you can have plenty of fun with friends from the comfort of your own kitchen. Get into the holiday spirit by making a gingerbread house with loved ones. Up the ante by making a competition out of the affair. Set up a group of friends and have everyone get a gingerbread house kit. Start the video call and get building! When all of the houses are complete, have the group vote for the best (and worst) house. There will surely be plenty of laughs and holiday cheer, all while keeping safe.
Have a holiday movie marathon.
This is an activity that will make you feel like it’s just another holiday season! Grab your blankets, a cup of tea or hot cocoa and a few snacks and get cozy on the couch. Round up your holiday movie favorites (the cheesier, the better) and spend a day vegging out with your favorite holiday characters, just like any other year. Or, share your list of favorite holiday films with friends and family and host a weekly screening. After watching the movie, get on a video chat to discuss the movie and connect with your loved ones.
Learn a new language.
While we are all staying home more and more these days, there are plenty of ways to make the most of it and learn something new, maybe even a new language. You may have considered an online language course in the past, but there’s no time like the present to prepare for your next travel experience with a new language ready to go. There are plenty of online courses to choose from, like Rosetta Stone, Babbel, or Duolingo.
Play in the snow!
Whether sledding, throwing snowballs or making snow angels, use this extra time around the house to enjoy the snow (if you live in a snowy) like you’ve never been able to before. Take a break from your daily grind and head outside to relive your childhood years with good, old-fashioned play time.
Enjoy the great outdoors.
In this new world we live in, outdoor activities are everything. With the weather cooling off, there’s plenty you can do outdoors during the winter months. If you live in an area with mountains and snow, go skiing or snowboarding. If your area isn’t prone to much snow, look for nature trails to explore and spot wildlife. Simply getting outside can help you feel more connected, even when you are all by yourself.
Even in this new normal we are all living in, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the turn of the season and make this winter as memorable as any other. All it takes is a little bit of creativity and some much-needed enthusiasm to breathe life into a stale winter. Don’t forget to grab friends and a good video chat program, enjoy the outdoors and appreciate the extra time at home that this situation has given you.
If you are feeling like you’re in a funk that you just can’t shake, consider working with a life coach to help you reassess your goals and get you on track to achieve everything you want this winter and beyond.