Fall is the perfect time to start planning activities for winter. If the weather in your area is still warm, planning winter activities may even help you feel cooler. Setting up plans now will ensure you have time to enjoy all the fun that winter brings.
1. Make S’mores
S’mores prepared over a campfire is the perfect wintertime treat. Start by building a campfire. You can go to a local park or make one in your firepit at home. If you have a fireplace, you can even make them there. While s’mores are usually made with graham crackers, chocolate bars, and toasted marshmallows, you can offer many different fun options. For instance, consider crumbling up coconut cookies and peppermint patties for people to sprinkle on their s’mores. Set out bowls of raspberries and crisp rice cereal for guests to sprinkle on top for a real treat.
2. Host a Winter Hot Chocolate Party
Be sure to wear a cute top while hosting a winter hot chocolate party. Make hot chocolate by combining 6 cups milk, 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips, 1.5 cups of heavy whipping cream, a 14-ounce can of sweetened condensed milk and 1 teaspoon vanilla in a slow cooker. Let it cook for at least two hours. Then, stir to ensure all the ingredients are mixed well. You can offer guests festive sprinkles, whipped cream, marshmallows and other things to add to their hot chocolate. Consider making a second batch using oat milk or almond milk for those who are lactose intolerant.
3. Make Fun Winter Crafts With Your Children
Winter is the perfect time for a family craft day. Pick a theme, like candy canes or snowflakes, and let everyone create their own artwork around it. For example, a toddler might build and decorate snowflakes from paper plates, while an older child might make a reindeer craft from a wooden clothespin. Plan on serving sugar cookies that go with your theme, and let everyone have fun decorating them with sprinkles, candies and frosting.
4. Go on a Winter-Themed Scavenger Hike
Even if you have swapped out your fall clothes for your winter clothing, you need to get outside and keep moving. A winter-themed scavenger hunt will encourage everyone to embrace winter’s beauty, so invite some friends to participate. Make a list of winter items that you can find in your location. If enough people attend, you can even divide people up into teams.
5. Organize a Winter Photo Contest
Get everyone in your group excited about doing a winter photo contest. Set a theme for the contest or let everyone pose in their coziest winter clothes. Tell people how you want them to enter their photos in the contest. Consider if you are going to let everyone enter as many times as they want or are going to set a limit. Be sure to set a deadline when all entries must be posted. Consider hosting a get-together and having judges choose the top photo. Or, you may want people to vote online for their favorite photos. Give prizes to the winner and thank everyone for participating.
6. Host a Chili Cook Off
Chili is the perfect wintertime food, and there are many ways to make it. Therefore, it’s an ideal contest food. Decide where you will host the event. If you decide on a local venue, make a reservation early as they often fill up fast close to the winter holidays. You should also decide how the event will be judged. Send out invitations early so that everyone has time to plan. Consider serving other items to go with the chili, such as cornbread, broccoli salad, tea, and peach cobbler. Don’t forget to arrange for bowls, plates and utensils.
7. Take a Winter Hike
Winter is an ideal time to go on a hike. If you have snow in your area, think about going right after fresh snowfall, as you can often see animal tracks. While you may need your winter jacket, gloves and a scarf, be sure to wear cute pants during your hike. While walking, look for seasonal changes. For example, you can often see much further from the top of a hill in a wooded area when the leaves have fallen off all the trees.
8. Go Caroling at a Long-Term Care Facility
Residents at long-term care facilities often have very few visitors. Consider gathering friends to go caroling at a nursing home or assisted living facility. Make a quick call to the facility’s activity director to let them know you want to come. Then, plan to go out to supper or to get drinks with your friends after you go caroling.
9. Go Stargazing
Clear winter nights are the perfect time to go stargazing because the air holds less humidity than during the summer, making stars appear exceptionally bright. The entire family can enjoy this activity since the skies get dark early. Bringing binoculars or a telescope can help you see even better. Consider taking a drive to get away from city light pollution to get the best views.
Enjoy Winter Fun
Winter is the perfect time to enjoy the company of friends and family. By planning ahead, you can make the most of the season’s golden opportunities and ensure you have exciting activities to look forward to. With thoughtful preparation, you’ll be ready to fend off the winter doldrums and enjoy the season’s charm. Of course, you will want to look good so that you feel good no matter what you are doing. Make the most of winter by relaxing and creating memorable moments with those you love.
