As the weather turns colder and braving the outdoors is more like survival than fun, looking for ways to spend time indoors can feel confining. According to the American Psychiatric Association, 2 in 5 Americans report that their mood worsens during the winter months. This phenomenon affects women especially, the study said, with 45% of women reporting depressed moods versus 37% of men.
As a result, reaching out to friends and having a girls’ craft night is one of the best ways to stave off a winter slump, to everyone’s benefit. Below is a list of fun, cozy, and most importantly, indoor activities to do with friends so you can better enjoy this holiday season.Â
- HOT CHOCOLATE & MONOPOLY
-
A classic hot chocolate party in your dorm is a sure way to help warm up your friends, so why not heat things even more with some friendly competition? Monopoly is the first choice to come to mind, but any board game will do.
As for making hot chocolate more fun, crush up some candy canes and drop them in your drink to create a merry-themed concoction. Having a bag of mini marshmallows nearby will also add to everyone’s delight. The chill of winter won’t be able to touch you when you’re too busy making opposing (and increasingly desperate) offers for Pacific Avenue!
- STOCKING DECORATING
-
On the more creative side, grabbing some friends and taking a quick trip to a craft store to pick up some fluffy stockings and glitter is another cozy indoor activity sure to excite.
You can decorate the stockings with different patterns or even some fancy calligraphy. Then, you can hang them up on your door and wait for presents if you’re lucky! These could also be decorated and then gifted in a secret Santa-like exchange if you’d like!
- BLANKET FORT
-
This activity is sure to spark some holiday nostalgia for you and a group of willing friends. Gathering chairs together and draping sheets or blankets over them is an easy fort idea. Pillows can also be used to make the fort more comfortable. This makes the perfect setting to enjoy some holiday movies in cozy comfort.
- MAKING PAPER SNOWFLAKE CHAINS
-
Another craft idea!
All this one needs is some paper and scissors, so for anyone who enjoys minimal effort and maximum fun, this is for you! You and your friends can search online for specific patterns and even use the snowflake chains as winter dorm decor. How cute!
I would make several chains to drape across the doorway or the window, bringing the joy of a winter wonderland indoors.Â
- BAD CHRISTMAS MOVIE NIGHT
-
The only thing more exciting than watching a good, nostalgic Christmas movie is sitting through a genuinely horrendous one. I recommend Netflix’s Hot Frosty, which revolves around a sexy snowman coming to life and falling in love with his creator.
This movie covers everything a horrible Christmas movie should, from its cringy, corny lines to its literally impossible romantic storyline. Best enjoyed with friends who love to feel second-hand embarrassment, this movie is sure to simultaneously horrify and entertain the entire group.Â
Whether you’re sipping peppermint hot chocolate, engineering the ultimate blanket fort, or bonding over the world’s worst holiday movie, these small, shared moments offer warmth that no winter chill can match.Â
Want to keep up with HCBU? Make sure to like us on Facebook, follow us on Instagram, check out our Pinterest board, watch us on TikTok, and read our latest Tweets!