I love every season for different reasons, but I particularly appreciate winter for being so cold. There is not as much urgency to get out of the house like in the summer or the spring, and it is the perfect time for introverts to feel comfortable or re-energized. Still that’s coming from my experience.
In movies, tv shows, and even in life, I’ve seen people have plans upon plans during the winter season, but I’m lucky enough that I don’t unless I create them myself. For me, the perfect winter day usually consists of doing the things I love and, of course, there are many outdoor activities that I enjoy as much as I love staying inside. This is a list of different things I love doing when it’s winter and the right occasion calls for it:
Start off with a cup (or two) of tea or hot chocolate
I usually like cold drinks, but sometimes, especially on days where I need to warm up, I like hot drinks. I found my love for London fogs during a cold winter day, so that’s what I love to drink if I can work up the courage to go out to a café (if I don’t have the ingredients at home). But if I’m at home, I love brewing myself a cup of tea; the flavours vary depending on what I have, but green tea is a classic! It’s only when I’m feeling really fancy that I make hot chocolate; this really only happens on special occasions because then, the drink feels more like a treat to me than a necessity.
Add one lit candle (preferably one that is scented)
One thing about me is that I will always have a candle on hand because I love the aesthetic of a candle, and it always makes the room feel cozier on bitterly cold days where I am trying to avoid going outside. To me, there is something so beautiful about a burning candle, with the flames that flicker softly and glow. Furthermore, there’s always a need to watch the candle, making sure that the fire is contained, so there’s even more of an obligation to stay near it, not just for warmth. It worked out that I genuinely enjoy looking at them.
Another thing I love on a cold winter day is sitting by my fireplace. If anything, the fireplace gives an even more authentic experience during the cold days because of the crackles that emerge and the bigger flames that produce more heat. Though, whenever I use my fireplace, I tend to crave smores, which I sadly never remember to buy the ingredients for.
Sprinkle in a tv show/movie in the background or to watch
Some days during the winter, I need to fill in the silence (there is only so much I can take of it) so I’ll put on a movie or a tv show. My go-to favourite during these times is any of the Spider-Man movies. Winter days make me nostalgic, which goes along perfectly with the Spider-Man movies; they are comforting because all or most of the movies end happily, as superhero movies usually do, and I find the characters are relatable.
Add in a book (bonus if it’s set during winter time)
Often times, I spend my free time reading, but I hardly have the luxury to do it nowadays, despite my increasing pile of unread books I keep buying. On snowy, cold days, I tend to gravitate to re-learning how to relax—after working on assignments or other obligations, it’s difficult to allow myself to slow down. The first step I always take is reading because similarly to watching a movie or tv show, I’m transported to a different world. When I need a break, I can always put the book down, stretch my legs, and go back to it later; there’s no pressure to finish it.
Mix in some exercise by going indoor/outdoor ice skating
As I said earlier, there are some things that I love doing outside when it’s cold out. It depends on where I am geographically, but I got really interested in ice skating in recent years. I’m, admittedly, not the best ice skater—I usually cling onto the wall when I go—but I still find it fun. Maybe it’s the thrill of trying something new or seeing what it’s like to skate, but even when I fall down, I find myself laughing as I get up from the ice, which is not something that always happens when I get hurt.
Finish the day by seeing local holiday light events
Again, this is area-based, but I think most towns and cities have lights during the holiday season. This would be an activity more likely to occur in December, while all the other activities can be done at any time during the winter season. I personally love looking at all the different decorations and displays, as some stay the same and some change each year. I drive or walk around (depending on the location and design of displays), put on some music when I can, take pictures where I can, and enjoy the fresh air. There are not many things I would voluntarily step outside my house for during the winter, but the light events are too pretty to miss.
All in all, this list was not inclusive of everything I enjoy doing in the winter, but it did include a handful of my favourites. I believe that there is so much excitement during winter, but there is sometimes time for days with smaller, simpler activities, and sometimes it’s very easy to forget that relaxing and slowing down can be fun and good as well.