by Rachel Wells

 

After all the excitement of the holiday season winds down and the twinkling lights have been packed away, winter can feel pretty gloomy – especially with kids trapped inside from the cold.  But it is possible to enjoy winter and embrace the coziness of the season.

Here are 12 awesome ways you can get cozy this winter and spend extra quality time together with the people you love most.

 

Keep the cozy lighting

You don’t have to take down all the twinkle lights – create a warm environment inside with lamps, candles, and string lights.

 

Create indoor activity areas

Cerate seating areas around your home that invite indoor activities – an art supply cart, puzzle table, or cozy reading area. Placing games and craft supplies near the dining table or space where you spend most your time will no doubt lead to more use of those supplies.

 

Light a campfire

Head outside and light a campfire complete with smores.

 

Cook together

Spend time in the kitchen cooking and baking together. Winter is the perfect time to try some new recipes.

 

Volunteer your time

Look for ways to provide warmth and love for others. Volunteer in a food kitchen, shovel snow for a neighbor, or make just because cards to send to friends or family.

 

Plan weekly traditions

Plan time for regularly scheduled connection – weekly movie nights, game nights, or dance parties. Think about what brings your family joy and run with it.

 

Go on a staycation

Staycations can be so much fun! Look for a local hotel with a fun pool area and all the amenities on-site so you don’t have hop in the car for anything after you check in. Even one night away come be wonderfully refreshing.

 

Get outdoors

As long as it’s not horribly cold, spend at least 30 minutes a day outside. Take a walk, or enjoy the snow – nighttime sledding anyone?

 

Start a cozy hobby

Learn how to knit together and work to make a fun scarf you can use this season.

 

Re-arrange story time

Don’t keep reading as a bedtime only activity. Choose a chapter book together as a family, make some hot chocolate, and snuggle up together for some quality story time. As a bonus this is a great chance to further foster a love of reading in your child.

 

Switch up meals

Enjoy breakfast for dinner – but eat it by candlelight to make it extra fancy and fun.

 

Have an indoor picnic

You don’t have to wait for spring – lay out a blanket in the living room and enjoy an indoor picnic together.