8 Cold-Weather Activities To Combat The Winter Blues

Now that the holidays are over and the even more frigid weather is setting in, it's only natural to feel a little, well, depressed. But if you're looking for a way to combat those winter blues, hiding under your covers all season isn't going to cut it.

It's time to boost your spirits and take advantage of the season by checking off all of the exciting items on this winter bucket list below. From cuddling by the fire for a winter movie marathon with a bowl of delicious soup in hand to planning a fun-filled weekend getaway or gliding across a frozen pond, these fun activities are sure to make your winter a little warmer and brighter.

Perfect A New Cookie Recipe

What better way to spend a chilly winter day than by baking scrumptious cookies in your cozy kitchen? Crank things up a notch and hold a fun cookie swap with your pals so your sweet tooth can sample a variety of indulgent desserts. Gooey red velvet chocolate chip cookies, melt-in-your-mouth blizzard cookies and crumbly coffee cake cookies never sounded so delicious!

Host A Winter Party

Just because the holidays are over doesn't mean the festivities must come to an end. Host a winter party to celebrate the new year and bring friends and family together. Fancy cocktail parties are always a hit, but casual gatherings with delicious dinners or laid back wine nights with friends are super fun too.

Play In The Snow

Although the long winter months can be bleak at times, snow days have the potential to be loads of wintry fun. Bundle up and head on outdoors to build the best snowman, have the ultimate snowball flight or sled down the white blanket-covered hills. If you're really looking to get adventurous, you can try hitting up your local mountain for a day of snow tubing or snowmobiling.

Host A Movie Marathon

Whether its a snow day, a weekend or just a well deserved day off, winter is the perfect time to stay in your pajamas all day and have a movie marathon. Watch all your favorite flicks while snuggled under thick thermals and cozy blankets. It's also the perfect excuse to cuddle up by the toasty fire with a cup of hot cocoa in hand. Need some movie inspiration? Check out these snow day classics.

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Do A Good Deed

Let the season of giving extend into the new year by helping others or doing some random acts of kindness. Help those less fortunate than you by volunteering at a soup kitchen or a homeless shelter. If you have an elderly next door neighbor who is snowed in, offer to shovel their driveway. Even something as simple as saying hello or flashing a smile could brighten someone's day -- yours included.

Make A Warm Bowl Of Soup

If you're looking for way to thaw that winter chill in your bones, cooking a hearty meal might just do the trick. Comfort meals like slow-cooker buffalo chicken chili and creamy winter vegetable chowder will fill your hungry bellies and warm up your body from the frigid outdoors. Stick to your classic savory recipes or branch out and try some new flavors because soup in the winter will never get old.

Plan A Weekend Getaway

Whether you're looking to have some fun in the sun or shred down the mountain, planning a fun getaway will definitely be something to look forward to this winter. As the fresh powder begins to blanket the slopes, avid skiers and snowboarders might want to book a room at a wintry ski lodge or chill out at a cozy cabin. If you're looking for some slightly higher temperatures, you can never go wrong with a holiday spent on the beach. Embrace the cold weather with these fun trips for winter-lovers.

Go Ice Skating

Ice skating is sure to be a fun winter activity for all. Whether it's at your local ice rink, a frozen pond in your backyard, or the dazzling sheet in your town center, don't miss your chance to glide across the glossy ice this winter. Grab your sticks and pucks and start up a game of pond hockey with friends or show off your best twists and twirls on center ice.

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