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Against the Winter Blues:

10 suggestions on how to beat the blahs of winter

Rally together your family or friends because the winter can be a great time to start a new tradition.

It’s so easy to get the blahs in winter. Families can start to get on each other’s nerves and boredom sets in. If you and your family find yourselves feeling a little trapped this winter, why not start a new winter tradition?

Traditions don’t have to be handed down and it can be a lot of fun to start your own.

Here are some ideas on how to be the originator of something fun that will be handed down through the ages. Dedicate one day a week or two days a month to your new tradition.

1. Make your own Garland

No matter what your beliefs are, using a little festive decorating is sure to lift your spirits. Take thread and a needle and alternate cranberries and popcorn. Tie the ends with ribbons. String gumdrops together with fishing line and a tapestry needle. Go pine-cone hunting and tie cones and ribbons together with twine. Then decorate and spend the season admiring your hard work.

2. Volunteering with the Family

Teaching yourself or your children the value of charity is priceless. If there’s an organization out there, it probably needs volunteers. Align your volunteering with one of your passions. Work in a soup kitchen if you like cooking. Visit the humane society if you like animals. Just give a little of your time and watch what you get in return.

3. Skiing or Snowshoeing at Nature Centers

If you’re having trouble watching your winter calories, face the battle head-on. Take your family or friends to the nearest park, strap on some gear and have fun. Lots of local centers or parks offer rental equipment for minimal prices. You can get out and enjoy nature the other half of the year.

4. Snow Sculpting Contest

You’ve done it at the beach, so why not do it in your backyard with some new materials? Set the rules. Have a snowman face-off. Build zoo animals. Sculpt your favorite food. Takes some old pans or containers outside to make unique shapes. Bring some food coloring or find funny old clothes. Just get creative and get building.

5. Cookie Bake-off and Giveaway

Roll up your sleeves and ready the dishwasher, because a day of baking is a great tradition to start. Make batches and batches of your family’s favorite cookies. Once you’ve eaten your fill, give them away. Bring them to family, friends or neighbors. Bring them to a local nursing home or shelter. You’ll have fun, be charitable and have a belly full of cookies. Throw the extras in the freezer if you don’t have time to go visiting. You can’t go wrong no matter what you do with cookies.

6. Ice Skating/Bowling Night

Whether you’re an indoor or an outdoor person, planning an athletic family outing is important during the winter months. Hold onto the walls if you can’t skate. Have the bumpers put up if you can’t bowl. Just put yourself out there. Getting out of the house to do something fun will keep the winter blues at bay.

7. Family Game Night

It may seem cheesy, but a game of Life, Monopoly or Ants In Your Pants might be just what the doctor ordered. Games give people a chance to interact and enjoy each other’s company. Raise the stakes and offer a get-out-of-a-chore card to the winner. You’ll be surprised how dedicated people can be to a game when scooping the cat litter is on the line.

8. Independence Day in February

Think Christmas in July but better. On a slightly warmer winter day you can plan a picnic. Put a blanket on the snow and enjoy your lunch outside. It might feel a little silly, but silly beats the blahs. If you’re feeling less adventurous, plan a mid-winter barbecue. Fire up the grill, make some potato salad and splurge on some out-of-season watermelon. You’ll be surprised how quickly warm thoughts flood your brain.

9. Carol at Nursing Homes

There are so many people out there who would be ecstatic to hear your family’s slightly out of tune but well-intended singing. Take your family or friends to your nearest nursing home or hospital. You can also ask your place of worship for a list of shut-ins. You can sing carols or if it’s after the holidays you can sing old-time favorites. Putting a smile on a stranger’s face is a great tradition and life-lesson to partake in.

10. Video Game Night

If you have children this might be the easiest way to connect with them. Doing something they enjoy makes them feel special. As an adult, video games can make you feel young again. Make some snacks and set the date, it will be something to look forward to. If you don’t have kids, it might get even better. Invite some friends over and throw a Wii party. The competition can get pretty serious. Send out invites and make hors d’oevures. Watch how many people show up, even if it’s old-school Nintendo.