How to enjoy 6 more weeks of winter

Don't wish the time away until spring

Over this past weekend, Punxsutawney Phil emerged from his burrow to tell us whether there would be six more weeks of winter or not. I schedule these posts a little ahead of time, so I’m not sure what Phil’s actual actions were. However, in my part of Pennsylvania (and Phil’s too), it’s quite likely that February 2nd is no where near the actual end of cold weather.

But time is all about what we make of it. Whatever happened on Groundhog Day, we can make these last weeks of winter feel good. I don’t believe in wishing any time away, even if that time is cold and snowy (or worse, full of freezing rain!).

Make a list of fun

First, if you haven’t already, make a winter fun list. What seasonal activities can you potentially build into your schedule? Maybe there’s sledding, or ice skating, or skiing somewhere near you. Aim to plan in at least one little adventure each week.

You might also build in a bigger adventure! Sometimes there are cheap flights somewhere warm. But even if you just got into your car, you could drive 3 hours and go somewhere for the weekend. What might be an exciting place to visit?

Whether you leave or not, you might get tickets for something special in your town. Are there any shows coming to your area? I will admit that I am eyeing Disney on Ice tickets for later in February. The Philadelphia Flower Show is always a way to add some blooms to a cold and dreary time.

Valentine’s Day is coming up, which could be an opportunity to make dinner reservations somewhere swanky. If you aren’t in a romantic relationship, make a dinner reservation somewhere with friends.

You might brainstorm some fun indoor activities too. Pick up that book you’ve been hoping to read. Buy that new craft kit. If we’re spending more time inside, we may as well enjoy it!

Enjoy the light

Even little things like thinking through food options can make life feel more fun. Plan a few special meals per week so you know you’ll be eating well. Think about who energizes you and make sure that you have some contact with those people on the calendar — virtual if that’s what will work. Look at your work calendar and take real breaks during the day to get outside when it’s light, and celebrate that every day the light lasts a little longer.

Winter is hard — I know that. But there’s no need to wallow in misery when so much of happiness is a choice. It is possible to enjoy a long winter. It just takes work. Happiness in general takes work. It can be hard to get our heads around that idea, that we need to plan, and strategize, and take our fun into our own hands. But when we do, there are amazing breakthroughs to be had on the other side.