As we all may be expecting, this winter will be different than most any of us have ever experienced; there are still activities to safely participate in amongst a global pandemic. Winter has always been a time for indoor activities involving our loved ones and friends in groups, except spending some time outdoors. If you are worried about Coronavirus impacting your winter plans, continue reading below to see 10 mask-oriented activities you can do this winter with family and friends.
If you are into mountains and snow, skiing might be one of your favorite mask-oriented activities for the winter. Whether you live near a ski resort or can plan a vacation to the nearest mountain community, it is always a thrill to fly down the side of the mountain on skis. Furthermore, most ski resorts offer shopping, lodging, restaurants, and other snow activities for those who don’t enjoy or cannot ski.
One of the best parts about growing up somewhere that snows a lot is that we get to sled. Going to a local hill, or if you live somewhere like Colorado with mountains, sledding will always remind you of your childhood. If you cannot sled due to having no hills, consider using a four-wheeler to pull your family or friends behind on the sled. As a kid growing up in Illinois, a very flat state, using a four-wheeler was some of the best sledding I’ve been a part of.
Whether it be on a frozen lake or at a well-known skating rink near, ice skating is another one of the best winter activities to do – and can also be done while wearing a mask! If you have yet to try ice skating, I encourage you to put on those ice skates and try something new. The thought of skating on ice can be very intimidating, yet when you get the concept, it can look natural and easy. If you are considering going on a frozen lake, be 100% sure that the lake is frozen enough – as this can be a hazardous winter activity.
One of the best parts about the upcoming winter months is the cozy atmosphere of your home. With the holidays coming soon, watching your favorite Christmas movies as a child can be euphoric. If you are bored in your house and aren’t feeling like going outside in the frigid air, movie marathons are essential in the winter months. Grab a blanket, some hot chocolate, family and friends, and a few movies, cuddle up on the couch, and have yourself a day!
Another essential winter month activity is having a fire if you can do so in the comfort of your own home. Whether it be an electric fireplace or a wood-burning fireplace, the warm air in your home while it is freezing outside is a whole new feeling. If you do not have access to a fireplace in your home, make sure to contact your family and friends or someone else you may know and let them know you would love to be a guest the next time they use their fireplace, and I’m sure they would be happy to have you!
If you are lucky enough to live in a place that receives snow in the winter months, you must try making your own snow ice cream. This has got to be one of the best ice creams you’ll have in your life, while also being able to have as much as you want! All you need to create your homemade ice-cream is snow, vanilla extract, sugar, and some milk!
It’s no secret that outdoor activities can be hard to come by in the winter. Whether it’s just plain cold or you have a foot of snow, there is a way to get outdoors safely with a mask this winter! Have you tried snow golf? There are a couple ways you could go about this. The easiest way would be to look around your house and find the nearest cups that would stand in the snow or on the ground. Line the cup up around ten to fifteen feet away from your starting point and have fun!
Make sure to bundle up and wear a mask (helps maintain safety during COVID & keeps you warm in the winter months! You can also go the more creative route this winter and spraypaint the snow around your golf “hole.” This makes playing golf during the winter months even more fun!
There is something peaceful and calming about going for a walk. Now hear me out, walking in the summer months can be exponentially more comfortable than in the winter. However, with the right amount of preparedness and planning, a nice winter walk can be just as comfortable. Try and seek out your city’s nearest landmark or walking trail.
In the winter, there is a certain calmness in the air that exists in part to many animals being in hibernation and humans being primarily indoors. Make sure to grab a good pair of gloves, your warmest coat, a hat, and, most importantly, a mask to keep others safe while you are out and yourself!
While being indoors this winter can be challenging, especially with the days getting darker earlier, why not bring some childhood nostalgia back to your living room? This is an activity you can most certainly do with a mask or with a close household. Don’t worry, fort building instructions are provided below if childhood magic may have worn over the years.
Start with two couches (one couch will work if you do not have access to two). Rotate the couches, so the backs of the couches form a roof for your fort. From there, the rest is up to your imagination! You could build pillow doors, sheet ceilings, and even set up a laptop inside for a fun movie night! This winter activity is sure to get everyone in the happiest of moods.
There is no shortage of alcohol around the holidays and can be an entertaining source of family entertainment. Who is to say that this fun ends after January 1st? Start with hot chocolate and Schnapps. An extra seasonal twist can be added by making that Schnapps peppermint. Not so much into peppermint? Try an Espresso Martini! Pair an espresso and vodka for an extra winter kick. Feeling more Whiskey? Definitely try Irish Whiskey and coffee (with cream for more of a creamy texture). This can most certainly be done with masks on and add straws for added indoor protection.
While this winter can seem scary between Coronavirus and days getting darker, there are plenty of activities that can keep your spirits lifted through the winter months. There are plenty of mask-oriented winter activities, from making winter cocktails to sledding on your favorite local hill. Be sure to stay updated on your local Coronavirus restrictions and updates to keep others safe as well as yourself!
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