Winter can be a long draw out time for some people. It really doesn’t have to be though, it can be a really exciting time. With long dark, cold night where you don’t want to be going out but staying at home where its warm and cozy. This makes the winter period the best time for embarking on activities that you would not normally do in the summer. In this blog i am going to share with you Free things to do during the winter period.
Learn a new craft
The dark winter nights are the perfect time to learn something new. This could be a new craft such as knitting, painting, crochet, sewing or even something like creative writing. There are plenty of tutorials on line that you can sit and watch to learn how to do anything. Get yourself cozy, get a hot drink and learn a new skill. You never know it could even end up being the start of a new business for you. I have been wanting to learn how to crochet for so long now, maybe this is my opportunity to actually sit down, get cozy and have a go.
Reading
I love to read at any time of the year. Spring and summer can be busy times. Its nice to be out and about in the nice sunny weather so that does not leave much time for relaxing. With the winter period almost upon us, why not choose some books that you might like to read. Even if you only have 10 minutes a day, thats enough time to read a chapter of a book. Decide on a genre you would like to read, pop to the library and have a look at what books are available. If you have an old phone box near by that has been converted into a book exchange, these are great free way to borrow books from. I have read so many books from the phone box book exchanges. The beauty with them is that once you have read the book you can return it and collect another one. I have also donated so many of our unwanted books to the phone box book exchanges as i think they are such an amazing idea.
Cooking
Why not use the dark winter months to try out new recipes. These could be anything from warming meals such as stews and tray bakes. Soups that you can batch cook to enjoy during the week. Baking cakes and cookies that will wow your friends and family. There is no better time to improve your culinary skills than now.
Visit a museum
Lots of museum up and down the country are free to have a look around. Have a browse on the internet and check out what museums are near where you live, or if you don’t mind travelling look further a field. I am sure that you will soon find a free museum that you could have a mooch about. If you are a National Trust member or English Heritage member then you will have access to lots of local museums, stately homes, castles and more that you could visit.
Board games
Get cozy at home and dig out the board games and have a games night. This is a great way of spending the night having fun with your loved ones, even if they are really competitive! Grab yourselves some nibbles and some drinks and you will be all set to battle it out to see if you can be the board game champion.
Movie Marathon
Getting snuggled up on the sofa under a blanket with a good movie is my idea of a great night in. Why not dig out some movies you have either not watched in a while or movies that you love and enjoy a movie marathon.
Home Improvements
Being at home more during the winter months is a good excuse to get any home improvement jobs done. This could be anything from fixing an issue that you have been putting off to redecorating. Use the dark nights to make all your home improvements happen.
Take Nature Walks or Night Walks
I love nothing more than getting wrapped up and getting out for a walk. I love walking in all the fallen leaves as much as i love walking in the crisp frosty weather. The winter period is the perfect time to get out and enjoy the autumn/winter weather. Nature is just so interesting and colourful at this time of the year. Get wrapped up and head out and enjoy a lovely walk and some fresh air. Also consider heading out for walks in the evening. Have a walk around you local neighbourhood and see how all the houses have been decorated for Christmas.
Christmas Markets
Winter is an amazing time of year for all the Christmas markets. Check out your local area to see what markets are being held. These could be full Christmas markets or smaller craft fairs. Either way they are mostly free to attend and have a look around. You never know, you might even find some unique handmade gifts that you could buy as Christmas gifts.
Volunteer to give something back
If you have spare time on your hands why not consider volunteering. This is a great way of giving back to the community. Local food banks or soup kitchens are often looking for an extra pair of hands to help. Local nursing homes often welcome volunteers that will come in to sit and spend time talking to the residents. Have a look on your local facebook pages to check out any places that may be looking for volunteers.
Build a snowman
If we are lucky enough to receive snow then you just have to get out and build a snowman. Get wrapped up and have fun making a snowman, kids or no kids it will still be fun. No snowman has to be perfect so if you don’t have a carrot for its nose or a hat just improvise!
Sledging
If we are blessed with snow and you have a sledge then consider going sledging. All you need is a good covering of snow and a steep hill and you have no excuse. Pop on plenty of layers to keep warn and you are all set.
If you enjoyed my blog then please check out my other blog posts:
Easy ways to save money at Christmas
