I've been working on compiling this list for quite some time. See, here's the thing...I really don't mind living in Practically Canada. Even when there's a Polar Vortex. Sure, it's not fun if your furnace goes out, but really I like it here.
I meet locals all the time. When they find out I'm not a PraCan native they are always surprised when I tell them I like it here. Especially in winter. I also meet people who are new to PraCan all the time. Some have good attitudes. Some have bad attitudes. They hate it here. They hate the snow and the long winter and the sub-arctic wind chill.
But here's the thing. We live here. In my opinion, that's good enough reason as any to decide to like a place. So I wrote down a list of the things that keep me busy, happy, sane, social and positive all winter long. {Not to say I'm not happy when spring rolls around.}
Ice skate {bonus points if you can do a sweet jump.}
Try a new coffee shop
Cross country ski
Take a class {Winter is the perfect time to learn a skill. Cooking classes, art classes, or something more academic will keep you toasty and sharp as a tack.}
Paint some pottery
Go for soup
Go Bowling
- Go Sledding
Downhill Ski
Play cards over coffee
Rent a snow mobile
Rent a cabin
Make soup {it's the perfect time to perfect a recipe}
Host a game night
Work out {Winter is the ideal time for chiseling bikini-ready abs. The gym is also a great place for social interaction. Take a class to try a new format and make some friends.}
Go to the library
Volunteer {Kill your downtime by lending a helping hand. Newsflash...this is a soup kitchen's busiest season.}
Shop local {Spend a weekend exploring local shops you always want to visit, but never do.}
Organize a space {You know you won't want to be inside cleaning a closet once the weather turns.}
Go curling {My personal favorite!}
Buy pretty stationary and write letters
Go to a museum
Feed the birds {Then watch them from the window and remind yourself that creatures do survive in this weather.}
Deep clean something
Host a craft party
Make a spring wreath
Go ice fishing
Watch a classic {Get under the electric blanket and watch one of the movies people are always shocked to find out you've never seen.}
Rearrange your furniture
Learn a skill {Get some books and DIY something.}
Set a short term goal and reach it {like exercising 3 times a week for a month, or reading a book in a month, or giving 10 compliments a day...}
Print photos and host an album party
Host a taffy pull {Warning...this may be a failure, but it'll still be fun, even if your taffy doesn't turn out perfectly.}
Play bingo {Have you been to a bingo hall? It's pretty hard core.}
See a hockey game
Attend a fundraiser {Organizations are busy raising funds and awareness this time of year. Support one by going to a chili supper, charity auction, etc.}
Deliver hot chocolate {This is a very pleasant surprise for friends, family, and random people stuck outside to work on road construction.}
Cash in your change {And feel like Scrooge McDuck.}
Play laser tag
Stock up on sale sweaters {It's technically the "end of the season," so get 'em good and cheap for next year.}
Hopefully that give you a little inspiration. Whatever you do...just try to have a good attitude. Hating every second of winter will only make it seem to last longer! I'd love to hear your favorite winter activity...so if I left something off the list, add it in the comments or on the Facebook Page.
Amy
