15 Ways to Ward Off the Winter Blues

15 Ways to Ward Off the Winter Blues

by Veronica Spettmann


Savvy Aunties know all about the seasonal winter blues, and have probably noticed when their nieces and nephews are starting to feel them.  But winter doesn’t have to be like that.  Here are 25 wonderfully fun winter activities to do with your nieces and nephews to warm you up, inside and out:

1. Make hot cocoa with a twist (try stirring it with a cinnamon stick or candy cane)!

2. If you’re near snow, make a snow-man, build a snow fort, throw snowballs, or go sledding!

3. With the holiday break approaching, and your belts tightened due to holiday expenses,  take your nieces and nephews to a weekday movie, as many theaters offer great weekday discounts!

4. If you’re itching to see a movie, but weather won’t permit, plan a movie night with your nieces and nephews. Pop some popcorn, turn out the lights, and put on your favorite movies.

5. My aunts always had a Box ‘O Fun which held things like coloring books, modeling clay, googly eyes, glue, and pipe cleaners. Wintertime is a great time to break out something like this for a fun and crafty day.

6. Play board games: there’s no limit to the range of board games on the market for nieces and nephews of all ages.

7. Bake sugar cookies.  Kids love getting their hands dirty, so having them roll out, cut out, and decorate delicious sugar cookies is a fun way to make a mess together.

8. Visit museums in your area. They’re warm, inexpensive, educational, and fun.

9. Go to a football game. If you can’t make it to an NFL game, college games are a great alternative.

10. Go to an ice-skating or roller rink. This is a great way to stay physically active with your nieces and nephews in the colder months.

11. Let older kids use your smart phone or pocket video camera to take home movies.

12. Grow some plants. Just because it’s cold outside, doesn’t mean the inside of your place needs to feel the same! Helping your nieces and nephews to plant indoor plants will bring back some sunshine to their lives this winter.

13. Go bowling!

14. Visit your local planetarium or observatory.

15. Go to the arcade.

These are just a few seasonal suggestions that family members of all ages can enjoy together. The winter blues won’t stand a chance with you, your nieces and your nephews this year!


Published: November 30, 2011