What to Do When It’s Too Cold to Go Outside
Updated: Nov 17, 2021
If there’s one thing that we learned from the Polar Vortex of 2019, it’s that, even for us Minnesotans, sometimes it really is too cold to leave the house.
The default activity during these harsh cold snaps seems to involve binging the newest season on Netflix or just staying in bed all day. Don’t we deserve better, especially for putting up with it?
Here is a list of five fun, easy things we can do when we really really don’t want to go outside.
No streaming involved (but you might have to plan ahead).
1. Bake something easy from a mix and enjoy it.
If you put all of your effort into baking during December, take it easy and make something scrumptious from a mix (no one has to know). Grab a piece while it’s still warm and cuddle up by the fire (or space heater).
2. “Hygge” Yourself.
Hygge is the Danish concept of feeling cozy and being present in a moment. Some say it’s how Scandinavians make it through their long, dark winters. So, grab a blanket, light a candle or two, make yourself a cup of tea or pour some wine, and cuddle up with your favorite book. Simply put, focus on enjoying the moments to yourself or with the ones you love.
3. Mark a warm cocktail and do a puzzle or play a new game.
Glögg is the warm winter drink of the Swedes, but there are plenty of other simple options too. One of our staff favorites is adding Revel Stoke Pecan Whiskey to apple juice. As for the puzzle or game, that’s up to how competitive you are feeling.
4. Plan a weekend trip for the spring or summer.
It’ll give you something to look forward to if the cold isn’t your thing.
5. Host a themed sing along.
Our recommendation would be ABBA, but to each their own.
If you have a friend or family member who can play piano for everyone to sing along, wonderful! Make sure to print off or email copies of all of the lyrics. If not, put together a YouTube playlist with karaoke versions of all the songs you want to sing and plug your laptop into a TV.
Then, open a bottle of your favorite libation, set out some cheese with crackers, and maybe bake some dessert from your favorite mix (again, no one has to know).
Don’t worry. Spring is coming.
