Winter blues got you down? Don’t worry—there are plenty of ways to turn the chilly months into something magical. From baking delicious treats to volunteering at local shelters, check out the best ideas to romanticize your life this holiday season.
Do Schoolwork At Local Coffee Shops
What says cozy holiday cheer more than a cafe? If there is one thing that’s certain to make you feel put together (even if you’re anything but), it’s doing schoolwork at a local coffee shop. My personal favorite coffeehouses to visit are Main & Madison, located in Franklin, and Strange Brew, located off of Smith Valley Road. Both facilities offer a variety of house-made goodies and incredible seasonal drinks, including the Peppermint Mocha and Candy Cane Hot Chocolate from Main & Madison. If you find yourself feeling gloomy when studying at home, consider making the trip to one of these cute, cozy coffeehouses.
Go Ice Skating
Featured in many holiday movies and TV show episodes, ice skating is a quintessential activity to do in the winter months. Perry Park Ice Rink, located near Perry Meridian High School, is the perfect venue for this activity. Whether you’re grabbing onto your friends in order to avoid falling on your butt or laughing at them from the comfort of the stands, ice skating is an ideal winter activity to feel like the main character in a Hallmark movie.
Host A Movie Night With Friends
If there’s one thing that’s certain to scare away the seasonal blues, it’s spending time with friends. You don’t have to plan an elaborate dinner or spend a bunch of money to have fun. Instead, throw some popcorn in a bowl and invite friends over to watch a movie. If you’re in the mood for something nostalgic, think about turning on “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” currently streaming on Prime Video and Apple TV. Alternatively, if you’re looking for a good laugh, “Paul Blart: Mall Cop” may just be the perfect choice, now available for free on Tubi. Regardless of which film you choose to watch, spending time with friends is a great way to unwind and boost your serotonin in the winter.
Volunteer At Local Charities
Volunteering in your community is an excellent way to promote community and make an impact in the lives of others. There are many programs in Johnson County which focus on assisting families during the holiday season. UpLift Johnson County is a program which offers its participants opportunities to provide food and gifts to local families in need. Additionally, volunteering at local organizations such as the Johnson County Animal Shelter can help bring relief to busy workers and unhoused animals alike.
Bake
Tell me, what’s better than a gooey chocolate chip cookie on a cold winter’s day? Baked goods are a staple of the holiday season, and they’re one hobby that never goes out of style. The brilliance of baking is that there are hundreds of sweet or savory goods to choose from, meaning that you are never at a loss of options when attempting a new recipe. Additionally, sharing them with friends and family is an excellent way to build community during the cold winter months, effectively boosting your creativity and your mood.
Support CG Athletics
One of the best parts of the winter season is sports. From girls and boys basketball to boys and girls wrestling, there are a multitude of athletic events students have the opportunity to attend. Supporting athletic teams in an excellent way to spend time with friends and raise your spirits. If you find yourself free on a weeknight or weekend, check out @trojaneersports on Instagram for information about upcoming athletic events.
