Do you live in an area of the country where it’s cold and snowy in the winter? I happen to love the winters in the Mitten! If winter isn’t your jam and you are already waiting for the warm weather, I have 9 easy & fun ways to make memories this winter while you’re waiting for that warm weather to arrive!

Every year about this time, Big Al starts talking about moving some place warm. He currently hates the cold and snow. Although I love warm weather, I don’t think I could every move from the Mitten full-time. Our family is here and the truth is, I really love the winter months. Bring on the sweater weather!
I try to make the cold and snow fun and enjoyable! Below is a list of things I have done in the past or plan on doing this winter. Some of these suggestions you can do alone or you can do making great memories with your friends or family.
“People don’t notice whether it’s winter or summer when they’re happy.” – Anton Chekhov
Affiliate links are used in this post. Read my full disclosure here.
Make A Vision Board
Do you know what a vision board is?
A vision board is basically a collage of images and words representing a person’s wishes or goals. It’s a tool you create to help keep you motivated to achieve those goals.
This is an activity that my family and I have done together the last 3 years. We are planning another day for this years visions. If you want to see how we do it, check out my post How To Make A Vision Board.
Creating a vision board can be so much fun and it helps hold yourself accountable to turn your dreams into reality!

Family Night At A Hockey Game
One of my family’s favorite things to do is go to a Detroit Red Wing hockey game. For years we purchased tickets with some of our besties and their kids, and headed off to the game.
It’s great family oriented entertainment and if your team wins, even better!
Not a cheap night, but the perfect night out if you plan ahead.
Have A Movie & PJ Day
This is a great one to do if it just too cold and snowy to get outside.
Who doesn’t dream of staying in your pj’s all day? I know I do! My family is all about matching pjs (we get new ones every Christmas) so this is an easy one for us!
Wash your face, pick out a good movie or maybe a movie series, and grab your favorite place on the couch!
If you have multiple people living in your house, do it together.
Heck, why not order out pizza while your at it!

Volunteer
So many people want to volunteer during the holidays. But what about lending your hand after the holidays?
I have led volunteer teams for years in youth ministry. A basic theme I always hear is that due to the fact everyone helps out during the holidays, they don’t have enough help during other times of the year.
This is one of those activites you can do alone or as a group. I personally think it’s so important to get your littles and grands volunteering at a young age. The lessons and feelings of compassion and gratitude are priceless!
You can make a day out of it! Volunteer and then have lunch together.
You’ll make memories, be glad you did and the people you help will be even more happy!

Host A Chili Cook-Off
Big Al is a chili cook-off winner…a few times over! Don’t ask him his secrets though!
Hosting a chili cook-off is a great way to gather friends and family together in your home, especially on a cold winter’s day. Making it an annual event is even more fun!
Regular chili, spicy, white chicken chili, all types of chili could be included. You won’t believe the competition it brings out in everyone.
Grab a few small prizes for 1st and 2nd place and maybe a small trophy you could pass to the winner, from year to year.
I guarantee everyone will remember it for years to come!
Take Up A New Hobby
The winter months are the best time to take up a new hobby. Having something new to do is sure to lessen your stress and give you a creative outlet during the sometimes long, cold months.
There are so many options for you to try. I’ve listed a few below:
- Learn to play an instrument
- Sew/crochet/knit
- Take a cooking class
- Yoga
- Study your genealogy

Go Ice Skating
Ice skating is another one of those things that can be done alone or with a group.
There are so many ice rinks that you can go to outside in the Mitten. If you aren’t about bundling up and braving the cold, there are plenty of indoor arenas that offer open skating.
This is an inexpensive activity, especially if you have your own skates and hit an outdoor rink!
Start A Journal
I have been journaling on and off for about 12 years. It’s always surprising to me when I look at past journals and see what was on my heart.
Did you know that journaling reduces stress, helps you sleep better and communicate more clearly? Who doesn’t want to sleep better!
All you need to start is a notebook and pen. It doesn’t have to be a fancy notebook either!
Why not give it a try? You never know how it could impact your life, especially in the more isolated months of winter.

Start A Book Club
Do you love a good book? Are you part of a book club? This is a great way to connect with friends and reading is a great way to fill your time during the winter season.
If it works better for you, the book club can even be led via Zoom.
I started my own club last year. You can read my post 7 Easy Wasy To Host A Book Club if you are looking for tips.

Winter is here. Let’s make the most of it!
I hope I’ve given you some easy and fun ways to make memories the next few months.
It truly is a beautiful season!

Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram and Pinterest!
All such great ideas Kim! I love the idea of Journaling and then reading them each year.
Journaling is so good for my soul! Happy New Year, Susan!
Great ideas Kim!
Thanks Barb!
Great ideas! Happy New Year, my friend.
Happy New Year, Renae!!
Love it! So many great ideas. Thank you for the reminder of so many things I love. I’m in for a zoom book club if you have one!
Thanks Leslie! Right now I meet at home with my book club, but if it changes I’ll be sure to let you know! ❤️
Thanks for the ideas Kim! I’ve been journaling for years too. Every year I look forward to getting a new one!
It’s so good to do, isn’t it!? Happy New Year, friend!
Great ideas Kim! I love the winter too. I tend to read more during the colder months. Knitting is something else that I enjoy doing in the colder months too. We don’t get as much snow as you guys. However, I welcome the beauty of it.
Oh I want to have a chili cook off!!! How fun!
You should! It’s such a fun day!!