We thought it would be fun to create a short Winter Bucket List to help you escape the doldrums and grayness of winter this year.
Here we go!
1. Make homemade hot cocoa. Okay NOT the mix you buy from the grocery store but with real milk, real chocolate, and some real whipped cream (again, not the frozen shit!) It’s a treat that you can make for yourself and your people before you get ready for some marathon Netflixing! Look up recipe ideas from Pinterest, if you’re stuck.
2. Watch all the movies that were nominated for an Oscar the last couples of years. Speaking of Netflix, why not commit to bingeing all the movies that were nominated last year for an Oscar? Why not watch Get Out, Coco, or the Shape of Water? I always have good intentions to watch these movies but often forget … winter is the perfect time to cross these off your must-see list!
3. Go ice skating. When was the last time you did this? When you were a teenager in high school? What about your kiddos or some little ones in your life? I bet they would love to bundle up on a Sunday afternoon and try their hand at this awesome, fun activity!
4. Build a Gingerbread house. I admit, this one is a harder one for me as i just want to eat the damn thing before it’s built, BUT, if you’re stuck at home during a storm or yucky weather, throw on some Christmas music and build yourself a delicious, errr, adorable gingerbread house. You can find kits anywhere now super cheap (check out Aldi’s.)
5. Pay it forward. Stuck in a long-ass line at your local coffee shop? Buy the person’s coffee behind you as a way to brighten their day. Is your significant other’s laundry piling up? Even if you don’t do their laundry normally, it would be kind and thoughtful to gift them with a pile of clean, folded clothes, just waiting for them when they get home.
6. Try a new restaurant. Is there a ramen spot you’ve been eyeing in town lately? Or a sushi bar that you’ve been wanting to check out but keep forgetting? Now’s the time! Grab your bestie or your favorite child and head over on a cold, blustery day, and treat yourself to a new flavor experience.
7. Go see one movie a week. By yourself. I’ll admit, this isn’t for everyone. I recently made an intention to see one movie a week as I LOVE going to the movies, but its hard to find someone to take with me most of the time. But, joining AMC Stubs A-List cost me only $23 a month, and I can see up to 12 movies a month included in that monthly fee. Try going to a movie in an afternoon, with your blanket and some freshly popped popcorn, and milk duds. Heaven!!
8. Go see a locally produced wintry play. Believe it or not, a lot of our local colleges, high schools, and theatre groups in town are producing some really great plays that are a cheap treat on a winter weekend. If you live near our Leonardtown office, check out Ryken High School’s plays or Port Tobacco Players; they’re always playing a holiday production and they’re pretty freaking amazing!
9. Find some local hot springs and take a dip. Okay this one I stole from a winter bucket list I read years ago, but it sounds super fun! Just google natural hot springs near me and see what comes up. They’re pretty great and a relaxing way to spend an afternoon.
10. Volunteer. Bored and wanting to give back? Why not try volunteering at a local animal shelter one weekend a month, or at a shelter that houses homeless families? There are always tons of opportunities for us to spread love and good cheer this winter season and who doesn’t need more of that?! The cool part of this activity is more than likely, you’ll go home feeling more filled with gratitude than the animals or people you helped. Try it and see!
We hope these are some good ideas for you to start with! I personally love lists, so I make bucket lists for every season. While I don’t usually cross all of them off, it’s still a pretty fun way to kick the winter blues. Let us know some of your bucket list items for some more ideas! Happy wintering!
