By Nancy Edwards
The hustle and bustle of the exciting holiday season is over, and now you’re staring out the cold window at the barren trees, thinking, “Now what?”
Why is it that winter and summer are the same length of time, yet summer speeds by, while winter drags on … and on … and on?
Summer offers many exciting outside opportunities: festivals, road trips, baseball games, outdoor movies and concerts. What’s fun about winter? Plenty, if you stop to think about it. Here’s a list for starters:
The best season for movies: The Golden Globes and Oscars are within the next few months. Do you find yourself stumped when reading the ballot for Oscar awards? It’s always more fun to make a decision on best actor, picture or costume design when you’ve actually seen the movie. Watch those movies you’ve been dying to see, host an Oscars party and have a contest for who has the most correct answers.
Plan a trip: Planning a trip to a warm, beach location can be exciting as going on the trip. Plan your trip enough in advance so you have something to look forward to.
Check out some “cool” winter events: The Fishers Ice Festival is Jan. 11. Watch professional ice carvers create beautiful sculptures downtown in the Nickel Plate District, warm up in the hot tents with spirits (courtesy of Sun King) and a food truck from Serendipity.
Catch up on your reading: Do you like adventure, romance or history? Try “The Spirit Keeper,” by Fishers author K.B. Laugheed. The book has all three components. I’m an avid reader, and this book is one of the best books I’ve ever read. You won’t want it to end.
Make some new friends, volunteer and socialize: When I moved to Indianapolis, I joined a volunteer/social organization called The Indianapolis Ambassadors. It’s a great way to make new friends while volunteering. You also have your choice of volunteering for plays, Pacers games, silent auctions, and so much more. The best part? You get to attend the event for free afterward!
Be goofy and laugh. Slide down a snow-covered hill like you did as a kid. Watch a comedy series on Netflix. Play games or bake cookies with your kids or nieces and nephews.
Make the most of your winter and it will be over before you can say spring break.