By: Maya Doraiswamy
As we enter into this snowy season, I offer a fun twist on simply “gearing up” for winter with
a collection of seasonal recommendations—activities, food, media, and more, all inspired by a piece of winter clothing! In this article, each item of winter gear serves as a theme for a collection of fun recommendations that will help you embrace the season with a little extra joy. My favorite season is undoubtedly winter, although I’m aware that for many it is a bleak and dreary couple of months in comparison to summer. The work and assessments in school at this time of year can be daunting, but it is my hope that this list brings a little fun back into your lives and the winter season!
Activities: Fleece & Fun
Nothing says winter like wrapping up in a soft fleece and heading outside for some chilly adventures. Whether you’re hitting the slopes for some skiing or sledding, building a snowman in your backyard, or simply enjoying a winter walk, there’s no shortage of frosty fun to be had. For those days when the cold is a little too much, try indoor activities like holiday decorating, craft projects, or challenging your family to a board game marathon! Listed below are even more fun ideas for you this season!
Try out pottery painting - Color Me Mine is an example of a fantastic spot to go out with friends and create unique art
Take up journaling or creative writing - Winter is a great time for introspection and creativity, from starting a daily journal to trying your hand at writing short stories or poems
Get crafty with seasonal projects - Decorate a gingerbread house, build your own snow globe, or create homemade ornaments to brighten up your space
Join a fun club or take up a new hobby - Discovering a new passion can be both rewarding and relaxing, and I especially know of many who recommend trying out crocheting
Have a board game night - From classics like Charades and Monopoly to newer favorites such as Telestrations and Boggle, there's something for everyone to enjoy
Challenge your brain with puzzles - Whether it’s the New York Times Games or a classic hands-on jigsaw, there’s several fun ways to test your problem solving skills
Capture the season with photography - Take up photography to document the beauty of snowy landscapes or cozy moments with loved ones
Embrace the wintery outdoors with snowy fun - Build an epic fort, race in sledding competitions, organize a friendly snowball fight, or even just take a stroll in the snow.
Participate in winter sports - If you’re able to get outside, try ice skating, skiing, or even snowshoeing as fun ways to embrace winter
Volunteering - Find local winter charity events such as helping out at a food bank, organizing a coat/winter gear drive, or preparing packages for those in need, all of which are great ways to give back to the community
Food: Mittens & Mugs
Mittens are meant to keep your hands warm in these chilly times, but why not put them to further good use by holding a cozy mug filled with your favorite seasonal drink?
Now, there’s always the classic hot chocolate, but I’d like to offer more fun beverages for winter time!
If you’re a Starbucks lover, my personal recommendation would be the Iced Gingerbread Chai Latte. While I prefer sweet and savory, I know many who recommend less rich and sugary drinks. “My favorite Starbucks drink is a Pumpkin Spice Latte,” said Keerthi Nelluri ‘27. “I love it because it’s not too sweet, and the pumpkin spice and whipped cream topping makes it so much better.”
Some other drinks include apple cider, ginger tea, peppermint milkshakes, all of which you can find unique recipes for or simply buy at the local food store. There’s definitely more to enjoy outside of Starbucks, though, including the various holiday foods of the season!
Pumpkin pie, chai cookies, and warm cinnamon rolls are all tasty treats to enjoy regardless of if you bake or buy. Especially on the tail end of the advisory baking competitions, it’s the perfect time to celebrate the season by delighting in your favorite holiday treats and warm beverages.
Some delicious homemade chai cookies!
Books: Scarves & Stories
Wrap yourself in a cozy scarf and get lost in a good book this holiday season!
As an avid reader myself, there’s little I enjoy more than curling up inside with a great novel. Whether it’s a thrilling mystery, beloved classic, or perhaps a holiday-themed book, winter is an ideal season to indulge in stories that transport you to new worlds.
If you're in the mood for gripping suspense in a twist-filled mystery, my personal favorite is A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson. In contrast, many agree that Lynn Painter is the perfect author for a fun, cute, and lighthearted teenage romance.
Both good recommendations, but Tower Hill’s book club has provided an even better collection of holiday books for your enjoyment! In our most recent meeting, Overbooked worked hard to come up with a list of the perfect books for December, many of which I look forward to reading.
Check out their instagram here: @thsbookclubbb !!
Movies/TV: Coats & Classics
Slip into your comfiest coat, grab some snacks, and settle in for a movie marathon of timeless movies! The holiday season has an abundance of classic films to enjoy, whether you’re cozied up at home with loved ones or out at the movies with some friends.
Some of my personal favorites include The Grinch, Elf, Polar Express, A Charlie Brown Christmas, and Home Alone. However, if you’re more in the mood for a fun holiday episode from some lighthearted shows, then here’s a list of just a few entertaining holiday episodes for you.
Music: Earmuffs & Earbuds
Earmuffs may keep your ears nice and warm, but what greater joy is there than earbuds to provide a wintery soundtrack?
With the crisp air outside, you can enjoy a nice winter walk while listening to your favorite holiday playlist, or even cozy up indoors with a warm drink as the same festive tunes fill the room, adding to the seasonal magic.
This past year has been an exciting time for music, with a wave of highly anticipated releases, surprise drops, and new collaborations that have kept us all hooked.
As the year comes to a close, now is the perfect time to dive into the hits of 2024, discover new favorites, and revisit standout albums that have defined the past few months. While not all truly holiday music, the list below is a mix of some of this year’s most popular albums, new seasonal tunes, and my own favorites to hopefully inspire your winter playlist!
"Holidays" by Conan Gray
Stick Season by Noah Kahan
So Close To What by Tate McRae (An upcoming release)
The Secret of Us by Gracie Abrams
A Nonsense Christmas by Sabrina Carpenter (Or her latest album, Short n’ Sweet)
"December 25th" by Charlie Puth
A Very Laufey Holiday by Laufey
The Tortured Poets Department by Taylor Swift
This is How Tomorrow Moves by Beabadoobee
Charm by Clairo
Brat by Charli XCX
"Diet Pepsi" by Addison Rae
Hit Me Hard and Soft by Billie Eilish
Eternal Sunshine by Ariana Grande
"Good Luck, Babe!" by Chappell Roan
GUTS (spilled) by Olivia Rodrigo
Unheard by Hozier
CHROMAKOPIA by Tyler, The Creator (Check out this article!)
Sailor Song by Gigi Perez
With a variety of recommendations and ideas, I hope this article has given you the “gear” you need to suit up for the perfect winter! Whether it’s adventuring into the chilly outdoors or cozying up inside to enjoy a tasty treat, host a movie marathon, read a good book, or simply listen to new music, I encourage us all to embrace the season in whatever ways we can. Every winter moment holds the potential for new memories—so gear up, have fun, and let the season’s magic unfold!
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