I loved playing in the snow as a child; it was the best. You may have enjoyed the winter wonderland as a child, too. Why is it that the snow so often loses its magic for us adults? What happened over the years to make us enjoy the winter less?
Sure, we worry about how bad the roads are going to be, and we are the ones who have to shovel the driveway. But why can’t we reclaim a bit of the magic?
Take a minute to think about how you can enjoy the snow this year. You might have to get creative, so consider anything you loved as a child.
Let's look at a few ideas to inspire you!
Make a Snow Angel
Making a snow angel is a quick way to enjoy the snow, but a mystery snow angel is even more fun. Once, my mom woke up to a mystery snow angel in her driveway. A friend had crept down the narrow tire tracks without making any footprints and leapt off the tracks to make the snow angel. How fun to wake up to a mystery snow angel.
Have a Snowball Fight
Organizing a planned snow battle or playfully tossing a snowball at a loved one can be lots of fun. If you are surprising someone, be sure they will appreciate it. They will likely view it as an invitation to throw some back, so be prepared for lots of laughter and maybe even a stray snowball in your face.
Sledding or Tubing
There are many great hills in the area where you can go sledding. Blackwell's tubing hill can be especially fun for the whole family. The forest preserve is also a great place for other winter activities. Check out what you can do at the forest preserves this year at their Winter Fun Page.
Cross-country Skiing and Snowshoeing
Renting snowshoes is an interesting thing to do at Fullersburg Woods Forest Preserve. The Morton Arboretum has both snowshoes and cross-country skis.
Building a Fort
Making a snow fort is a fun way to get in a workout. Lifting and moving snow is a great strength-training exercise. It will get you moving in ways that a typical workout may not, so be ready to feel muscles you haven’t used in a while.
Make a snowman
Building a snowman will get you down on the ground to push the snowballs, so be ready to work your muscles. Then you get to decorate the snowman (or woman). Getting creative with accessories can make it even more fun.
Find Animal Prints
Looking for animal footprints can open your eyes to details often overlooked. You can watch for footprints as you hike and take time to guess the type of animal that made them. You can also make your own tracks by renting snowshoes from at Fullersburg Woods Forest Preserve. The Morton Arboretum has both snowshoes and cross-country skis.
Go for a Walk
Walking in the pristine snow is something special. Day or night, you will be awed by the beauty of the snow before it is disturbed. Hearing the crunch is an extra treat that will only happen on occasion, so be sure to notice it.
Paint the Snow
Creating snow art is a fun activity even for those who don’t consider themselves especially crafty. Just mix a few drops of food coloring with cold water. Put the paint in squeeze bottles for easy application.
Shovel
I know, but hear me out! When else can you get your body moving by pushing loads (snow) made by nature with your own body? Focus on gratitude. Think about how you can use your strength for something productive. Please consider any health concerns and read Shoveling Tips from a Chiropractic Expert before heading out.
Create Snow Kindness
Find a way to help a friend or neighbor. Dust the snow off their car. Shovel their sidewalk and driveway. Bring in their trash can. Run an errand for them. Make them a treat, or give them a ride. Even just checking on an elderly neighbor or mom with small children can make a big difference. You will be their "Snow Angel".
Watch the snow
It is amazing how mesmerizing and relaxing it is to watch the snowfall. You can slowly drive through a forest preserve as it lightly snows or find a pretty place to park to enjoy the snow in the warmth of your car.
Enjoy your warm house
Snuggle up under a blanket by the fire and enjoy the beauty from the comfort of your home. Putting on slippers and making a cup of hot tea will make it even more relaxing. You can also consider doing a puzzle or playing a game with friends.
Investing in snow pants and a good pair of boots will make your time in the snow much more enjoyable. As the Norwegian quote says, “There is no such thing as bad weather, only inadequate clothing.” So, bundle up and have fun this winter!
Dr. Jamie