Although winter doesn’t technically start until December 21st, in practice it has already begun. It’s a good time for indoor activities rather than outdoor ones. While the winter season is wonderful in many ways, one of the main drawbacks is that many of us are confined to our homes for extended periods, making it harder to find something different and entertaining to do.

That’s why we’ve taken some time to think about the best indoor activities to enjoy on cold winter days, coming up with ideas that are fun, cozy, and creative enough to pass the time.

Become a Projectionist

Being a projectionist doesn’t have to mean changing profession, but simply hosting movie nights. Instead of curling up by yourself and watching a movie – as many of us do when the nights are getting dark and the snow is falling – you can invite friends and family to join either in person or virtually.

All you have to do is pick a good streaming company, pile up the blankets, and make some popcorn. You might choose a theme for each month: holiday classics, fantasy adventures, or comfort films. You can enjoy ‘intermission hot chocolate’ breaks, and host a review panel when the marathon is done.

Start a Book Club

A book club could be a great way to stay connected and socialize. If you have friends or family who are interested in books, pick a winter-themed novel, light a few candles, and host a virtual or in-person discussion night.

Reading a good book becomes even more comforting when it’s cold and grey outside. But while the image is sweet, not a lot of us actually get around to doing it. This could be your incentive, helping you to make time for reading and strengthen your relationships with others who share your interests.

Try Some Online Gaming

If you’re not a movie-watcher or a book-reader, you might try some winter gaming. This could be a good opportunity to try out the numerous platforms that have grown over the last decade in Canada. Whether it’s online poker, slots, or fantasy Esports tournaments, iGaming offers an interactive way to engage in something new, and you can invite friends to play along. Just make sure to check out the best online reviews before you pick a platform, as some will offer far better experiences than others.

Become a Top Chef

Some of us dread going into the kitchen and making dinner. There are born cooks among us, but for many people, cooking is the tedious part that has to occur before we can sit down and enjoy eating. But cooking doesn’t have to be a chore. It can be a fun, cozy activity, especially if you’re cooking or baking something you’ve never tried before. Whether it’s a hearty stew or festive treats, the smell alone will make your home feel like a cozy café, and you might even be better at it than you thought.

Try Some DIY Crafting

Along with baking sourdough bread, one of the other popular activities during lockdown was DIY crafting, and many enjoyed it so much that they haven’t stopped. This is another thing to try if you’ve never done it before. It might be candle-making, painting mugs, or building a new desk. Not only is it creative, but it’s also relaxing. Finding a way to relax when you’re stressed is important, and for many people stuck at home during bad weather, stress is a normal reaction.

By doing activities like this, you’re focusing your mind on something positive, keeping negative thoughts at bay, and helping yourself unwind and relax.

Enjoy a Home Spa Day

Another antidote to stress is a long, relaxed spa session. In winter weather, it might not be possible to travel to a resort. The solution: a home spa day. Think candles, soothing music, a warm bubble bath, and a face mask. Perhaps even involve your partner, giving each other massages and pampering sessions to ease some of the winter tension. Sometimes a day of self-care can be enough to feel rejuvenated.

Create an Indoor Garden

This might seem slightly unusual, but an indoor garden can bring the wonders of nature indoors. You can grow herbs on your windowsills, tend to houseplants, or set up a small terrarium. Even if you’re not a big gardener, there are low-maintenance plants like the Snake Plant and Spider Plant that require minimal care. They brighten up the home during those dark winter days.

Try Yoga

Yoga is one of the ultimate relaxing activities. With benefits experienced by yogis over thousands of years, yoga has more recently been extensively studied in the West. It can reduce stress and anxiety, improve mood, and boost self-esteem. For particularly stressful days, grounded poses such as a child's pose can provide a few moments of respite – even with minimal energy. There are many friendly instructors and free videos online, including those on the Yoga With Adriene YouTube channel.

Start Journaling

Journaling might not traditionally be seen as ‘fun’, but it can be a great way to reset. Use the quiet of winter to reflect on the past year and set intentions for the next, and make it creative with photos, cut-outs, or doodles that inspire you and lift your mood.

Listen to Music Under Candlelight

We don’t do many things without electric lights and screens nowadays. But if we put on a favorite album, turn off the harsh lights, shut our eyes and listen, a winter night can become as special as any summer experience. Music is perfect for unwinding and resetting your mood. Depending on the music, you could even imagine you’re on a faraway, sunny island in the Caribbean.

Final Thoughts

Winter offers us a chance to decompress, to enjoy other activities that we might forget during the summer months, and to be thankful for the indoors. We might learn new hobbies or skills and develop new passions, or simply enjoy escaping the rain.