Winter can be a struggle for some of us as the dark evenings and cold weather can bring our mood down. The hazy summer days seem like a lifetime ago but instead of pushing against the winter vibes why not embrace them? 

Listen to what nature is trying to tell you; hibernate, slow down and retreat. Make the most of this opportunity to take this downtime for some self-reflection and quality time with your family. Here are some activities you can share with all the family this winter:

Wrap up and get outdoors!

We can be tempted to gaze gingerly out the window, eyeing that suspicious-looking cloud that could mean a downpour but don’t let it get in your way! Get suited and booted and ready for the rain. There are any number of things you can do: go on a hike, take a trip to your local park or go on a nature walk. Why not do an advent photo project together? You could take a photo every day from now until the 25th of December. 

And while you’re out and about, take in the sights, sounds and smells of winter. It’s always a delight to wander into the town or city and marvel at the Christmas lights and the beautifully-decorated shop windows. Then when you’re done, you can all pile into a cosy pub for a hot toddy or pop home to where the slow cooker is stewing a hearty meal.

Snuggle up for a cosy night in

There’s nothing like it, especially after a long walk out in the crisp winter air. It’s the perfect time of year for putting a Christmas classic on TV, lighting the fire and donning your cosy socks and Winter woollies - all while you all snuggle up under a soft blanket. Get into your PJs for a really cosy feel!

A movie night wouldn’t be complete without a treat or two; you could spend the afternoon baking something sweet, or brewing some mulled wine or punch with fruit, spices and cloves. 

Welcome the dark

Winter kicks in and we are automatically fighting the dark; lights go on in every room of the house. But what if we were to embrace the dark and turn the lights out one evening? Gather up your candles and and as you light them, watch your house transform into a magical wonderland. Why not keep this night TV free as well? It’s a great opportunity to connect with each other; tell stories, play a board game or a card game, or sing a few songs. 

Dust off the slow cooker

Cooking is always a special family activity. Kids especially love getting involved and trying the finished product to see how their culinary skills fare out. All those warm, comforting dinners can be prepared in the morning and stew away in the slow cooker until you’re ready to sit down that evening.  

If you’re feeling really festive, you could mix some mulled wine or punch in your slow cooker with some fruit and spices, leave it sitting there for the day and people can help themselves as they wish.

Join the Christmas festivities

Christmas can be the ultimate family time. There are so many activities we can do together to get into the Christmas mood. If getting outside is an unlikely option, get creative! Gather the children around to write their letters to Santa. They can decorate them with all sorts; glitter, stickers, ribbon… imagination is the key! While you are all in the creative mood, you could make some decorations. Carols and songs are a big part of Christmas too. Gather around the piano, guitar, ukulele or stick on Spotify and get your Christmas groove on together. 

Most of us are feeling charitable at this time of year and it’s always a good idea to pass that virtue on to our children. Children always enjoy putting together toys and clothes for the shoe box appeal or St Vincent de Paul hampers. Not only will you be spending quality time together but you will be helping others at the same time.  

Take the time to reconnect and reflect

At this time of year, we can be pulled towards the busyness and chaos of shopping and socialising. Although these are wonderful to enjoy, it begs the question; how do we balance that chaos with some calm?

Taking time to reconnect with family and reflect on the year gone by can be a wonderful way to spend the season. There’s never been a better time to welcome the darkness, slow down and get your family involved in some festive activities.