As January arrives at Wilfrid Laurier University, students and faculty prepare as the winter term begins. The winter break has finished, textbooks are stuffed back into bags, assignments are on the horizon, and the buzz of the new year is still fresh in the cold air. With more free time before midterms hit, some may be looking to make the most of the winter weather. Here are ten activities you can do before the snow melts and the winter blues leave.
Go out sledding.
Now is the time to be childish again, climb back up that mountain of snow with your sled and barrel down it, though be careful not to fly into the highway.
Get into baking.
There are plenty of easy winter-y recipes right at your fingertips. Gingerbread, Rum cake, Tye plates, Christopsomo, Turron de Jijon and Malva pudding. There are a whole wealth of holiday desserts around the globe — explore traditional meals from every part of the country or even try to create some of your own. At the very least whip up some sugar cookies.
Spend time with your friends.
This seems obvious as that’s what friends are for, but it’s easy to forget how much your friends love you. Go out for dinner, share a laugh in the dining hall or spend a night in watching films to reconnect.
Revisit an old book.
Reading might seem boring to those looking for a fun time, but reading an old book from childhood is one of the best ways to spend an evening with your brain turned off. Find a dusty book on your shelf and revisit a story you used to love.
Binge your favourite show.
The winter season is a time of rest, and what better way to feel warm and snug than to cuddle up and watch a comfort show? Relax on your couch and turn on an old favourite, fall back in love with it all over again.
Learn a new skill.
It may seem daunting to tackle something so huge in the span of a couple of weeks, but this is just the time to do it. Spend your days learning sheet music or picking up crochet. Take time to appreciate the learning experience.
Take a snowy walk.
It’s time to take advantage of the weather. Get bundled up, slip on some headphones under your toque and take a nice stroll in your neighborhood. Let your worries melt away as you explore the glittering streets.
Visit a local market.
There are plenty of artisan markets and vendors hidden all around the nooks and crannies of Kitchener-Waterloo. One such spot is the St. Jacobs Farmer’s Market, which takes place every Thursday and Saturday. The market is accessible by bus and is only 20 minutes away from the Laurier campus.
Go to a movie theatre.
Head down to your local cinema and watch a cheap afternoon showcase of a new film and sit in an empty theatre at the very back as you enjoy some buttery popcorn. There’s nothing more delicious than movie theatre popcorn, after all.
Spend some time with yourself.
Self-care is key during those stay-inside winter days, make plenty of space for some precious you time. Have a spa day, put cucumbers over your eyes and sink back into a hot bathtub. Don’t beat yourself up for taking the rest you deserve.
Don’t forget to study.
Make sure to fill your whole day with studying. No slacking off. It’s officially time to get on the grind and pitch a tent in the Laurier library. Just kidding, be kind to yourself and enjoy the new semester.
Graphic by Bronte Behling.
