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Five ways to have fun through cold and dark winter evenings

Long, dark nights and cold temperatures make winter the hardest season to enjoy your usual activities outside. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun! There are plenty of activities you can do inside, in the comfort and warmth of your own home. Sometimes, all you need is a little imagination and creativity. Here are five ideas to try this winter.

Rest and recharge with a home spa evening

We all deserve a bit of R&R from time to time. While the weather isn’t too kind outside, be kind to yourself inside. A home spa evening can be as simple or extravagant as you like.

Cleansing and reinvigorating face masks in a quiet, candle-lit room may be enough for you to unwind and enjoy some you time. Or, you can go a few steps further with foot baths, face steamers, hair masks, facial scrubs and more.

Have some fun with it! Whether you pamper yourself alone or with a friend or partner, it’s your time to rest and recharge.

Experiment with winter comfort recipes

Warm, hearty meals are perfect for the cold and dark winter months. If you’re tired of the same meal plan or just want to experiment with some different ingredients, try some winter warmer recipes.

A classic beef casserole with tender beef (or a veggie/vegan alternative), thick gravy and chunky veg is great for feeding the body and soul. Preparing a comforting leek and potato soup could give you some tasty lunches for the next few days. A traditional rice pudding could be a sweet treat after your main meal – yum!

Yes, cooking meals takes time, but it’s a great way to have fun while you can’t do much outside. There’ll be something to eat at the end of it, too.

Set up a reading nook and dive into a new book

If you’re finding it hard to get into reading, you’ve probably just not found the right place or atmosphere. A dedicated reading nook can make all the difference.

Find a comfy corner on the sofa or a bay window ledge with enough room. Get cosy with cushions, blankets and somewhere to put a hot drink. Use a reading or table lamp to light the area just enough while maintaining a calming ambience.

Finishing touches like snacks, woolly socks or a hot water bottle can add further comfort. Then, you’re set for a long reading session. Pick up the book you’ve been wanting to try or something at random and see where it takes you.

Host a games night with family or friends

If you want to get friends and family involved, tapping into everyone’s playful side is great for bringing people together. Games like bingo, online or offline, are easy to learn and don’t take too much time to set up. Be as competitive as you like or just go easy and with the flow!

The secret to a great games night is to have enough snacks and refreshments on hand to keep everyone engaged. Lay out some nibbles and urge people to help themselves to drinks whenever they feel like it.

Try an indoor camping night

Want something a bit different? Camping outdoors in the freezing cold might not be the best idea. But you can get some of the camping experience inside, as funny as it sounds.

Create a blanket fort or set up a small tent in the living room and do everything you would if you were camping outdoors. Pot noodles for tea – absolutely! Sleeping bags and inflatable mattresses – must be.

This is a surprisingly great way to unplug from the world and spend quality time with your loved ones. How does that sound?