As December dawns, many tend to tuck themselves away. People like to fold themselves between sheets, to curl up and bury down like a dormouse for the winter. Though it can be a struggle, these colder and darker months, there is excitement to be found in the frost. Winter can be a time to rest after the waning heat of summer, to relax and recharge surrounded by friends and family. And while I too love to wrap myself in layers and live horizontally (and have compiled quite the collection of throws for this exact reason) the cold shouldn’t deter your adventures this season! It’s important to focus on what you can do during this time, rather than what you can’t, and luckily for us there is plenty to get up to with these brisker months. I’ve compiled a few examples of things I like to get up to that help you bond and create lasting memories with your closest companions, which I would love to share.

 

Capture some wholesome moments

If there is one thing I enjoy above all else when it comes to autumn and winter, it has to be how the scenes beyond our windows shift. Leaves fall and expose bare bones, ripe for decoration of glistening frost and twinkling lights. When it starts to get dark that little bit earlier, the area that I live in puts up decorations along its banks. As darkness falls it is battered back by a population of fairy lights. In the mornings, still black and vague, archways of LEDs guide me to the bus stop, and I pass by massive glowing Christmas trees. It’s a very festive way to walk through the month.

One way I love to utilise this time of year for getting out and about is by taking mind of these changes. Daylight or not, this is gorgeous time of year which we can all use to our advantage by appreciating these scenes. A fun thing to do with friends is taking a lengthy walk together and taking all of this in – the lights, the frost, the other people out and about. Take your dog and a hot drink, or buy one at a local coffee stand, and enjoy some quiet time for catching up and discussing the scenes around you. You could walk around where you live, or branch further out to local parks, even the beach or a hike if you’re up for it.

This is often a great time for some amateur photography. Most people navigate the world with a digital camera in their pocket nowadays, why not use it to capture these moments? I like to photograph the lights against the gloom, and how ice coats blades of grass and branches and handrails along the canal. Take some pictures with your friends and family, maybe even to utilise in your Christmas gifts, both on cards and inside frames.

 

Have a winter picnic

Flip the script on picnics this year. On a milder day, not too cold or wet, a great way to spend some time outside is a winter picnic. Choose between your own back garden, a friends or neighbours, a local park or, again, even a lovely beach, to host a wholesome family picnic. This has been an amazing time for myself and friends, to get out of the house and have some fun that is usually reserved for summer. I’ve found this to be a unique experience which prompted many laughs, and very easy to do just by overcoming the cold! And besides, unlike summer, there are no bugs.

Prepare your excursion with a basket of tasty treats. Pack some slow cooked winter stew or a delicious homemade soup (I recommend a tomato and red pepper broth, seasoned with Italian herbs and nutmeg, topped with crispy onions and cheese). Simply heat on the stove before heading out and store safely in a large thermos. Pack simple sandwiches, ham or cheese, with little pots pies and quiches. Fill your flasks with hot tea or coffee, and hot chocolate is a necessity. Pack snacks; carrots and celery and cucumber with hummus, or crackers and chutney. Lastly, round off your meal with some cookies or brownies for a heart warming and delicious dessert.

Find some delicious slow cooker recipes perfect for this occasion right here.

I recommend packing the following to cover all bases:

  • A waterproof blanket or tarp, as well as a selection of Throws for added warmth.
  • A decent flashlight just in case your fun extends beyond daylight.
  • Hot Water Bottles for some extra warmth.
  • Lightweight/foldable chairs so you can relax in comfort.
  • Water bottles! Bring plenty of water and stay hydrated doing any sort of outdoor activity!
  • Paper towels and tissues for runny noses and spills alike.
  • Camping crockery, namely bowls and mugs are versatile for outdoor eating.
  • Spoons, forks, knifes, and other necessary cutlery / crockery for your own unique picnic.

 

Visit your local Christmas markets

The last few years of my life, a characterising feature of winter has been the Christmas markets. Busy compensating for the lack, November ushers in illuminating festivities in the form of markets. Countless local vendors set up shop in the heart of the city, each with something new to offer. Sugared waffles and Yorkshire pudding wraps and artisan pastries are consumed in mass, washed down with mulled wine and Baileys hot chocolate. Makeshift wooden cabins are lined up and stuffed with trinkets and breakables. Windchimes accompany live music, and a blanket of conversation settles over everything.

For many this is as festive as it gets, strolling among others bundled in layers and roaming these makeshift villages, rental mugs in gloved hands. This is a fantastic option for a casual afternoon outing, to make a start on collecting unique gifts for loved ones, or seasonal décor for your home and its festivities (An excellent opportunity to support small businesses and local vendors!). The Christmas markets are equally a great option for an evening excursion with friends and family, where you can enjoy some good food and plenty of drinks, and allow the good memories to create themselves. Either way, these raved about markets are a lovely collective experience for customers and retailers alike and widely enjoyed by all. 

 

Consider your comfort

One thing to really consider with any kind of outdoor activity during the colder months of the year is your choice of clothing and footwear. It’s important to stay both comfortable and dry. A great option for keeping cosy is our raved about Water Resistant Hoodie Blankets. These handy hoodies are sherpa lined, great for retaining heat, and water resistant, perfect for chance rain fall. I suggest layering up with these versatile jackets and storing them in your car for your last-minute outdoor adventures this season. We also have a beautiful selection of Dog Hoodie Blankets, Drying Coats, and Water Resistant Jackets, perfect for giving your pooch that little bit of added warmth during your winter strolls. I like to keep a selection of warming throws in the car during this time of year as well, for some added warmth and cosiness on the way home. All of that being said, I hope you manage to get out and about this festive season and make the most of this time. Enjoy!