With the nights getting longer and darker, it can be difficult adjusting to not seeing the sun daily. Every year it’s the same story, despite knowing how cold it can get, we are still shocked when it finally happens. I’m a summer person, so when the cold hits I pretty much go into hibernation. You’ll typically find me sat staring out of my window, with my favourite blanket, reminiscing of the warmer weather. But staying in doesn’t have to feel like you’re missing out. Here are some cosy, fun, activities you can do from the comfort of your own home so you don’t have to face the cold.
- Pamper night. The beauty of a pamper night is that it can be some great ‘me time’ but it can also be a great way to catch up with friends. Grab a few face masks (my favourite are from Aurelia Skincarre), some cucumber slices and a hot water bottle… maybe a cheeky glass of fizz?
- Cheese and wine night. This time of year has its benefits… Christmas cheese boards. Make the most of this guilty pleasure whilst you can this winter and what is cheese without wine? Check out the latest Cellar by Waitrose and Partners Offers.
- Puzzles. A great little way to pass the time, but in this crazy, technology dominated world, this tradition is quickly forgotten. You can complete a puzzle with the whole family, or on your own. Set up a cosy little area and bring out a 1000 piece puzzle. Challenge yourself. It’s also very therapeutic, taking time to do nothing but focus on each puzzle piece. So, put down that phone and pick up a puzzle.
- Movie marathon. Christmas time is my favourite time to re-watch old movies. There is something nostalgic about it. Harry Potter marathon anyone? Check out many Home Entertainment options available.
- Christmas shopping. With pretty much every shop available at your fingertips, Christmas shopping can be done anywhere, including in your warm and cosy bed. Get browsing through our categories for some inspiration and check our Christmas and Top Deals lists. It’s never too early to start and your bank account will thank you for spreading the cost.
- Make your own Christmas decorations. If you have kids, getting them in on making the Christmas decorations is a great Christmas tradition. If you don’t have kids, this activity has no age limit. Grab a pair of scissors and a plain white piece of paper, fold it 4 times and start chopping. When you’re done, open it up and you have your very own unique snowflake. Baker Ross can offer you tons of ideas too.
- Make a hot chocolate with all of the trimmings. Fancy a Starbucks hot chocolate? THINK AGAIN. Not only is their sugar consumption nearly 100% of your daily sugar limit, but the price you spend on that can be spent on 50 at home. It will cost you the same to buy a yummy hot chocolate powder, marshmallows, sprinkles, and cream! Make it how you want it. You could even add a mini gingerbread. Christmas flavoured syrups are also very easy to get your hands on. Waitrose and Partner is my "go to" choice.
- Baking. If you fancy your hand at a Great Bake off, there are plenty of recipes to be found online. BBC Food also offers some helpful tips in their recipe’s for beginners. Why not bake some Christmas shaped cookies? And don’t fret if they don’t turn out like the pictures either, if the cookies dough is yummy, they will surely taste delicious too.
- Got an open fire? Roast a marshmallow!
- Read a book. A somewhat obvious activity but again, easily forgotten about. The benefits of reading go far beyond just filling the time. Learn from the stories and from the experiences of the characters within them. A good book will all consume you more than any Netflix series. Good old Waterstones or something from The Book Depository - there are plenty of options to choose from. Audiobook from Audible can also be a very good option!
- Take your hand at knitting. Yet again, an activity that has been all but discarded. This is all down to our perception. Its actually a great way to take a moment to relax, take your mind off the worries and stresses of Christmas and create something that you can use to keep warm! A scarf, a blanket, or even a hot water bottle cover. Stick on some music in the background and pick up your needles. Get some ideas and inspiration, and save money with Daremores voucher codes.
- Make your own candle. ADULT SUPERVISION REQUIRED. Why not try making your own Christmas scented Yankee Candle? It’s easier than you think. Wax pellets can be found in almost every craft store, then all you need is a couple of essential oils and some food colouring. Deck the halls with home-made candles.
There are endless indoor activities for my fellow hibernators, so get creative! If you think of anymore, please do share them in the comments so others can try them out too!
Warmly, (if you pardon the pun) Anna – Resident Student Blogger
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AT - VoucherShares.co.uk Resident Student Blogger
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Mental Health Awareness week - with You in mind.
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