Winter is in the air!

Winter is officially here! And we are excited for all the activities that come along with it. With the ever-evolving COVID pandemic and flu season in full force, we know it’s important to find healthy and safe ways to carry on with our favorite traditions. We’ve put together some ways to celebrate the season in ways that will support your mental and physical health and is sure to bring out all the smiles and laughs. 

• Decorate your indoor and outdoor spaces with your favorite winter decorations. There’s something special about having a collection of winter items to welcome the change of season.

• Burn your favorite candle. When we smell something good it can also make us feel good and neurologists have connected scent to our emotional health and memory.

• Bake up a storm. Welcome the stormy season by baking up some healthy (-ish) cookies then decorate them. This is a great activity to involve kids.

• Check out the lights. While many social activities may be canceled, the great outdoors isn’t! Spend some time checking out your neighborhood light displays. You’ll rack up several thousand steps before you know it.

• Get outside with a scavenger hunt. Put on a warm sweater and coat and move the family outside. KC Adventures with Kids hosts an awesome collection of scavenger hunts that will inspire you to get out and explore in the fresh air.

• Keep on movin’. The change of season can be tough for many as the days get shorter and the weather gets colder. SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) is a very real thing and one of the top ways to combat it is continuing to move to release endorphins. Check out a few of these resources/websites to keep you movin’ and feeling happy:

  • 7-Minute Workout app

  • Virtualrunevents.com

  • Active.com

• Try a new recipe. We’ve linked to a few of our favorites below:

  • Hard Cider Pretzels with Creamy Honey Mustard

  • Pomegranate Apple Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing

  • 30 Minute Creamy Chicken and Parmesan Sage Dumplings

  • Easy Black Bean Vegetarian Chili with Spiced Yogurt

  • If you're looking for allergy friendly recipes check out https://www.foodallergy.org/resources/fall-recipes!

• Join or host a virtual party. By now most of us are very used to virtual meetings, events, and gatherings. This year try wreath or flower arrangements, cookie decorating, cooking, or wine tasting with framily. A few companies to get you started are:

  • Alicestable offers curated live stream workshops that is fun for everyone. Choose from wreathmaking, charcuterie boards, floral arrangements, and more.

  • Virtual Team Building offers virtual experiences such as escape rooms, chocolate tasting, amazing race around the world, and more for both small and large groups.

  • Kelnero is restaurant out of Edmonds, WA that shares videos on how to make their signature cocktails in the comfort and safety of your own home.

 We hope you have a happy and safe winter!