It can sometimes really feel like winter is never going to end… Living in Calgary, we get the little breaks with the occasional Chinook; however, those come with their own challenges in the form of ice, headaches and the like. So, getting through this tough part of the season sometimes requires a break. Of course, a vacation somewhere tropical is great, but if a vacation is not in your plans, here are four fun ways to take a break from winter.
1. Have a beach party. Serve up some tropical foods; think of things with pineapple or mango. Make some tropical drinks. Kids will delight in a slushy drink in a fun glass with a straw. Play some steel drums or island tunes. Pull out some beach towels. Put on a summer movie. It will almost feel like you are there.
2. Go swimming at a place you’ve never been. Calgary is full of fantastic pools and a visit to a leisure centre with slides and lazy rivers can be a welcome break from the usual routine. The kids will be excited to explore somewhere new. Do a bit of research and find a place you’ve never been, making it something new for everyone. And because it is somewhere new, it might just feel like you have escaped winter.
3. Head to the library and pick up some books to teach the kids about a tropical country. Read through the books, and make a snack or meal from one of the countries. There are so many different countries to choose from. Start with Mexico, move on to Jamaica, then cross the ocean to Greece, onward to India, then maybe Australia, and onward to somewhere like Bora Bora. There are so many neat places to learn about, and many other countries to choose from. Books are a great way to escape to another place.
4. Face winter head on with a fun hot chocolate party. Supply the hot chocolate and have your guests bring the fixings: marshmallows, chocolate shavings, whipping cream, chocolate dipped spoons, cherries, chocolate chips. Add in some fresh fruit, and cookies, baking while the kids play out in the snow, and you have a perfect afternoon. The kids will come in from playing to a hot drink and a fresh baked cookie. After all, if you can’t escape it, you can embrace it.
Winter can sometimes seem like it will never end. Rather than complaining about the cold and all this season brings, find ways to make the most of each and every day. Adding in bits of tropical fare, or celebrating what winter has to offer, there are many ways to have fun even when the weather seems like it might never let up.
Sharon is an active mom with two young boys to keep her busy. She blogs about being active as a family at www.activekidsactivefamily.blogspot.ca and can be found on Twitter @911shazza.
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