Winter is here. Like it or not, there’s currently a pile of snow outside my front door, an icy sheen on the roads, and a yearning for warmth in my heart.
However, like last year, I’m forcing myself to “lean in” to the season, cold and all. Winter is here to stay, and life is much better when I make the best of it. Cold or not, there are plenty of opportunities for fun.
Here’s my bucket list for winter.
1. Go snowboarding – 10 times
This year, Chad and I invested in 10-time season passes for our local Sunlight Mountain Resort. Since this is our first time really getting back into skiing, we wanted to try out the 10-time option as opposed to the unlimited, more expensive full season pass (much more expensive). We’ll see how things go: will 10 times be enough? Too much? Just right? I’ll be finding out.
I’m hoping this makes for a very fun experiment on the slopes.
Update: read along my ski pass journey this season.
2. Play in the snow
It’s been a while! I’d love to make a snowman or some other fun figure in our front yard. Bonus points for creativity.
Fun fact: one year Chad and I and his family build a giant snow mug in their yard. It was freezing and a labor of love, but such a great memory.
3. Plan a future vacation
This one might be tough, but I’d love to plan a future vacation and give myself something to look forward to. Maybe I’ll do a few! I’d love to actually go to a faraway city that requires plane travel (cough, cough, Nashville), but I might have to restrict myself to some drivable Colorado backcountry spots for a backpacking trip.
4. Read several more books
Honestly, I’d like to read as much as possible. There’s so much to catch up on (2020 was a rough year for me and books), and I crave more. I’d like to see at least five books added to my “read” shelf.
5. Go ice skating
This might be a serious stretch, but I’d love to go ice skating. I’m terrible at it! Also, I’ve never gone with Chad, because he claims to be terrible at it as well. Maybe this is the year we get our butts into (snow) gear and go skating.
I’d hate to see the damage a fall would do these days, but I’m willing to risk it for a cheesy date with my husband.
6. Make a blanket
I’ve recently felt drawn toward creating a chunky blanket by hand. Not sure why! But I have the materials (mostly just many colors of thick yarn), and I’d like to see what I can do.
7. Go cross-country skiing
Let’s go! I’m determined to do more of this sport, which is a killer workout. I’m still terrified of downhill spots and I’d like to conquer that fear. This winter seems like a good time to do it!
8. Have a true winter day
I want to have a day where I cover all of the wintery bases: play in the snow, warm up by the fire, make cookies, drink something decadent and hot, play a game, watch a classic movie. Cozy, fun, and complete!
9. Complete a home project
The list of home projects I want to accomplish is vast and varied. I’m hoping to knock out a big one this winter, like redoing our kitchen backsplash (which will include removing our current tiles and picking out and installing new tile) and re-painting our kitchen cabinets.
10. Be healthy, happy, and hopeful
I also hope to carry that “new year” buzz and energy throughout the entire winter season. For me, that looks like making food at home, keeping up my walks and workouts, pushing my creativity, reminding myself of the joy I’m experiencing in the moment, and looking forward to the future. I’ll be aiming for plenty of Wally and Chad cuddles, and leaning into those moments of happiness.
Love it!! I’ve really come to enjoy winter when I started leaning into it
Agreed! For me it was just an attitude shift that really helped. Thanks for reading!
Make a blanket and get into that!