Seasonal Adventures: Winter Wonderland

1/16/2017

How to cultivate a seasonal approach to life, with fun, creative activities for winter

"Live in each season as it passes; breathe air, drink the drink, taste the fruit, and resign yourself to the influence of each. Let them be your only diet and drink and botanical medicines."
- Henry Davide Thoreau

Here in my little slice of the Northern Hemisphere, we experience all four seasons. Or, if you choose to believe a local artist, 'My country is not a country, it's winter" (history+video) You see, winter comes early here, and stays late (later the further North you get), gracing us with snowstorms well into the spring. With the unusual amount of snow and cold that has swept many countries all across the globe, it is no surprise that the Danish 'Hygge' phenomenon has taken the world by storm. And so, armed with books, magazines, and articles on living it up and cozying down in the wintertime, I've been inspired to create a list of Winter-themed Seasonal Adventures (i.e. my fancy winter fun list) of some seasonal favourites, as well as a few new things to try.

Winter Wonderland Seasonal Adventures

Go sledding/tobogganing
This is a time-honoured tradition in these parts. We've traveled down hills and mountains on wooden toboggans, plastic sleds, inflatable tubes and rafts, and even on top of others (you know, when you inevitably tumble off your sled mid way and land on top of your partner the rest of the way down...) Every park with a hill has potential, and if you can't find one, you can make your own - like that time all the cousins worked together to move all the snow into one large mountain and proceeded to make the craziest slide, with bumps and turns and a wall to crash into. I recommend a round saucer-style sled for maximum speed and height (because at some point, you will be airborne).
Make mulled wine or hot cocoa
I first learned about mulled wine when I went to a local outdoor event several years ago and my friend introduced me to it. I have to admit I am not a big fan of red wine, but this concoction was the perfect mix of tangy, sweet and spicy flavours. I tried recreating it at home and over the years I get inspired to try some different ingredients. You start with some red wine, add a shot of liquor (brandy or dark rum), something to sweeten it (brown sugar or my personal favourite, real Canadian maple syrup), and whatever spices you have in the pantry (cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, star anise, cardamom). If you would like an actual recipe, I recently tried this one from Jamie Oliver. It features Crème de Cassis (Blackcurrant liqueur), a special treat I found from this local producer at an artisan fair this summer.
I've made a pot of mulled wine every year since first trying it. One year, I put it in a thermos and went to the Old Port to ring in the New Year watching the fireworks in below freezing weather.
Bonus tips:
- You can place all the ingredients in a pot and set it to simmer on top of a wood-burning stove. The aroma will fill your house with seasonal charm.
- You can also set it in a crockpot (simmer on HI then switch to Keep Warm setting) and serve it as a drink station at a party.
Host an outdoor party, complete with an Ice Bar
This idea came to me one balmy winter day after a huge snowstorm. It was Saturday morning, and the whole family was assigned a section to clear of snow. I was assigned a helper, my then 10 year old brother, who was more hinderance than help after the first 5 minutes. He wanted to build a fort with all the extra snow, so I dutifully shovelled all the excess his way. Halfway through clearing a path, I looked over and noticed that his fort looked more like a midcentury basement bar counter. And so, the ice bar seed was planted, and we both abandoned ship and started working on refining our, ah, sculpture to reflect our new vision. As I poured water over the finished structure to cement (freeze) it in place, he carved out benches and seats into the surrounding snow banks. We found juice boxes (for the kids) and sodas and other beverages (for the adults) and invited everyone out for a drink at the Ice Bar. After taking a break to warm up and have a late lunch, we couldn't wait to head back outside. It was getting dark, so we found a small barrel and lit a little fire, placed the grill from the toaster oven atop it, and called everyone we knew to come see it and roast some marshmallows..
Bonus tip: If you have an outdoor plug, set the slow-cooker mulled wine outside and to keep warm (caution: please beware of the false heat effect of alcohol and watch out for signs of Hypothermia. Drink responsibly, or substitute the alcohol for some non-alcoholic cider or apple juice).
Line a snow-covered path with tea lights - try it when you are expecting visitors, or to welcome your family home during the longest nights of the year
Make seasonal crafts from real branches and pinecones
You can pick up fallen branches on your hike or a walk in the park. A glue gun and some twine are all you need to bring your creations to life!
Attend a winter festival
As a kid I got to visit the Winter Carnival in Quebec city, back in the days where you could pack a bunch of people into one car and head out on a road trip with the entire extended family (13 people in a Suburban!). As an adult, I returned to La Belle Province to see the fabulous Ice Hotel. It's always fascinating to see how people make the most of the cold, the snow, and ice!
Go to a Sauna
Hats off to the Scandinavians, who know how to warm up when the weather chills us to the bone! If you get the chance, go to a spa in the winter, it's a magical experience. Or, if you're on a tight budget you can find your nearest community center, indoor pool, or gym (call ahead to inquire about the amenities) and use their facilities. I discovered that the community center near my parents' house has a dry sauna in the women's changing room. It costs $3 to use the indoor pool - which we forgo for the pure, inexpensive pleasure of 3 rounds of sauna at $1 each.

Here are some more ideas you can try:

Light an outdoor fire and cook over embers - popcorn in the fireplace, sausages (we do vegan), or chestnuts
Embrace the hygge lifestyle and host a gathering by candlelight
Make a snowman, snowwoman, snowdog - get creative!
Try some snow-art - Gather some empty squeeze-bottles and fill them with water and food dye and use the snow as your canvas
Create a winter treasure hunt - Bring out those beach toys, they make excellent digging tools.
People-watch from the comfort of a large coffee shop window with your favourite fancy beverage, and a good friend (or book)
Go on a hike with snow shoes
Make a marshmallow snowman for your hot cocoa
Try a new recipe with seasonal ingredients
Try a new winter sport activity
Re-read a favourite childhood book