After the holidays are over, and when visiting families return home, there’s a lull in the winter-break joy. Undoubtedly, things are going to be a lot different this year, and some things that we used to do will be unavailable to us, but there is still hope. Here are ten activities that you can do that follows quarantine guidelines without dampening the fun.

Knitting
Learning to knit or breaking out your old needles can provide a winter-long hobby that everyone will enjoy. Making scarves, hats, and gloves will be a productive way to spend the rest of winter. Even after the holidays are over, hand-made gifts are the kind that just keep giving, warming the hearts of family and friends alike.

Snow sledding/tubing
Riding down hills of pillow-soft powder is not just for children. Anyone of any age can enjoy barreling down a steep hill into a snow-bank; with good friends and a sturdy sled, the fun can be immeasurable. And once you begin to feel too cold for another round, the day doesn’t end there; coming inside and having a hot beverage can warm up your spirits.

Ice skating
No skill is needed for a good time on the ice, just a moderate level of safety and a tight pair of skates. When going to a rink, you may be able to bring your own skates to stop cross contamination, and if not, be sure to double sanitize!
Whether it’s on an ice skating rink or out on the lake, ice skating provides the perfect solution for winter blues. If you’re planning on going out to a nearby lake for some frozen fun, always be sure to test the ice if it is safe enough to stand on, and stay away from any areas that look too weak. Ice skating with friends and family can be loads of fun, but it’ll seem a lot more entertaining if all members of the group are safe and distant.

Baking
Another activity that requires no true mastery or professionalism is baking. Making home-made goods in a warm kitchen with the one you love is just as good as any adventure outside. There doesn’t need to be a posse of people to join you in the kitchen; just one or two sets of helping hands can be fine. Making season-themed goods, licking the batter off a spoon, and tasting the result of your cooking are one of the many joys hidden within this activity.

skiing/snowboarding
With this one, some precautions and practice is needed before hitting the slopes. Helmets and goggles are an obvious and necessary part of either sport, as well as keen observation for the other snow-goers around you. Going off on hand-made snow ramps and zooming lightning speed down-hill is a packaged deal of an adrenaline rush and an exhilarating memory.

Spring cleaning comes early *cozy-ifying the room*
It sounds boring at first, but cleaning and cozifying your room has one of the best results: nap time! Setting up giant fluffy blankets, putting up fairy lights, organizing your desk, and littering an abundance of pillows on your bed is a mundane yet satisfying way to set your mind at ease. When you’re finished, you can spend the rest of the day in bed, napping or watching movies.

Arts and Crafts
Everyone has the ability to make something, and doing arts and crafts with your family is just one of those ways to focus on that creative outlet. Cut-out snowflakes, paper trains and chains, doodles and hand-made cards, all of which is a great use of time. Even if there aren’t many people to join you, doing these little things can help bring you a peace of mind through serene repetitions.

After-christmas sales -online-
Online shopping can be a wonderful way to pass the time, and to save you money. Once Christmas is out the door, everything goes on sale! You can get those cute boots you’ve always wanted, or get some late presents for friends and extended family. Everybody likes low prices, and you aren’t required to actually buy anything. Shopping around, saving things to your cart can save your wallet and help it recover after a holiday present hassle.

Binge watching movies
Binge watching movies is a good way to catch up on the films you didn’t get to see in theatres, or rewatch old favorites. Refilling a large bowl of popcorn and snacking all day long keeps you out of the cold and under the gushy protection of your blankets. Moving around during binge watching sessions is purely optional, and there’s no need to get a headstart on winter-break assignments just yet.

Spend the day preparing a feast
Baking with a few helpers in the kitchen is good, but spending the day cooking delicious food for an early dinner is even better. A collage of side-dishes, main courses, and desserts looking stunning on a table and taste great with good company. Who says that having a feast is reserved for only Christmas and special occasions? Making a tasty meal and spending time with COVID-negative-tested loved ones is the ultimate recipe.

Very few of these activities involve other people, but personal safety is important as well as the safety of your loved-ones. Being distant out in public, cleaning frequently, and hanging in small groups can be hard to work around when it comes to spending time with friends, but it’s not impossible. The Holidays and winter-break is about being with family, and these little activities can get you to keep spending time with them while also staying away from everybody else.