In areas far enough north to experience constant temperatures below 50 (or below 10, in some cases!) in the winter months, winter can challenge even the most positive person around. It’s difficult to remain perky when the sun disappears behind gray clouds for days or weeks on end. The following are some ways to cheer up between now and that heavenly day that the thermostat hits 60 and everyone leaves his or her coat at home. Some can be enjoyed with children; some are blissfully meant to be enjoyed sans children.
Entertainment with Spring
- Seek out a showing of Spring Awakening – This Tony-award winning Broadway show is currently on a national tour. Check tour dates for cities within driving distance. As long as the roads are clear, this show is worth driving several hours to see. For a review, read “National Tour of Spring Awakening.”
- Download Billy Joel’s Cold Spring Harbor – This 2006 CD is a reissue of the original 1971 album that didn’t have the best reputation. Apparently, the intended speed was somehow messed up in the vinyl pressing. Joel did make a few changes when he released these songs on CD, but his original sound still shines through. Those who love, “She’s Got a Way,” which became a hit after landing on a later album, will hear the first edition of it here.
- Watch 2003’s HopeSprings – Too snowy or cold to go out to a movie? This fun romantic comedy with Colin Firth, Minnie Driver, and Heather Graham has Firth’s character having to choose between two women. Surely he’s never had that problem in real life…
- Catch a Bruce Springsteen concert – He’s making quite the comeback. Not only was he the halftime entertainment for the Super Bowl, but his song for The Wrestler just won a Golden Globe.
- Enjoy the happenings of Radiator Springs in Cars – Do the little ones have cabin fever? Break out this Disney Pixar hit. No matter how many times a child has heard Lightning McQueen say, “Ka-chow!” they will love watching it again.
Spring at Home
- Spruce up the wardrobe with new spring accessories – All things yellow, flowery headbands, and wide belts are a hit this spring. Check out other fashion updates in New York Magazine’s “Spring Fashion Trends.”
- Find some new spring recipes – Search online for the latest yummy treats for the family.
- Prepare for swimsuit season by changing to healthier lifestyle principles – Use those new spring recipes to begin eating better. Add more exercise each week; soon it will be sunny and warm enough to head outside for the workouts. Schedule annual doctor’s visits to stay proactive.
- When all else fails, break down and do some spring cleaning – Believe it or not, pretending that it’s spring and cleaning the entire house might actually brighten the day! The flat surfaces will be shinier, at least. Go green with cleaning supplies this year to help the environment.
Travel to Spring
- Visit Spring Green, WI – This small Midwest town houses Frank Lloyd Wright’s architectural school, Taliesen and the famed House on the Rock. Not living in the Midwest? Find an area attraction closer that sports “spring” in its name and make a trip there.
Make the most of these final weeks of winter. Stay-at-home parents can get out to the theatre or concerts, or they can take the whole family on a springy road trip. When weather doesn't permit, they can stay in with movies, music, home cooking, wardrobe sprucing (online shopping is great in the winter), exercising, or even the dreaded spring cleaning. Anything that causes a springtime state of mind this time of year works wonders.
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