Planning to spend more time at home this winter? Don’t want to end up bored, and annoyed at your family because you’re going a bit stir crazy? Don’t worry because there are tons of things you can do to enjoy quality time at home without it all getting a bit dull…
1. Get Creative with Cooking – Your Kitchen, Your Rules
Sure, you could just order takeout… again. But why not turn your kitchen into a culinary adventure instead? Pick a theme – Italian, Mexican, “things you’d usually be too afraid to try” – and dive into the recipes. Make a whole night of it: fancy plating, music that matches the cuisine, and maybe even dress up for your “restaurant” experience. And if it all goes terribly wrong? Well, that’s what delivery apps are for.
2. Host Your Own “Mini Film Festival”
Instead of spending half of your life scrolling through Netflix only to find there is nothing you fancy watching, why not organize your very own mini film festival at home instead? Ask each of your family members (or friends you invite over) to choose their favorite movie for you to show on the big screen in your living room. Pop some corn, turn down the lights and watch the movies they love so you can understand them better, and maybe even find a new favorite of your own.
3. Game Night, Right?
Board games, card games, trivia – game night is a classic, and for good reason. But here’s a twist: add some “mini prizes” to up the stakes. Maybe the winner gets breakfast in bed, or the loser has to do the dishes. Want something more adventurous? Try an online escape room challenge! Virtual escape rooms offer all the puzzling fun without leaving your house. By the end of it, you’ll either be high-fiving or, if things go badly, wondering how you ever made it as roommates.
4. DIY Spa Night – Because You Deserve It
Who says you need a pricey spa day to relax? Set up your own home spa, complete with candles, soothing music, and maybe even some DIY face masks (avocado and honey, anyone?). Take turns giving each other hand or shoulder massages, soak in a bubble bath, and finish the night with a mug of herbal tea. You’ll feel like a new person – and probably get a good laugh out of your attempt to apply cucumber slices without them falling off every five seconds.
5. Go Retro with a Reading Nook
Remember that stack of books you said you’d read someday? Today is that day! Set up a cozy corner with pillows, a warm blanket, and a good reading lamp. Turn off the phone (seriously, do it), grab a cup of something warm, and dive into that novel you’ve been putting off. If reading alone isn’t your thing, start a mini book club with your partner or friends. Pick a short story or novella, and discuss it over coffee or wine. Bonus: you’ll actually feel productive – and maybe even a little intellectual.
6. Explore New Online Content
We all know that sites like Netflix and YouTube can be a goldmine of entertainment, but sometimes it’s fun to venture outside of the known and check out some of the great YouTube alternatives, for example. Check out other content platforms like Twitch (yes, it’s not just for gamers), Vimeo, or even sites like Skillshare, where you can dive into classes on everything from drawing to cooking. Try something random and learn a new skill! There are also tons of cool creators and channels on lesser-known sites that can bring you fresh perspectives and fun content. Who knows, you might just find your next favorite show in an unexpected corner of the internet.
7. Plan Your Next Big Thing (Because Dreams Need Planning!)
Staying in doesn’t mean giving up on adventure. Use some downtime to start planning that dream vacation, renovation, or even a new hobby you’ve always wanted to try. Make vision boards, set up Pinterest mood boards, or even start a travel journal with ideas and bucket list items. The act of planning can give you something to look forward to and help you feel excited about the future. Plus, it’s a great way to escape “virtually” when you’re craving a change of scenery.
8. Get Crafty with a DIY Project
Ever thought about making your own candles, trying macramé, or painting a masterpiece? Now’s your chance! You don’t have to be the next Picasso to have fun with DIY. Grab some cheap supplies online or raid the junk drawer for potential materials. Turn on some tunes, make a mess, and see what you can create. And if it doesn’t turn out as planned? Well, let’s just call it “abstract art.”
Home should be your favorite place!