You can’t live in Michigan without figuring out a few winter survival skills; but, just in case you’ve forgotten how to make the best of our winter wonderland, I’ve compiled a bit of my own advice. While I, like anyone, get sick of my birkenstocks being cold and wet, there’s so much to enjoy about the inches upon inches of snow we receive each year. No wonder we’re shaped like a mitten!
Christmas lights: Not just for the tree! Christmas lights look good anywhere and everywhere. Master the art of lighting your friends or your dog—it makes great photos for the Christmas cards or Instagram! Plus, exchanging an overhead lamp with well-placed Christmas lights can create the perfect ambiance for Christmas dinner.
Peppermints: They’re red, white, and all over the place this time of year! Peppermints are inexpensive and really, really pretty sweets of the holidays.
Sugar Cookies: One of my fondest memories of Christmas comes from a far different baking experience, but decorating sugar cookies definitely takes second place. Whether they’re store bought or homemade, decorating cookies for yourself (or Santa!) is a great way spice up the days before Christmas. A tip from my mom: You can freeze sugar cookies longer than most cookies and they still taste great!
Sled: Everyone’s got one somewhere deep inside their attic or basement. I can’t say enough about pulling it out, finding a hill (or in my family’s case, a four-wheeler) and going for a ride! A great place to sled is Johnson Park’s hill—and hey, if you’re already there stop by my house for some “Squading”—or sledding behind a quad. It’s a few hours in the cold traded for a lifetime of memories.
Warm woolen mittens: “Silver white winters that melt into spring…these are a few of my favorite things!” Julie Andrews said it best, and I’m saying it again. Mittens are the best way to fight off the winter chill. Keep a pair or two in your car so that your fingers don’t freeze to the steering wheel.
Wreaths: If you missed the music department wreath sale, there’s always next year! They make beautiful wreaths for doors and walls. Add a bow or something red in the mix, and you’ve got the perfect decoration. For more wreath decorating ideas, click the link below:
https://www.pinterest.com/explore/christmas-wreaths/?lp=true
An ugly sweater: It’s all the rage this Christmas season—so don’t let your dad dump that old sweater of his! You’ll need it again for a party or two.
Christmas Stories: My family has a tradition of reading old Christmas children’s stories on the nights leading up to Christmas. Some classic examples of picture books are Santa Mouse, The Night Before Christmas, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Luke 2, and a few more family favorites. Need more ideas for a Christmas book tradition? Follow this super helpful link:
https://www.thechildrensbookreview.com/weblog/2009/11/20-of-the-best-kids-christmas-books.html
Snow!: It is a necessity! I have a hard time turning the radio to Christmas music until I see a few snowflakes on my windshield. Michigan is so amazingly unique in that we experience all four seasons, as uneven as they may be.
