Every year on February 2nd, people everywhere turn to their attention to a little groundhog in Pennsylvania to predict their winter fate. If the groundhog doesn’t see his shadow, it means that spring is just around the corner. If the groundhog sees his shadow, it means that there are 6 more weeks of winter.
This year, Punxsutawney Phil- the official groundhog- poked his head out of his hole and saw his shadow. Earlier this week, as if right on schedule, it was balmy 10oC (50F). Spring warm. The sun was shining and the snow was melting. We even took an early evening walk to celebrate the coming of Spring. Old man winter, however, would have none of it. The temperatures plunged to -17oC (1.4F) with a wind chill factor making it a biting -30oC (-22F). That’s the last time I trust a groundhog. No doubt it’s warmer wherever you are, so enjoy it! With that in mind, here are a few frugal things to do In the advent of this never-ending winter.
Play Sports
If you enjoy winter sports (which I do not), go ice skating, snowshoeing, skiing or snowboarding. Seriously, the hills are still open. Okay, the skiing and snowboarding isn’t exactly frugal, but ice skating is!
Cost: Free, assuming you own a pair of skates; if you don’t, it will cost around $8 to rent a pair. If you’re hitting the slopes and have gear, the cost to snowboard is $200 after you factor in lift tickets and transportation. Renting equipment adds on another $50.
Play in the Snow
Take a lead from Ezra Jack Keats “The Snowy Day” which recounts a young boy’s experiences in a world blanketed by snow; the boy plays in the snow, making snow angels and tracks in newly fallen snow. Get a group of people to make build a snowman or have a snowball fight. Do remember to dress warmly and cover bare skin!
Cost: Free
Go Tobogganing
We brought the little sprog tobogganing for the first time when we were in Ottawa. We picked up a plastic sled and headed for the hills. It was a blast! The kid thought he was in a boat and would make boat noises all the way down the hill. We brought along a couple magic carpets and relived our childhood getting a face full of snow every time we hit a bump down the hill.
Cost: $15 for a baby sled and two magic carpets
Read
I’m not much for being outside on a winter’s day. I’d much rather be indoors, snuggled on the couch with a riveting book underneath a warm blanket. I have a thing for murder mysteries this winter and have been devouring Tess Gerritsen’s Rizolli & Isles series and Agatha Christie’s Hercule Poirot mysteries.
Cost: Free, if you borrow a book from the library or read a book in your existing collection.
Watch Television
If you refuse to go outside but are bored stiff being indoors, escape to the world of television. Being stuck is a great excuse to catch up on your favorite television shows (all seasons of TNT’s Rizolli and Isles, for me) or have movie marathons. Most shows and movies are readily available to be streamed online via your service of choice. You can also borrow from the library or friends.
Cost: Free
Make a Fort
When was the last time you made a fort? I remember making them all the time as a kid. Unfortunately, it became a lost form of art somewhere along the way. It wasn’t until recently until we rediscovered the artform. Build one outside with impenetrable walls and an intricate network of escape tunnels. Throw snowballs and unsuspecting passersby. If it’s too cold outside, build one indoors with blankets, chairs, pillows and books. Anything is game.
Cost: Free
Declutter
If you’re stuck indoors, might as well clean-up your place. Last month, we played a decluttering game and challenged to rid ourselves of 406 items in an effort to make our lives more simple. Even though I only ended up getting rid of 205 items, I’m still picking up things and throwing them out. Not everything needs to be thrown away; sell or consign the items of value for some extra incentive to declutter.
Cost: Free. You may even end up making some money from selling things off.
Make Hot Chocolate
Hot Chocolate is to winter as pizza is to Ninja Turtles. One just isn’t the same without the other. Whether you’re curling up to a good book or coming in from building the world’s greatest snow fort. Make a rich decadent cup from from cacao, melted chocolate and heavy cream. Nestle will also work in a pinch. Marshmallows optional.
Cost: Varies, depending on what you have in your pantry. A box of hot chocolate shouldn’t cost you more than $5.
What’s keeping you warm this winter?
Image Source: Toronto City Archives, personal files
What a great list, Emily. My kids and I absolutely love The Snowy Day. One of our favorite books. I love your tip about decluttering during winter – I’ll have to put that on my list!
Can you believe it- though it’s the third day of spring, we’re still having snowy days! It may be a new season, but it still looks and feels like winter, which means there is still time for a winter declutter.
Definitely warmer here – sorry to say!
I should build a fort – surely my BF will thank I’ve totally lost it!! But it does sound cool. And the hot chocolate made me feel fat just reading it! I’m not sure when or how I decided I was too adult for HC, but I shouldn’t (and don’t in Paris, cause they are all ABSOLUTELY divine, unlike most here in Australia!) You made me laugh – I’m not sure I know anyone who own ice skates…
Lastly, what are boat noises?!
Hot chocolate with skim milk instead of cream? That’s less fattening. And you’re never too adult for hot chocolate, especially if there’s a shot of amarula or Irish cream 😉
YOU make me laugh, silly Aussie. Canadians are born with skates on.
Oh, boat noises? A loud obnoxious “BAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH-NG” to mimic the horn of a boat.
[…] Emily over at Urban Departures wrote a great article called Frugal Ways to Beat the Winter Blues. Those of you living in the northern half of the States or Canada will surely love this […]
[…] Even though spring is here, some of the country is still packed with snow. Urban Departures explains 8 frugal ways to beat the winter blues. […]