Finding things to do with friends can always be a challenge during the cold winter months. Once the sun goes away and shorter, colder days loom, no-one wants to venture out unless necessary, meaning meeting up with friends may unconsciously take a backseat.
I’m here to tell you that your friendships don’t have to suffer during these months, and that even if inspiration is low, there are loads of things you can do with friends during this season.
1. Take a fitness class together - This is a sure-fire way of keeping your serotonin high whilst having fun and keeping fit. My personal favourites are going swimming and kickboxing, see what sports classes work for you and your friends!
2. Have a painting day (inside) - Even if you’re not that great at painting, let go of your reservations and let your creativity flow. This is a super fun way to sit down with your friends, take a break from media and have a wholesome evening. (Fun fact, this is my picture). 👇
3. Play games on Discord - Whilst I’m not the most avid gamer (if at all – unless you count playing Mario Galaxy grounds to identify as a gam3r gurl) I have tried and tested this one and safe to say, it’s a great way to stay connected to your friends. Geographical mobility restrictions now means that for the majority of us, we don’t live near most of our friends. If you find yourself in this demographic, or just not wanting to leave the comfort of your own home, why not jump download some multiplayer games on steam and play them with friends through discord? One of my personal favourites is JackBox games.
4. Host a dinner - If you want to make it even more fun, why not make it a themed dinner? (Shrek themed dinner party anyone, hello?)
5. Brunch – No matter what time of year, everyone loves a brunch. Plus, it’s a great way to get out and enjoy the day as well as having a catch up with friends.
6. Winter Wonderland - With the season upon us, Winter Wonderland is back in the majority of cities in the UK. Why not plan a trip with your friends? Go for a wander in the stalls, warm your hands on cups of hot chocolate, and marvel at the pretty lights. The best thing is you don’t have to spend a lot of money to enjoy the vibes that Winter Wonderland can offer.
7. Movie marathon – There’s nothing cosier than settling down to do a movie marathon of the classics. There’s also another potential for a theme here... (Jedi costumes for a Star Wars marathon anyone? How about dressing as your favourite Ghibli character?)
8. Game night - I find board games are a great way to get the blood pumping, get some competition going – until someone flips the monopoly board – yes, there is always that one person.
9. Spa – what better way to release some of that building tension in your shoulders than going to a spa with friends? Not only is it a refuge from bitterly cold days but you can go for a swim and relax your muscles in the hot tub. Sounds like a win-win to me.
10. Start a book club – whilst you may be raising your eyebrows at this one, starting an intimate book club can be a great way to stay connected with friends, and gives you an excuse to detox from social media and meet up once a month to discuss the book. If you’re looking for some book inspo, check out our list of classic must reads, or if you’re looking for something more socially orientated, check out our collation of books for feminists.
11. Secret Santa – In the spirit of the season, why not take part in secret Santa with friends? This’ll be a great opportunity to get festive, exchange gifts and meet up for a nice dinner. This process is even easier now with websites like Drawnames, which generates a name for you, allows you to organise your secret Santa and make a wish list, ensuring that whatever you receive, it’ll be something you like!
These are just a few things that can bring you and your loved ones closer when the cycle of eating out or going for a coffee seems stale and unmotivating. There are so many other ways to stay connected to people, and they don’t need to be big flamboyant gestures. Spending time with people you love is time well spent, no matter the activity.
