It’s nearing the end of January, the temperatures are low on the thermometer, and the sun still sets before dinnertime.  The excitement of the holidays, be it Christmas, Hanukkah, New Year’s, or what have you, is over.  Valentine’s is still more than two weeks away, and that’s only thrilling if you have a special someone to share the day.  Thus, for many, the blahs of winter are descending.

However, it doesn’t have to be that way.  There are an assortment of ways to turn this colder, darker time of year into something more festive.  Sunset is still early?  Light candles or, if your home has curious pets or young children, use battery powered candles to add a festive touch.  Ignore the cold by cooking dinner in the crockpot.  After a long day at work, walking through the door to the smells of dinner will make everything feel warmer.

Rather than waiting for the next holiday to arrive, find an obscure holiday to celebrate.  When my children were preschool age and the winter was growing long, I discovered Ice For Breakfast Day.  If you want to see excited kids, serve them homemade waffles topped with ice cream for breakfast.  Over ten years later, they still talk about it.

If you’re feeling really creative, invent your own holiday.  In our home, if we know we’ll be trapped at home due to a snowstorm, it’s a good reason for a movie and snacks day.  Celebrate your dog’s birthday, have a kids make dinner day, pick a random date and have cake for dessert to acknowledge the day.  The possibilities are endless.

If you’re reading this and thinking that you’re not the creative sort, check out our holiday publication, Holidays Helper.  There you’ll find snack ideas, craft directions for kids of all ages, suggestions for decor and favors, and much more.

Get rid of the winter blahs and add some fun to your day.

For those interested, Ice Cream for Breakfast Day is celebrated on the first Saturday in February.