5 Favorite Winter Activities

For this Friday Five, I'm linking up with Courtney at Eat Pray Run DC, Cynthia at You Signed Up for What, and Mar at Mar on the Run.  The theme for this week is five favorite winter activities.

Let me begin by admitting that I am not a fan of winter - not even my January birthday can redeem the season.  However, I like to be a pretty positive person and try to find the good that helps take care of the cold winter months.  So once those cold fronts start moving through, these are the five activities I like to enjoy while the weather outside is frightful.

Phipps Conservatory Light Show - Started a few years ago due to the invitation of a friend, each winter my wife and I pay a visit to Phipps Conservatory for their Winter Flower and Light Show.  The rooms throughout the conservatory are decked out in holiday cheer with seasonal plants and lights galore.  And with the show running for a few months, getting in a few visits is always a great opportunity.

Overly's Country Christmas - Compared to Phipps, Overly's is more of a car light show and holiday village.  With admission going toward various charities, participating in the holiday event gives one the feeling of giving back while enjoying Christmas.  After driving past the light displays, families have the chance to walk through the small village of stores and sights, including a talking Christmas tree.  This event appeals to all ages, including kids from 1 to 92.

Sleeping in on Snow Days - When the weather turns bad or unbelievably cold, the phone call that makes the chilliness endurable is the alert that a snow day has been called.  Usually after getting the message, I turn off my alarm and fall right back to sleep.  In feeling more rested and only having to go outside enough to shovel the drive way, when we get back to school I'm ready jump back into things.

Sipping Hot Chocolate and Reading - As the snow swirls outside, nothing fits the mood better than drinking hot chocolate and curling up with a good book or magazine.  Comfort and coziness make for such a peaceful day that is often needed amidst the craziness of life.

Running - Nothing gives a sense of accomplishment or gets you crazy looks from neighbors than running in the winter weather.  Bundling up and hitting the road challenges you mentally and physically.  However, once finished, the day feels more complete and productive.

What is your favorite winter activity?

Happy running!
Sean