Alex Aster is the managing editor of The Newsette, and as a part of our new “Ask Alex” series, she tackles some of our readers’ most pressing questions, in an effort to bring a new perspective to the table. Today, Alex answers a question about the winter blues.
Q: Dear Alex, I live in the northeast, where it’s obviously starting to get cold (winter is coming). Along with this cold weather always comes winter blues. Without the nice weather I just don’t have as much of an incentive to leave my apartment except for work. How can I make the inevitable weather as exciting as summer?
A: Warm weather seems to invoke happiness with every ray of light, and once the sun hibernates it can seem like a gloomy season. But fall and winter have their own rays of light, starting with incredible style (hello duster coats and chunky sweaters!), nostalgic activities (Halloweentown anyone?), and seasonal adventures that are more fun during the cold months (apple picking, pumpkin carving, skiing, etc.). Below, I list three easy ways to leave the winter blues behind and actually get excited for the pending icy weather.

  1. Make plans early. Turn the blues into bright memories and make fun plans like ice skating, seeing a play, or visiting a cozy town now, so that when December rolls around, you’re not staring at an empty social calendar. Putting in the work now will mean that it might be harder to barricade yourself indoors once the temperature drops. And, who knows, maybe you’ll end up falling in love with the festivities that come with the freezing temps.
  2. Find a way to bring summer back. No matter how magical the winter can be, there are times when you will crave summer. Easily bring back elements of the warm-weather season by planning a vacation to a warm state, hosting a “Summer in December” party where you serve Margaritas and fun bites in your apartment, or even find an indoor pool to hang out in.
  3. Take advantage of winter-only elements. Whether it’s making a snowman or making a recipe that calls for vegetables that are only in season during the cold months, take advantage of fall and winter by using mother nature to your advantage. Hello pumpkin-infused DIY face mask!