Today marks the first day of winter - a solstice that brings to mind snowball fights and powder days. But for many of us (especially those in more southern locales), the first day of winter can mean only dry, cold weather and no sidewalk shoveling.
While it’s easy to feel left out of all the fun when you have a snowless first day of winter, there are plenty of ways to celebrate winter without that fluffy white stuff. Try one of our suggestions instead to celebrate the first day of winter, snowy or not.
Go Skinny Biking
If you live in a snowless climate, enjoy the benefits of your year-round bike trails and get after it. Unlike our cold friends to the north, there is no need to spend money on renting a fat bike or investing in bar mitts. Cool weather biking means trails are less busy and you sweat a lot less, so it’s really a win-win.
Go Camping
Without having to shovel snow, your back should be in great shape to carry a backpack. Why not take a First Day of Winter camping trip? It’s much easier to hike without snow on the ground, and you don’t have to fiddle with cross-country skis or snowshoes. No need to worry about a four season tent if you’re not getting snow, so your regular camping gear will do. Bring your warm sleeping bag and hit the trail!
Throw Bocce Ball
Without snow, your dreams of a snowball fight on the first day of winter are likely out. But you can toss the next best thing: a bocce ball! Gather your friends for a challenging game of Bocce with this freestyle set - with soft nylon bocce balls that won’t hurt if the balls get thrown somewhere other than towards the target ball.
Make a Hot Cocoa Bar
If your first day of winter gets rained out instead of snowed out, why not enjoy some hot cocoa from the comfort of home? Try our favorite hot chocolate twists or experiment with different add-ins and flavors. Don’t forget to invite your friends over to fill their mugs and sip the night away.
Build an Ice (Cream) Man
When you’re all done adventuring in the snowless outdoors, build your own little snowman in a bowl (and eat him, too). Grab your favorite ice cream (vanilla is the classic, but who can resist a mint chip snowman?) and stack three scoops in your bowl - one large, one medium, and one small, of course. Decorate your ice cream man before he gets too melty - our favorite decorations include blueberry eyes, pretzel stick arms, candy corn arms, and a peanut butter cup hat. Enjoy your snowman with a smile knowing you don’t have to brush a few inches off your car in the morning.
Even when it feels like everyone’s singing about White Christmases and snowy sleigh rides, you can still enjoy winter without stepping foot on a snowflake.
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