The official start of winter is still days away, but with all the snow on the ground and subzero temperatures it certainly feels like winter has arrived in Bradford West Gwillimbury. And with months of snow and cold still ahead in the forecast, there’s only one thing to do: embrace the season!
Here are five suggestions to help get anyone into the spirit of winter.
Take a winter walk. Enjoy the subtle beauties of the season – the snow on evergreen branches, the berries on the bushes, winter birds flitting through the branches. Why not turn the walk into a competition? Have everyone take photos with their phone or a camera, then head home to compare – and decide over a mug of hot chocolate who best captured the spirit of winter.
Go tobogganing. Toboggan is just one of many Indigenous words to make its way into common usage, referring to a simple sled without runners that is dragged over the snow. Now, of course, it refers to a flat-bottomed sled used to slide downhill at top speed, just for fun. Could anything be more traditional, or traditionally Canadian?
Take up a new winter sport. This could be the year that you learn how to skate, ski - downhill or cross-country – or take up snowshoeing. What about Norwegian kick-sledding? There are plenty of options for beginners, including snowshoe rentals and trails at the Simcoe County Museum, a short drive north of Barrie.
Too cold outside? Stay indoors and make cookies! Involve the whole family in choosing the recipe – either a traditional one, or try something new off the Internet – then everyone into the kitchen to bake a batch. When the cookies are done, enjoy with hot chocolate or tea, and watch the snow fly. Remember to make enough to share with friends.
Remember your feathered friends. Winter can be tough on the birds that stay in the area, like the black-capped chickadees, blue jays and juncoes. Why not set up a bird feeder in the backyard, or a suet ball, to hang from a branch? You’ll help the birds find food to forage, and you can watch the action at the feeder as you stay warm indoors.
