Winter has arrived! I know, it’s hard to say goodbye to pumpkin spice lattes and brightly colored leaves for another year… but it’s time to say hello to freshly fallen snow and mugs of steaming hot cocoa. Here are 26 reasons winter is the most wonderful time of the year.
1. Snow Angels
There’s nothing quite like leaving your mark in untouched snow.
2. Cozy Fires
Everyone knows the best part about being cold is warming up. And what better place to do that than next to a crackling fire?
3. Warm Socks
You can’t make it through winter without a pair of thick, fluffy socks. Brownie points if they have over-the-top holiday designs on them.
4. Hot Cocoa
Hot cocoa is so versatile. There’s peppermint cocoa, cocoa with marshmallows, spiked cocoa (my personal favorite), etc. You can’t not love a drink with so much versatility.
5. Holiday Lights
Driving around to admire the brightly decorated homes and streets is one of my favorite things to do in winter. Something about those twinkly little lights is so magical. To find out where to go in your area, check out our annual list of the Best Neighborhoods to See Holiday Lights.
6. Sledding
Flying down a hill on a piece of plastic? Um yeah, sign us up.
7. Winter Brews
A brown ale with rich, chocolaty notes beats a summer Hefeweizen any day, in my opinion.
8. Christmas Carols
Buddy the Elf once said, “The best way to spread Christmas Cheer, is singing loud for all to hear.”
9. Homemade Soup
If the weather outside is frightful, get yourself a bowl of soup!
10. The Smell of Pine
If you don’t get a real tree, at least get yourself a pine candle!
11. Cozy Winter Fashion
Winter fashion offers so much more variety than summer. Scarves, big coats and boots are my personal favorites to stock up on.
12. Holiday Movie Reruns
“Christmas Vacation,” “A Christmas Story” and “Love Actually” are classics that should be watched again and again.
13. Oscar Nomination Releases
Need a new list of movies to watch? Oscar nominations are always the best picks from the year, and it’s fun to watch them before the award show.
14. Egg Nog
Egg nog may not be for everyone, but it’s another wintery drink that is so versatile.
15. Snow Days
Getting days off school as a kid was so much fun. Getting snow days as an adult? Even better.
16. Handmade Cards
It’s always so nice to hear from friends and family that you don’t see all the time. And handmade cards are so personal.
17. Snowboarding and Skiing
There’s nothing like hitting the slopes and feeling the wind on your face as you fly down a mountain.
18. Cuddling
Everyone needs a good cuddle buddy when winter comes knocking.
19. Homemade Sugar Cookies
Homemade sugar cookies are as fun to decorate as they are to eat.
20. Ugly Sweater Parties
There aren’t many parties where you can wear the most heinous thing you own. Take advantage.
21. Presents
Giving and receiving presents is so much fun. Wrapping them is a craft in itself.
22. Ice Skating
I can’t promise you won’t fall, but I can promise you’ll have fun.
23. Snow Ball Fights
This is another snow activity that is definitely not just for kids.
24. Vacation
The holidays mean time off work and a chance to get away.
25. Dogs and Cats in Sweaters
Those little guys get cold too!
26. Fresh Citrus
I love picking fresh oranges from my mom’s tree and making my own juice. Add a splash of champagne for holiday brunch!
Did we miss anything? What are your favorite things about winter? Tell us in the comments, or on Twitter @Redfin.
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