Embracing The Winter Season

It’s that time of year again, that cold-grey-never-stops-raining season that we always seem so surprised with (I don’t know why, it happens every year). I will be the first person to say that I love the sun and warm weather, but living in the lower mainland, that simply isn’t a reality for 5 (okay more like 7 or 8) months of the year.

Rather than match my mood to the weather (aka miserable) I decided that this year I was going to try my hardest to embrace winter and lean in to the season. Below are some of the ways that I plan to enjoy the next couple months of winter here in Vancouver/Surrey/Langley/etc. I've tried to include spots that are located across the Lower Mainland, because we don't all live in Mount Pleasant (even if we wish we did).

Stay Inside

If nothing else, the gross weather outside acts as the perfect excuse to stay inside and be lazy cozy. You know how all you want to do at the end of the day is binge watch that new Netflix series?.. do it! Grab some warm socks and blankets (heck, invite some friends over if you’re feeling social) and have a Netlflix Night. Want to switch it up? How about a movie marathon or watch a Christmas movie if that’s your jam. 

Want to get out of the house, but still not ready to brace the winter weather outside? Hit up a cute café or local brewery! They’ll be warm, get you out of the house, and maybe it’ll even be a little fun. Need recommendations? I would recommend these local cafes here and here. And this brewery. On my list to explore this season: here, here and here.

Step Outside

On those days where the weather isn’t filling up the streets with puddles, there are some really cool winter activities you can take part in. Plus they say if it’s raining down here, it’s snowing in the mountains, right?(I actually have no idea if that is a credible saying).

If you’re looking to hit up the mountains, there is the classic skiing and snowboarding, but if you want to do something different you could try your hand at snowshoeing (here) or snow tubing (with Active KSA December16th). Both options more affordable than the classic lift pass.

Want to stay more local? You could always check out the Bear Creek Park Christmas Train, Ice Skating at a local rink or sledding (if we get more snow).  

Get Festive

As we enter the month of December, we are also entering full force into the holiday season. Whether you celebrate a holiday this time of year, or not, it’s still fun to get a little festive. While the Surrey City Hall Plaza Christmas Tree Lighting has already happened, the tree will still be lit over the next few weeks to visit. Living closer to Langley? Similar to Vancouver’s Enchant, Langley will be home to GLOW this year. There are also lots of Holiday markets set up from Abbotsford to Vancouver that are sure to be a great time (and are not all ‘Christmas’ focused).

Even if you are stuck on campus studying for that seriously hard exam coming up, there is still a way to lean into the winter season. Listen to a soothing Jazz or Hygge playlist on Spotify, and order a festive drink from Grassroots Café while you cram (you’ll also get a student discount there).

For some of us, the winter season can be a tough (Vitamin D deficient) time, but as I told myself in early November, everyone has a choice. You can match your mood to the weather (aka miserable) or you can lean in and embrace the few delights that can only be done during the cold weather months. I mean you can’t snowshoe in July, at least in Vancouver.

Stay warm out there folks!

-        Kendell