Now that the holidays are over and people are back at work, and children are going back to school, the "winter blues" may start to set in for many. Winter often unofficially begins in Wyoming at the end of October or the beginning of November, but doesn't usually get people down because the holiday season, with all of the lights, the gifts, the food, and the gatherings, keeps most people distracted from the nights getting longer (or at least makes those longer nights enjoyable).

After the season, though, what's left? The days are starting to get longer, but it's a slow process. And with most of the lights and decorations taken down, it starts to look cold and bleak outside. So how can we pass the time until the weather finally starts to warm up? Here are a few ideas to get started!

  • 1

    Take Up a New Hobby

    Learning a new hobby often takes a lot of time and practice, keeping your mind occupied on learning a new skill instead of the long nights or the cold weather. You could even take up a hobby to help you combat the elements, such as knitting, with multiple businesses hosting knitting events downtown.

  • 2

    Find a New Series to Binge

    Admittedly, this may not be the healthiest option, but it's certainly a good distraction. With all of the offerings on services like Amazon Prime, Hulu, and Netflix, the winter season is a good time to revisit classic shows you loved, or discover great hits you might have missed.

  • 3

    Get Lost In a Book

    Trying to make good on that "read more" resolution this year? The internet is full of reading challenges to help readers stay motivated. And while books are expensive, the Albany County Public Library offers a great selection of books in the library and through the Overdrive virtual library. To quote the beloved children's series "Arthur", having fun isn't hard when you've got a library card!

  • 4

    Take Care of Yourself

    One of the only things worse about winter than being cold and miserable is having a cold (or the flu) and being miserable. With all the time spent indoors and at public places, this is the season in which germs spread like wildfire. Take your vitamins, keep washing our hands, and do anything else that helps you feel happy and healthy.

  • 5

    Enjoy the Snow

    The reality is that the snow will be here until at least March (but more likely until April or May), so you might as well make the best of it. You can make snowmen and snow angels on your own front lawn, or if you're feeling more adventurous, head up to Snowy Range for some skiing or to Happy Jack for some sledding (or whichever area is your favorite). Before long, the snow will go away for the summer and you'll find yourself missing it anyway.

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