Lean into the Season: winter ideas to make the season bright and extra cozy

An illustration of different activities to try in order to make the winter season more enjoyable after Christmas, including wearing cozy outfits, trying a guided journal, exploring warm drink recipes, hosting a game night, starting a new craft, going on a winter hike, and watching Hallmark rom-coms.

There are two types of people in this world: those who love winter and those who’d endure an eternity of wearing wet socks if it meant they never had to live through that treacherous season again.

For our friends who fall into the second category, we compiled all our favorite tips and tricks for beating the winter blues. From fun decor inspo and activities to comforting treats, these winter ideas are guaranteed to leave you with a little sunshine.

Inspired? Create and share by tagging @HallmarkStores.

Winter decor ideas  

Whether you’re all about leaning into trendy winter icons or making your home an escape from snowy vibes, we’ve got tips to help.

  • Fresh greenery or new plants. There’s something renewing about bringing a little outdoors inside—especially at a time of year when weather can make it hard to get outside as much as you’d like. If you’ve never taken care of a plant, ask the plant parents in your life or your local plant shop owners their recs for beginners.
  • Framed pictures that only come out at this time of year. Bonus points if they’re super colorful or feature something wacky to make you smile.
  • A cozy blanket. The feeling of snuggling up with a freshly washed blanket is pure bliss! We have lots of cute ones featuring favorites from Disney, Peanuts, Gilmore Girls and more.
  • Ambient light to match your mood. Try candles if you want to feel like you’re in a dreamy winter cottage or get a night-light that changes colors.
  • An “everyday tree.” Who says you can’t have a tiny tree decorated with hot dog condiments? Find some fun ornaments to DIY a tree with a theme of your choice.
  • Game table. Find a spot to create a gaming area, where you leave your favorite video or board games open and ready to play. You could also include classics like solitaire, marbles, logic puzzles, etc.

Winter wardrobe ideas  

Having cute attire makes braving the cold so much easier. Leg warmers! Colorful scarves! Huge sweaters that are too sweat-inducing to wear any other time of year! It’s the season for cozy, so embrace it.

  • A hooded blanket to never take off.
  • Onesie pajamas that make you feel like a little kid.
  • A plush, oversize robe to luxuriate in.
  • Matching pajamas and sweaters if you have a pet! Other humans will suffice, too.
  • Silly, snuggly socks that make you smile.
  • A fancy, slightly impractical outfit you’re excited to wear. When the winter slump hits hard, call your favorite people for a night out to show it off!

Winter food and drink ideas  

’Tis time for all the comfort food your tummy can take! Keep reading for some of our favorite winter-friendly treats and tons of new recipes to try.

  • Box of assorted teas with new flavors to try every day. You could get a fancy teacup and saucer to go with!
  • A dessert that feels like a literal warm hug. WHAT MORE COULD YOU ASK FOR??? From cookie faces you can DIY to look like your friends and family to the only oatmeal cookie recipe you’ll ever need, find our favorites here.
  • Winter cocktails. Make this hot buttered rum your signature winter drink.
  • Or go with a hot chocolate bar to keep it classic.
  • Comfort soups. Think pasta fagioli, loaded baked potato (my fave) or this hearty chicken and chickpea stew.
  • Weekly taste test. Pick a particular food or snack you love, stop at a few local places to grab it and decide who makes it best! You get an excuse to leave home, plus yummy treats to make the trip worth it. Bonus points if you get a few friends to join you as judges!

Winter entertainment ideas  

Need help making your winter watch list? Look no further, friend. While we’ve got plenty of holiday content, winter is also a wonderful time to watch things that don’t involve Santa or innocent grandmas getting run over by negligent reindeer. 😂

  • Have a designated weekly movie night. If schedules allow, I vote to do this on a random weekday. There’s something healing about seeing friends after work on a Wednesday night, and it gives you something exciting to look forward to! And while it’s the season for holiday movies (hello, Countdown to Christmas…), it can also be fun to have a night dedicated to films with summer vibes for a *virtual* change of scenery.
  • Create a movie bucket list with your watch party crew. We all have a show or movie we’ve recommended to a friend a zillion times, yet they still haven’t seen it. Compile a list of said shows or movies and make a pact to actually watch them this time! They can be niche favorites from your childhood, classics you think everyone deserves to experience at least once or something you’d love to hate-watch together.
  • Host a virtual watch party. I don’t know about you, but nothing makes me feel more bleh than being trapped inside on a super cold day. But with our tips, you can plan a virtual watch party that feels just as fun as an in-person gathering.
  • Host a puzzle night with yummy snacks. Just make sure all your pieces are accounted for before you start putting it together.
  • Get teary during a nostalgia night. Have everyone in the group make a slideshow of their best childhood/baby photos or play any childhood videos their parents/family took of them. Seeing your besties as babies is PRICELESS.
  • Make an elaborate movie night menu. You’ll be at home, so why not treat yourself to more than the standard popcorn and candy? Have a full breakfast-for-dinner spread, with chocolate chip waffles, pastries, fruit etc. Or make a DIY buffet filled with some of your favorite snacks and drinks. Unlimited refills and as many bathroom breaks as you want, yay!
  • Drink up! Choose a designated word or phrase and take a sip of your favorite winter-themed beverage every time it’s said during the show or movie you’re watching. This pumpkin spice latte is a great one to start with!

Winter activity ideas  

If you’ve been waiting all year to pull out your sled, great! If this is your least favorite time of year, also great—you’ll really love all the ideas below. 😉

  • Surprise someone with a winter care package. If you know someone struggling with the winter blues, make their day with a personalized gift! Fill it with things like colorful treats, coloring pages and other sweet gifts that’ll make them smile.
  • Journaling in a new notebook for winter. We have tons of journaling prompts here!
  • Build a snowman (or other snow creature, object or sculpture). Maybe if it’s impressive enough you’ll make the news, like 2024’s Kansas City Snow Butt.
  • Bundle up for a winter hike. Winter can be great for hiking because bugs and weeds are less of a concern, and leafless trees mean wide-open views.
  • Start a new craft, like needle punching, weaving, knitting, etc. If you need some help getting started, check out some of these fun crafts and DIYs!
  • Send some gratitude cards. It’s always a great time to tell someone how much you appreciate them. I’m guessing there are a few people on this list who you might wanna send some thanks to!
  • Find a local spot to volunteer, like a food pantry or animal shelter. It’s a great way to build community and make new friends.
  • Host a tropical-themed party indoors for a break from the cold.
  • Whatever that project is you haven’t started, start. That poetry collection isn’t gonna write itself…
  • Make a simmer pot and give your nose the best day ever.  

With all these wonderful winter ideas, we’re feeling fully prepared to brave the cold. Cheers to a joyful season for you and all your favorite peeps, whether there’s snow, shine or a little slush here and there.