As much as we may be sick of hearing it, things look a little different this year, and many winter traditions have had to be reimagined. It can be disappointing, but we have to make the most of our situation at hand. And who knows? Maybe you will find some new traditions that you love even more! There is still an abundance of safe activities you can do to make the season as magical as ever. Below are some ways to retain a sense of normalcy during the winter:

1. Take a walk in nature with your family or your dog. Crows Woods is a wonderful place to spend a weekend afternoon, enjoying the crisp winter air.

2. Get in the kitchen! Baking is always a winter favorite, and my family has done a lot of it this year. There are delicious recipes for cookies, pies, and cakes scattered throughout magazines and all over the Internet. We recently made peppermint marshmallow hot chocolate cookies, and they are to die for! I’ve included the link below:

https://tasteandsee.com/peppermint-marshmallow-hot-chocolate-cookies/

Below are some ideas that may require you to be inside or near other people (while following COVID-19 safety precautions). Depending on how comfortable you are being in the general vicinity of others, these activities may not be your cup of tea (and that’s okay)!

1. Go ice skating! In most places, you are required to wear masks and stay socially distant from those not in your party. There is a location I know of: Blue Cross RiverRink at the Delaware River Waterfront. I have been there, and it is a blast!

2. Bowling: This can be a fun evening out for some light-hearted competition! In some places, food and drink is served. Here are some bowling locations near Haddonfield: Pinsetter’s Bar and Bowl in Merchantville, NJ, The Big Event in Cherry Hill, NJ, or Bowlero in Turnersville, NJ. Throw on your bowling shoes and enjoy a game or two! 

3. Head to the movie theaters to catch a new release! Local locations: AMC Marlton 8, AMC Cherry Hill 24, AMC Voorhees 16, and Cinemark 16 and XD in Somerdale. Masks are required indoors with the exception of when you are eating or drinking.

Winter can be a difficult time of year and it may seem a little extra crazy, but that does not mean we cannot do the activities we love!