Safe and Affordable Social Gathering Ideas for This Winter

 

It’s nearly winter, so you’re bound to spend more time inside as days grow shorter and colder. Therefore, you need to find a few ways to stay occupied. COVID-19 continues to be a concern — but it’s possible to safely gather with friends and family despite that fact.

Here are five affordable ideas to consider for this winter.

 1. Host a Movie Night

What’s better than a movie night? This activity will be a fun way to spend time with loved ones anywhere. If your group has had a COVID-19 test, you could invite them over to watch your favorite movies. You can screen your flicks virtually over a specific platform, too. Both options work.

Choose a couple of films to screen. You could always watch a holiday movie like “Home Alone” to ring in the seasonal spirit. Keep in mind that someone will need a subscription for a streaming service like Netflix in order to watch. Otherwise, you’ll need to rent or buy the movies.

Then, you can make snacks and drinks to eat throughout the night. These options can be as simple or as in-depth as you want. If you’re hosting guests, you should serve pre-packaged foods as an extra safety precaution.

2. Find a Trail to Hike

It may seem like hiking isn’t an option in the winter. That said, you can still enjoy the outdoors when it’s cold outside. As long as you wear the right clothing, it’ll be a great time. Plus, you’ll find that hiking can be an easy way to gather with friends and family while maintaining social distancing.

Look for state parks and other public wooded areas nearby. There may be closures due to the season, so it’s important to double-check beforehand. Then, you can organize a time to meet everyone during the day. This meetup won’t only help you get physical activity and fresh air. You can avoid detrimental social isolation, too.

Be sure to wear comfortable layers and proper shoes. You’ll need snacks and water, as well.

3. Have a Board Game Competition

If your friends and family like to play board games, it’s time to have a competition. This idea works best on a chilly night when you have nothing else to do. Plus, you can turn your board game night into a virtual activity if needed. Either way, you’ll have fun!

Pick a few board games to play over the evening. You can also play card games. Create different stations around your living room so that you can have two or three games going at once. If you plan to have an online game night, you should decide which virtual game to play with your loved ones.

You may even want to ask your loved ones to meet weekly. Then, you can have something to look forward to throughout the winter. You could try an on-going game like Dungeons and Dragons to play consecutively throughout the next few months.

4. Start a Weekly Book Club

The winter can be a perfect time to try a new hobby. What about reading? A book club will keep you and your friends and family occupied for the next few months. You’ll be able to discover new reads all while you chat about your literary discoveries.

Best of all, you can do this activity virtually when needed. It may be easier or safer for some people to meet online anyway. Be sure to get an insight into who wants to participate. Then, you can figure out which books you’ll read as a group.

If your library is closed or doesn’t have enough copies of a certain book, you can look at stores like Half Price Books to find discounted options. There are also many free and cheap audiobooks available on YouTube and Amazon.

5. Build a Backyard Bonfire

A fun way to hang out outside in the winter is to have a bonfire. If you or someone else has a fire pit, you can stay warm outdoors while you enjoy food and drinks. Additionally, you’ll have enough space to easily spread out and stay distanced amid COVID-19 concerns.

Try to keep your gathering small so that you keep everyone safe. Less than 10 people will present a slight risk as long as you take extra precautions, like not sharing utensils or plates. A larger outdoor environment can accommodate more people.

Have everyone bundle up. You can serve various small and large bites to satisfy everyone’s appetite. Be sure to provide access to an indoor area where people can go when they’re too cold, as well.

Use These Suggestions to Have Fun With Loved Ones This Winter

It may seem like you have to stay cooped up inside all winter, but that’s not the case. You can stay safe and save money by using any of these ideas to connect with loved ones. Before you know it, you’ll have a calendar full of socially distanced events to attend.