Tips to Embrace a Restful Winter
The decorations are down, the calendar isn’t quite as packed, and the ease of winter break is over. The reality is, we still have 10 weeks of winter left and a few more after that until we can count on consistently warm weather. This reality may make you feel dread and dispair but it doesn’t have to! A mindset shift and a little planning can help your family lean into the wonder of winter coziness.
According to Nature, Winter Should be Restful
When winter is treated as a season of restoration rather than resistance, it becomes easier to enjoy. The dark evenings and cold mornings stop feeling like obstacles and start feeling like permission to pause.
Nature is showing us what to do – with shorter days and less sunlight, our hormones and internal clocks shift, encouraging more rest, deeper sleep, and a gentle conservation of energy as we prepare for spring’s growth. While modern life often pushes us to maintain a nonstop pace year-round, embracing winter coziness through rest, nesting, and intentional slowness can help prevent burnout, support overall health, and reconnect us with the seasonal patterns humans have followed for generations.
So, rather than creating a checklist of must-do activities, winter works best when options are available without expectations. Children benefit from predictability and comfort, and parents benefit from releasing unnecessary pressure. Some days will be active. Others will be quiet. Both have value.
cozy indoor activities
Here are some things that make cold days and long nights spent indoors something you can look forward to. Here are some of our current favorite ways to pass the time.
Board Games + Puzzles
Play Nine | It’s a golf-themed game that’s fun for even those who couldn’t care less about golf. Easy setup and fairly easy to pick up on the strategy. It’s great for kids (6+ is what we’d recommend) and adults!
Uzzle | It’s steep at full price, but a great game addition if you can get it on sale. It’s great for kids and adults and goes quickly. Cards have varying levels of difficulty, so it’s great for building persistence!
The Genius Square | A great solo or duo game to challenge coordination and speed. It’s similar to Tetris but with a little more challenge!
Game of Life | A classic that really invites great discussions with kids. It’s recommended for ages 8+, but we think kids as young as 4 can still catch on.
Rat A Tat Cat | A fun and quick game that has kids doing math and thinking strategically without realizing it. Bonus, most adults find it fun and engaging too!
Mishy Match | A hilarious game that has you fighting your own brain. It moves fast and the rules are simple. In fact all games from Niche Nation generally get high marks.
Customers find this card game hilarious and entertaining for both young and old, making it a great choice for games night. Moreover, the game serves as a great brain exercise, helping with concentration, and customers appreciate its fast pace and simple rules. Additionally, they like that it caters to a wide range of ages, making it suitable for family gatherings.
Puzzles | These 60-piece puzzles are great for a quick challenge, and one kids can do alone. Gallison makes beautiful puzzles, and their 500-piece ones are great for a family challenge.
Kids Create
Water Squishies | This kit comes with a lot of materials to create multiple rounds of squishies. Kids will need some help getting this setup but it’s worth it for the entertainment it provides.
National Geographic Science Kits | These have been a hit and usually require little setup and oversight. The crystal growing kit is small but very cool to watch!
Poke Art and Foil Fun | These are a non-messy way for kids to be creative and come in many different themes. Anything from Skillmatics is usually a hit, including their Guess In 10 Series of games.
Slime | If you’re not the real DIYer and into making your own then the plethora of pre-made slime kits on the market are worth it. Save random old crafting items, beads from bracelet making, and glitter for additional mix-ins!
Art | There are so many videos online that kids can follow along with to draw, paint, and even sculpt. Art for Kids Hub and Let’s Make Art are two of our favorites.
Be Active Indoors
Nex Playground Game System | This is an investment, but it could pay off if you have kids who need to burn off their energy despite being stuck indoors. As a warning, to make the most of it, you’ll want to opt for the extra games since it includes many sports simulations and familiar faces like Bluey and Barbie.
Turn your garage into a play zone | Bring a space heater into the garage and do what you can with that space for the winter months. Things like a hover soccer ball, a rebouncer, a pogo jumper, an indoor tunnel and ball pit, a foosball table, and more are all options that’ll allow kids some space to play without you feeling like the floors may break. Spend some time searching “indoor active play” on Amazon or other retailer sites to see what ideas you find!
Yoga & Other Active Videos | Yoga for Kids and Cosmic Kids Yoga are two favorites, and Danny Go is popular with teachers as a brain break activity.
It’s OK to turn on the tV (intentional screen time)
Yes, we’re all on the same page about limiting screen time, but if there’s ever a season to loosen the reins just a bit, it’s during the long, cold, and dark nights of January and February. When it’s freezing outside and evenings feel extra long, screens can become a tool for connection instead of contention—especially when the rule is that we watch together. One of the biggest downsides of screen time isn’t the screen itself, but the isolation that happens when everyone disappears into their own device, and shared viewing helps flip that script.
Watching a show or movie as a family invites shared laughter, sparks conversations, and creates natural teaching moments, turning passive viewing into active engagement. Sitting alongside our kids allows us to guide content, talk through real-world connections, and model healthy digital habits while also building social-emotional skills like problem-solving, empathy, and teamwork. Intentional co-viewing transforms screen time into a cozy winter ritual that strengthens bonds and helps kids learn how to navigate the digital world in a safe, thoughtful way—together.
Some options most families will universally appreciate include nearly anything on Disney’s National Geographic channel, You Vs Wild with Bear Grylls, Is It Cake?, and Great British Baking Show–Juniors. A site like Common Sense Media is good for doing quick research and reading reviews.
Teach Your Kids Something in the Kitchen
Most kids love to be in the kitchen, so use these slower days as a chance to have them start learning and helping! Set the goal of baking something new each week or have them learn to make one new snack/meal for themselves (whatever is age-appropriate). Maybe it’s just learning how to read a recipe and collect all the ingredients for a dish, or how to measure spices (how to read measuring cups and spoons). These are things that kids need to learn anyway, and one that will ultimately make your life easier!
Do get some Fresh Air in the Winter
We all still need time outside during the winter, so get that in when and how you can. Get outside during the warmest part of the day, if possible. Or just bundle up and keep outings short. Things like neighborhood walks, 10 minutes of basketball in the driveway, taking the dog out, or doing an outdoor chore might be it for the day, but that is ok!
Since our winters in the south are so mild, we’ll still have those glorious days in the mid 50s and 60s to bridge the gap too! Fully maximize those, and we’ll be seeing spring on the horizon before long.
Winter activities outside the House
If you are looking for ideas on winter-friendly trips, activities, and adventures, then we’ve got plenty of those on the website. Here are some links to check out.
FAQs About Embracing A restful winter
1. What does it really mean to embrace a restful winter?
It means embracing the slower, restful parts of winter—like warmth, comfort, and simple activities—rather than rushing into post-holiday to-dos.
2. Why focus on coziness after the holidays?
After the busy holiday season, shifting your mindset to enjoy the quieter winter months can bring more peace and enjoyment.
3. What are some cozy winter activities for families?
Ideas include cuddling by the fire, homemade hot cocoa, family game nights, and winter walks.
4. Is there a benefit to slowing down in January?
Yes—leaning into quiet and rest in winter helps you recharge and appreciate the season without stress.
5. How can I make my home feel more cozy this winter?
Small touches like warm blankets, books, candles, and seasonal treats can enhance a cozy atmosphere.
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