With winter break ending, and ever approaching storms, with it, comes snow. While many are out shoveling, snowblowing, or spreading salt, there are other activities that might be much more fun in the monotonous month of January. 

Shoveling Snow

A workout for those who love to be helpful, and those who love lifting weights. Not only is it making things safer, it’ll have the shoveler breaking a sweat in the process. One of the first ever snow shovels is over 6000 years old, found in a bog in Russia, made of an elk antler. 

Snowball Fights

It seems cliche to have this, but nothing beats a snowball to the face. Well, throwing a snowball at someone else’s face feels a lot better. It’s a nostalgic feeling felt by all ages, and can include everyone in the family as well. One of the first ever recorded snowball fights was a short film by the name of “Bataille De Neige” Translated to “Snow Fight” Taking place in Lyon, France in 1897. From the smiles on their faces to the fallen cyclist, it’s been a fun activity for ages. 

Reading & Movie Watching

Some activities like being indoors that may be better than being outside. Cozying up to the fireplace, or under a bundle of blankets may be a lot more appealing to some. It’s always nice to turn on the T.V, or read a book quietly when snow piles outside. Around 3450 B.C writing was invented, so there’s tons of literature to read out there. 

Crocheting 

Crocheting is a calm activity one can remain indoors for. It may take a long time, but the end product is worth it. Crocheting evolved from knitting and needlework found across the world, like China, and Turkey. It’s still used today in many artistic pieces, and a skillful hobby.

Sledding

Finding a large hill to slide upon is one of the most exuberant feelings one can muster. Get together with some friends, and take on the largest hill in the area. Hours of fun await. Earliest examples of sledding came from an Osberg ship excavation, as well as northern Canada for transport, similar to travois. 

Build a Snowman

Rolling balls of snow, and stacking them atop each other, can be even better than any of the other activities. Add a corn cob pipe, and a button nose, and it’ll be one fun snow day. Throughout history, it has been one of the most common winter traditions. One of the first snowmen to be recorded in history was made by Michelagelo and commissioned by Piero de’ Medici. 

Baking

Seeing the ground covered in snow can make baking even more cozy than it already is. Making sourdough loaves, and homemade sugar cookies in the oven keeps the body warm, and the soul warmer. Some of the first records of baking were recorded to be from 2600 B.C. The Egyptians made loaves of bread similar to sourdough with yeast, previously used for beer. 

Listening to Music

A playlist of the top 40 songs blasting through the speakers or headphones is a good way to pass the time. What’s better is singing along. Through history, music has been a part of many cultures, including China, Egypt, Rome, and the Middle east. 

Depending on the person, snow days can be a fun and exciting time, and for others, it’s not. Make the most of the snow on the ground, and do something entertaining while it remains. Get together with friends and family, and party the night away. It’s been done for ages, and will continue on through the centuries.