Debt and money news – May 2017
This month’s news has been dominated by the upcoming general election, but...
It’s all “snowpocalypse” doom and gloom in the news at the moment, and to top it all, there’s a threat of even more snow over the next week, just as the main Christmas getaway takes place.
Instead of cringing at the thought, why not embrace it, and look at ways to have some free fun in the snow this Christmas. After all, isn’t that why we have accumulated all that warm winter gear?
So, prise yourself out of the armchair, root out those woolly gloves, scarves, wellies and pom-pom hats and head out into the crisp fresh air. Here are some tips that can help turn a boring, cold winter day into a fun snow day.
1. Make a snow angel
Just lie down in fluffy white snow, outstretch your arms and legs and make your mark in the snow. Great fun!
2. Eat some snowflakes
Catch snowflakes on your tongue as they fall from the sky. It may not be the healthiest thing to do, but it’s fun. Remember the oft-told tip about avoiding yellow snow though!
3. Build a snowman
All you need is a carrot for his nose and pebbles for eyes. Or let your imagination run riot and invent a different snowman.
4. Make snow footprints
Make a pattern or write a message in the snow with your footprints. And keep an eye out for unusual footprints and try to guess which animal they belong to.
5. Go sledging
You don’t have to buy an expensive sledge. You can make your own out of cardboard.
6. Make an igloo
Become an Eskimo and build your own igloo. Then climb inside and admire your handy work with a hot mug of chocolate!
7. Have a snowball fight
Forts are allowed, although we always thought that was cheating. Here are some tips on how to win a snowball fight.
8. Go for a walk and take your camera
Look for unusual snowy scenes or day-today objects looking very different in the snow, and take some photos.
9. Volunteer to help an elderly or disabled neighbour
Elderly and disabled people can become isolated in the bad weather. Offer to get shopping for them if they are unable to venture out into the snow, or volunteer to clear the snow from their drive. Spend some time chatting with them; they may not have had any visitors for some time.
10. When your fingers and toes get too cold…
Head back indoors, warm up with a hot drink, snuggle up in a blanket and huddle by a fire. Or run a hot bath and fill with lots of bubbles. Relax and enjoy.
As the old saying goes, ‘the best things in life are free’ and snow can be fun and it’s free for everyone. And there’s even the chance we may have a white Christmas to look forward to!