OCR Text |
Show Snow may blanket the landscape, and chilly temperatures may require bundling up, but cold weather doesnt have to turn families into couch potatoes or force them into hibernation. Winters a real challenge for families because you cant go boating or spend the day together at a park like you can in the summertime, says Alexander Kennedy, editorial director for Family Fun magazine. But there are still plenty of fun things you can do to bring your whole family together even when the weather is less than desirable. Whether youre in the frigid Northeast or the fair weather Southwest, winter and all its trimmings offer opportunities to get creative outdoors, rediscover a new place or activity, or huddle up indoors and spend time together. Consider the following ideas: .Around (he kurtk of the family to tell their stories about growing up, family vacations, or their accomplishments," she suggests. The best thing about this activity is die tape you have 20 or 30 years later, Erickson says. Something that was a lot of fun one afternoon becomes a priceless family treasure later in life," she says. Homemade food still brings families together, especially ifits around an taffy pull (see recipe opposite page), she says. Theres something about doing something so traditional that makes it fun, Erickson says. An indoor picnic, with a checkered tablecloth, cold fried chicken, potato salad, pickles, and chips, also can beat winter doldrums. Wear V Staying inside neednt mean sitting in front of computer keyboards and television screens. I like to think of ways the whole family can get involved in an activity, and Im all about celebrating a fam- ilys heritage," says Donna Erickson, author of Donna ErickFunstuff for Families and host of the American Public Television show Donna's Day. Erickson recommends getting together for nostalgic storytelling. Have a tape recorder or video camera handy and ask different members stay-insi- de v S vat5, son's Fabulous Page 6 American Profile summer shirts and hats and play a beach music CD to set the mood, Erickson says. Games also provide hours of entertainment, Kennedy says. The traditional board games we enjoyed playing when we were kids, like Monopoly, Scrabble, or Boggle, are some of the best ones still, she says. Arts and crafts are staple to days, and everyone can participate, no matter their skill level, Kennedy says. Children can be creative with pipe cleaners, buttons, scissors, glue, and what have you. For adults, winter is a great time to take on projects that , can range from building a wooden ship model (fine kits are avail able at hobby stores) to a homemade table. . |