Baby It's Cold Outside: 5 Ways to Beat the Winter Blues

Kelly Doran

As the coldest part of winter rolls around, you may find yourself in a wicked bind. You are bored to death, suffering from a bleak case of cabin fever, you’re broke because the phenomenal amounts of money society says you should spend on loved ones at Christmas, and it’s cold enough to literally kill you if you stay outside long enough. 

Now What? 

Here are some simple ways to have some fun without spending a boatload of cash!

5. Sledding with Schnapps

Peppermint Schnapps literally cost like 4 dollars. Grab an old sled, get a little drunk, and have a boozy, yet inexpensive time with the adults in the family. It’s a good way to fill any nostalgia of a younger time. 

Disclaimer: No one at 990WBOB, or any one ever, suggests drunk sledding with children, ever. Most of the folks at WBOB don't suggest children, period. 

4. Date night in - for under $25 

Invite that sexy someone over for a dinner at your place. Make $25 look like way more with a few touches. First, a Pasta dish is by far one of the cheapest, yet filling dishes ever. Grab a pound of beef for $5, Pasta for $1, and Red sauce for $1. Plate nicely, preferably on matching plates.  Then grab a 79 cent packet of pudding, and whipped cream for $3. Grab a $12 Dollar bottle of wine, and you have a two course meal paired with wine. All this should lead up to the cheapest thing ever to do… 

Sex, I’m talking about sex.

3. Enjoy the downtime

Without a doubt there are shows on Netflix that you haven’t been able to binge watch yet. Borrow a TV tray from your Grandmother or whatever, grab the rest of the season’s leftovers, and bunker down for the latest season of Scandal, as well as sugar cookies and Christmas Ham.  Read a book.  Go to the library even. None of these things cost money, especially when you borrow your sisters Netflix account info!

2. Good ol’ fashioned card games

Legitimately a lost thing of the past that needs to come back. A deck of cards at any store will run you about 2 bucks, and that deck of cards will supply endless hours of fun. Put the effing ipods down, sit at the dinner table and play. Stay nice and toasty with a few of those Swiss Miss packets from Cumbies for 79 cents. It won’t kill you, it’s next to free, and you will be surprised on how entertaining actual conversation is. 

1. Give back

It literally takes almost no effort to give a little back. Goodwill is always looking for volunteers, as well as homeless shelters, soup kitchen and food co-ops. You generally need a clean Background, and Goodwill will pay to have a Background check done for you. A little goes a long way when it comes to these organizations, and don’t forget, charity is always possible.

Here’s to making it through another New England Winter! Good Luck, and Have fun!

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