December 17 – Festival of Winter Walks Day

Festival of Winter Walks Day!

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HOW TO CELEBRATE FESTIVAL OF WINTER WALKS DAY STEP-BY-STEP

•  Go for a winter walk today!  Plan a winter picnic.
•  Read the 38 Hz article on how snow brings us happiness in, “When it Snows.”
•  How about giving snowshoes a go?
•  Try out some fun hot cocoa recipes and get a new thermos!
•  If you love the article image, purchase it on these fun products on Zazzle!

FEATURED ITEM FOR FESTIVAL OF WINTER WALKS DAY

We’re borrowing this celebration from our friends across the pond.  England’s Ramblers Walking Club shakes off the winter chill with their annual Festival of Winter Walks! From peaceful strolls along wooded trails to invigorating climbs up hills, there’s something for everyone in this celebration of the great outdoors. Participants can take unsung paths through nature or embark on an adventure towards breathtaking views of the countryside. Whether you’re an experienced walker or looking to get started with a new hobby, why not explore a winter walk?

A BRIEF HISTORY OF FESTIVAL OF WINTER WALKS DAY

The Festival of Winter Walks Day has been a beloved tradition in the UK for over 30 years. Originally started by the Ramblers Association as a way to promote walking and its benefits to both physical and mental health, the festive day has since evolved to include not only walking but also other winter activities. From ice skating to carol singing, the Festival of Winter Walks Day has become a celebration of all things festive and fun in the wintertime. Despite its evolution, the core spirit of the day remains the same – to encourage people to get outside, enjoy the fresh air, and connect with their local communities.

100 WAYS TO CELEBRATE FESTIVAL OF WINTER WALKS DAY

1. Scenic Nature Hikes: Explore local parks or trails adorned with winter scenery, admiring snow-covered landscapes and frosted trees while enjoying the invigorating fresh air.
2. Snowshoeing Excursions: Strap on snowshoes and venture into snowy terrain, experiencing the tranquility of winter landscapes while getting a great workout.
3. Winter Wildlife Watching: Embark on a wildlife-watching adventure, observing animals adapted to winter conditions such as deer, birds, and squirrels in their natural habitat.
4. Photography Expeditions: Capture the beauty of winter landscapes with a photography expedition, snapping shots of snow-covered trees, frozen lakes, and icicle formations.
5. Ice Skating Adventures: Hit the ice at a local outdoor rink or frozen pond for a fun-filled ice skating session with family and friends.
6. Sledding or Tobogganing: Enjoy the thrill of sledding or tobogganing down snow-covered hills, feeling the rush of adrenaline as you race down the slopes.
7. Winter Bird Feeding: Set up bird feeders in your backyard and observe feathered visitors, providing them with nourishment during the cold winter months.
8. Winter Picnics: Pack a thermos of hot cocoa, sandwiches, and snacks, and have a cozy winter picnic in a scenic outdoor location.
9. Winter Camping: Brave the elements and go winter camping for an unforgettable outdoor adventure, sleeping under the stars amidst a snowy landscape.
10. Geocaching Expeditions: Go on a winter geocaching adventure, using GPS coordinates to hunt for hidden treasures in the great outdoors.
11. Forest Bathing: Practice the Japanese art of forest bathing (shinrin-yoku) by immersing yourself in the tranquility of winter forests, connecting with nature and reaping its calming benefits.
12. Winter Photography Workshops: Join a photography workshop focused on capturing the beauty of winter landscapes, learning tips and techniques from experienced photographers.
13. Snow Sculpting Contests: Organize a snow sculpting contest with friends or neighbors, showcasing your creativity by sculpting intricate designs or whimsical characters out of snow.
14. Guided Nature Walks: Join a guided nature walk led by a local expert, learning about winter ecology, wildlife, and plant adaptations in your area.
15. Nighttime Stargazing: Bundle up and head outside for a nighttime stargazing session, marveling at the winter constellations and the beauty of the night sky.
16. Winter Beachcombing: Explore snow-covered beaches and shorelines, searching for seashells, driftwood, and other treasures washed ashore by winter storms.
17. Forest Fire Pit Gatherings: Gather around a cozy fire pit in the forest with friends or family, roasting marshmallows, sharing stories, and enjoying the warmth of the fire.
18. Winter Yoga or Tai Chi Sessions: Practice outdoor yoga or tai chi in a serene winter setting, connecting mind, body, and spirit while surrounded by the beauty of nature.
19. Winter Nature Sketching: Bring along sketch pads and pencils and spend the day sketching winter landscapes, trees, and wildlife, honing your artistic skills in the great outdoors.
20. Winter Storytelling Sessions: Sit around a campfire or fireplace and share stories, legends, and folklore inspired by winter and the natural world.
21. Ice Fishing Adventures: Try your hand at ice fishing on frozen lakes or ponds, drilling holes in the ice and patiently waiting for fish to bite while enjoying the peaceful winter surroundings.
22. Winter Bird Counting: Participate in a citizen science project like the Christmas Bird Count, contributing valuable data on bird populations during the winter months.
23. Snowshoe Yoga or Pilates: Combine the benefits of snowshoeing with the mindfulness of yoga or pilates, practicing gentle stretches and poses in the snowy landscape.
24. Winter Foraging Expeditions: Join a guided winter foraging expedition, learning about edible plants and fungi that can be found in winter and sampling seasonal treats.
25. Winter Wildlife Tracking: Learn the art of tracking wildlife in winter conditions, identifying animal tracks and signs while gaining insights into their behaviors and habitats.
26.  Snowman Building Contest: Compete to see who can build the most creative and elaborate snowman, using accessories like hats, scarves, and buttons to add personality.
27. Winter Scavenger Hunt: Create a list of winter-themed items or nature finds to search for while out on a walk, such as pinecones, animal tracks, or icicles.
28. Frozen Treasure Hunt: Hide small treasures or treats in the snow and challenge participants to find them, adding an element of excitement and reward to your winter walk.
29. Snowball Target Practice: Set up targets in the snow and take turns throwing snowballs to see who can hit the most targets, testing accuracy and aim.
30. Winter Nature Bingo: Create bingo cards featuring winter nature items like evergreen trees, animal tracks, and icicles, and mark off items as you spot them on your walk.
31. Icy Obstacle Course: Set up an obstacle course in the snow or on icy patches, with challenges like hopping over snowbanks, navigating around obstacles, and balancing on slippery surfaces.
32. Snow Angels Contest: See who can make the most perfect snow angels, judging based on size, symmetry, and overall impression.
33. Winter Olympics: Organize a series of winter-themed challenges such as snowball relay races, sled races, and snowshoe obstacle courses, awarding medals for winners.
34. Snow Sculpture Charades: Take turns sculpting objects or animals out of snow while others guess what they are, adding a creative twist to the classic game of charades.
35. Winter Wonderland Pictionary: Play a game of winter-themed Pictionary using the snow as your canvas, drawing images like snowflakes, sleds, and snowmen.
36. Frosty’s Freeze Tag: Play a game of freeze tag in the snow, with the twist that players who are tagged must freeze in place until they are unfrozen by a teammate.
37. Snowball Relay Race: Divide into teams and race to transport snowballs from one end of the course to the other using only spoons or cups, adding an extra challenge to the traditional relay race.
38. Winter Nature Trivia: Test your knowledge of winter wildlife, plants, and natural phenomena with a game of winter nature trivia, learning fun facts while enjoying the outdoors.
39. Snowball Tug-of-War: Divide into teams and engage in a friendly tug-of-war using a snowball as the “rope,” testing strength and teamwork in the winter landscape.
40. Winter Word Search: Create a winter-themed word search puzzle with words like snowflake, icicle, and mittens, challenging participants to find and circle the hidden words.
41. Ice Block Tower Stacking: Stack blocks of ice to build a tower, taking turns adding blocks without knocking over the tower, testing balance and precision.
42. Snowflake Relay Race: Cut out paper snowflakes and scatter them around the playing area, then race to collect the most snowflakes before the time runs out.
43. Winter Animal Charades: Act out different winter animals like penguins, polar bears, and arctic foxes while others guess the animal, adding a fun and educational element to the game.
44. Snowball Bowling: Set up snowball “pins” and roll a snowball to knock them down, scoring points based on the number of pins knocked over.
45. Winter Memory Game: Create a memory game with pairs of winter-themed cards like snowflakes, mittens, and hot cocoa mugs, testing memory and concentration skills.
46. Snowball Tic-Tac-Toe: Draw a tic-tac-toe grid in the snow and use snowballs as game pieces, taking turns placing them strategically to win the game.
47. Winter Alphabet Hunt: Search for objects in nature that start with each letter of the alphabet, from A for acorn to Z for zebra tracks, challenging participants to be observant and creative.
48. Snowball Relay Race: Divide into teams and race to transport snowballs from one end of the course to the other using only spoons or cups, adding an extra challenge to the traditional relay race.
49. Winter Olympics: Organize a series of winter-themed challenges such as snowball relay races, sled races, and snowshoe obstacle courses, awarding medals for winners.
50. Snow Sculpture Charades: Take turns sculpting objects or animals out of snow while others guess what they are, adding a creative twist to the classic game of charades.
51. Pine Cone Bird Feeders: Coat pine cones with peanut butter and birdseed, then hang them from trees to provide food for wintering birds and enjoy birdwatching.
52. Ice Lanterns: Fill balloons with water, freeze them, then remove the balloons to create stunning ice lanterns to illuminate your winter walk.
53. Snowflake Window Clings: Cut snowflake shapes out of white contact paper and stick them to windows for a festive and easy-to-make winter decoration.
54. Winter Nature Journals: Create nature journals using recycled paper and decorate the covers with winter-themed designs, then take them on your winter walks to record observations and sketches.
55. Twig Ornaments: Collect twigs and branches, cut them into small pieces, and glue them together to form geometric shapes or festive designs for rustic ornaments.
56. Felt Snowflake Garland: Cut out snowflake shapes from white felt and string them together to create a beautiful garland to hang indoors or outdoors.
57. Pine Cone Fire Starters: Dip pine cones in melted wax and let them cool, then use them as fire starters for cozy winter bonfires or indoor fireplaces.
58. Winter Terrariums: Create mini terrariums using glass jars, moss, small plants, and winter-themed figurines or decorations to bring a touch of greenery indoors.
59. Snowman Mason Jars: Paint mason jars white, add facial features and accessories with paint or felt, then fill them with LED tea lights to create adorable snowman luminaries.
60. Twig Star Wreath: Form twigs into star shapes and glue them together to create rustic and festive wreaths to hang on doors or walls.
61. Ice Sun Catchers: Fill round molds with water, add natural items like berries or leaves, and let them freeze to create beautiful ice sun catchers to hang outdoors.
62. Winter Shadow Box Scenes: Create winter scenes inside shadow boxes using miniature trees, figurines, and fake snow to capture the magic of winter walks.
63. Snow Globe Jars: Glue small winter-themed figurines to the inside of jar lids, fill the jars with water and glitter, then seal them to create whimsical snow globe decorations.
64. Yarn-Wrapped Branches: Wrap branches or twigs with colorful yarn to create decorative accents for winter displays or centerpieces.
65. Ice Sun Catchers: Fill round molds with water, add natural items like berries or leaves, and let them freeze to create beautiful ice sun catchers to hang outdoors.
66. Frosty Candle Holders: Coat glass jars with glue and sprinkle them with epsom salt or glitter to create sparkling candle holders reminiscent of frosted winter windows.
67. Snowflake String Art: Hammer nails into wood in a snowflake pattern, then wrap string around the nails to create intricate snowflake designs for wall hangings or ornaments.
68. Winter Memory Jars: Fill glass jars with small natural items collected on winter walks, such as pine cones, feathers, or stones, to create unique memory jars.
69. Ice Lanterns: Fill balloons with water, freeze them, then remove the balloons to create stunning ice lanterns to illuminate your winter walk.
70. Pine Cone Fire Starters: Dip pine cones in melted wax and let them cool, then use them as fire starters for cozy winter bonfires or indoor fireplaces.
71. Winter Nature Mobiles: Collect twigs, pine cones, and other natural items, then string them together with thread or fishing line to create beautiful mobiles to hang indoors.
72. Snowy Mason Jar Votives: Paint mason jars with white paint, add accents like snowflakes or trees with stencils or stickers, then place LED votive candles inside for a cozy winter glow.
73. Winter Nature Wreaths: Use grapevine wreaths as a base and decorate them with pine cones, berries, and other natural items collected on winter walks to create rustic and festive wreaths.
74. Twig Star Wreath: Form twigs into star shapes and glue them together to create rustic and festive wreaths to hang on doors or walls.
75. Felt Snowflake Garland: Cut out snowflake shapes from white felt and string them together to create a beautiful garland to hang indoors or outdoors.
76.  Homemade Soup Bar: Set up a soup bar with a variety of homemade soups like hearty vegetable, chicken noodle, or creamy tomato to warm up after your winter walk.
77. Hot Chocolate Station: Create a DIY hot chocolate station with mugs, hot cocoa mix, marshmallows, whipped cream, and toppings like chocolate shavings or peppermint sticks.
78. Trail Mix: Prepare homemade trail mix with a mix of nuts, dried fruits, seeds, and chocolate chips for a satisfying and portable snack to enjoy on your winter walk.
79. Warm Apple Cider: Simmer apple cider with cinnamon sticks, cloves, and orange slices for a comforting and aromatic beverage to sip on during your winter outing.
80. Grilled Cheese Sandwiches: Serve up classic grilled cheese sandwiches with gooey melted cheese between crispy bread slices for a simple and comforting meal after your walk.
81. Winter Salad: Make a winter salad with mixed greens, roasted vegetables like squash or beets, nuts, cheese, and a tangy vinaigrette dressing for a fresh and flavorful dish.
82. Baked Potato Bar: Set up a baked potato bar with toppings like sour cream, cheese, bacon bits, chives, and chili for a hearty and customizable meal to refuel after your walk.
83. Stuffed Bell Peppers: Stuff bell peppers with a mixture of rice, vegetables, and protein like ground turkey or quinoa, then bake until tender for a nutritious and satisfying meal.
84. Fruit and Cheese Platter: Arrange a platter with an assortment of fresh fruits like grapes, apples, and pears, paired with a selection of cheeses and crackers for a simple and elegant snack.
85. Winter Vegetable Soup: Make a hearty winter vegetable soup with seasonal vegetables like carrots, celery, potatoes, and kale simmered in a flavorful broth for a nourishing meal.
86. Pasta Salad: Toss cooked pasta with seasonal vegetables, olives, feta cheese, and a tangy vinaigrette dressing for a refreshing and portable dish to enjoy on your winter walk.
87. Roast Beef Sandwiches: Layer thinly sliced roast beef on crusty bread with horseradish sauce, arugula, and caramelized onions for a satisfying and savory sandwich option.
88. Quiche: Bake a quiche filled with eggs, cheese, and vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, and bell peppers for a versatile and filling dish to enjoy hot or cold.
89. Potato Leek Soup: Cook potatoes and leeks in a creamy broth flavored with herbs like thyme and bay leaves for a rich and comforting soup to warm you up.
90. Chicken Pot Pie: Make individual chicken pot pies with tender chicken, vegetables, and creamy gravy, topped with flaky puff pastry for a comforting and indulgent meal.
91. Vegetable Stir-Fry: Stir-fry a mix of colorful vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, and snap peas with tofu or chicken in a savory sauce for a quick and nutritious meal option.
92. Chili: Cook up a pot of hearty chili with beans, ground beef or turkey, tomatoes, and spices like chili powder and cumin for a flavorful and filling dish to enjoy after your walk.
93. Sausage and Pepper Skewers: Thread cooked sausage slices, bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms onto skewers and grill or roast them for a flavorful and satisfying meal option.
94. Egg Salad Sandwiches: Make egg salad with hard-boiled eggs, mayonnaise, mustard, and seasonings, then spread it on bread or crackers for a simple and protein-packed meal.
95. Vegetarian Wrap: Fill whole wheat wraps with hummus, roasted vegetables, avocado, spinach, and feta cheese for a nutritious and satisfying handheld meal option.
96. Chicken Caesar Salad: Toss grilled chicken strips with romaine lettuce, Caesar dressing, croutons, and grated Parmesan cheese for a classic and satisfying salad option.
97. Beef Stew: Slow-cook beef stew meat with potatoes, carrots, onions, and celery in a rich broth flavored with herbs like rosemary and thyme for a hearty and comforting meal.
98. Baked Salmon: Season salmon fillets with herbs, lemon juice, and olive oil, then bake until flaky and tender for a nutritious and flavorful main course option.
99. Vegetable Frittata: Make a vegetable frittata with eggs, cheese, and a variety of vegetables like bell peppers, onions, tomatoes, and spinach for a versatile and protein-packed meal.
100. Caprese Salad: Layer slices of fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil leaves, then drizzle with balsamic glaze and olive oil for a simple and elegant salad option.

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Do you have any ideas about how to celebrate Festival of Winter Walks Day?  Please share them!