Winter is Coming
The cold is here. I love Fall. But in the mornings and evenings it is definitely jacket weather, which means the nasty stuff is on its way — at least here in the Midwest. And yes, we are still in the middle of a pandemic, probably looking at another spike and a tough season ahead. We’ve been social distancing, hanging out on people’s decks and patios. Taking multiple walks. Having lunch in the park so we can see our friends. “Hey Party Hack, I thought this blog wasn’t depressing?” Right. Just giving a little background folks.
Ok, so what do we do? Let me tell you now — there is not some magic solution for this. But I have been thinking of what I plan on doing as well as doing some research, looking for ideas from our friends to the North in cities like Minneapolis and cities in Canada. And Southern Hemisphere locations that have gone through this in the Winter. Here are some things I am going to put into my cold-weather socialization plans, so I can make it to the other side and Spring.
Still stay in smaller groups. Duh, right? As long as we are smart and take precautions, there is no reason we can’t still do outdoor Winter activities. Just wanted to mention this one as another reminder to stay safe.
Back to Zooms. I know, I know. These got old. And with less than close friends, it could get a little awkward. That work happy hour with the one dude no one likes. And if there wasn’t one, that person was probably you. Use this as a time to connect with out-of-town friends that you may have neglected when you were out in the park every day with your in-town buddies. And after you catch up on how they have been quarantining, maybe play an online game, get the same ingredients and make drinks together (like in this photo). Or do that with snacks. Just maybe spice it up where it isn’t just staring at each other on the screen.
Fire pits. Don’t just use these for big get-togethers and parties. Have people over for a couple hours, bust out the fire pit and get some socialization in. Don’t want the hassle? They have gas fire pits. I have one. I love it. I can sit outside on a Monday night if I want to for a short time. And what’s great about a fire pit? S’mores! Get the three ingredients and some long skewers — done and done. If you have a gas pit, just don’t muck it up and drip sticky marshmallow. You can also add some hot chocolate to this.
Blankets. While you are outside, have blankets for your guests that get a little colder. Don’t have a bunch? I bought a few on Amazon for pretty cheap. Check them out here.
Dress for Winter. People. I know. In a city where I am like St. Louis, you wear a coat so you are warm from your house to the garage and from the car to wherever you walk to. But suck. It. Up. Get bundled up, even if you are on your back patio standing around the fire. Pretend you are on a fun vacation in Colorado or something.
Daytime hangs. Give yourself every opportunity to enjoy the outdoors if you are going to have some friends over in the backyard. Do it in the daytime. Some warm Winter sun. You’ll be fine. “But I like to have friends over at night.” That’s fine. Just saying, it will be colder at night. Have your friends over in the daytime and watch a movie by yourself at night.
Whiskey. Choose more warming cocktails when you are hanging outside. Many whiskey-based drinks get you feeling a little warmer in cold weather — and can even be served warm as a hot toddy. Be creative. Also, The Party Hack will be here to help with some drink recipes for the Winter that will help keep you warm. You’re welcome.
Non-alcoholic drinks. Not everything has to revolve around booze. Look for some more warm drinks to have around the fire pit — hot chocolate, cider, mulled wine (I just realized mulled wine is booze. Whatever.), etc. Maybe The Party Hack will have some of these for you too.
Look, it's going to be tough. But I believe in us. And March isn’t that far away, right? Right. Keep checking back here for recipes and drinks that will help us all get through this.
If you have any ideas on how to get through the Winter, would love for you to share them with me. What will you be doing to stay social during the Winter. Follow me on Instagram @thepartyhack and DM me, or e-mail me at jay@thepartyhack.com — I would love to hear from you.