Winter, a time where the weather gets colder, and things can seem a lot bleaker. With the holidays coming to an end, it can seem like there’s nothing fun to look forward to, and the next couple months will just be filled with ear muffs and falling on ice while walking to class. Here are some ways to not feel so bummed during the winter months!

1. Go ice skating

Ice skating is so fun, and it’s something that is only done during the cold winter months! Even if you don’t really know how or aren’t the best at it, it can still be fun! Just grab a few friends and try not to fall down a lot, or just laugh about it if you do.

2. Drink a lot of hot chocolate

I don’t know about you, but there is just something so nice about coming home after trudging through the frozen tundra of winter and warming up with some nice hot chocolate. Every time I drink it I feel so much cheerier and warmer.

3. Splurge on a new coat

Cold weather is the worst. I hate being cold. But it gives you an excuse to go shopping! Go out and buy a new cute coat—that way, whenever you have to leave the comfort of your home, you know you’ll look stylish even if you are slightly frozen.

4. Plan a vacation

Go ahead, look up flights to the Bahamas. Browse for a hotel in places that are warmer than Ohio. Even if you can’t go on a vacation, planning your dream vacay is a fun way to pass the time.

5. One word: Blankets.

Snuggle up on your couch and wrap yourself up in every blanket you own. Build a blanket fort, wrap yourself up in a blanket cocoon, and watch Netflix until you fall asleep. You’ll be so cozy that you’ll forget all about the fact that it is freezing and snowing outside.

Basically, winter sucks. It’s cold, after the holidays there’s nothing to look forward to, and trying to walk in the ice and snow is just terrible. But even though winter sucks, you can still find ways to be happy and not get dragged down by the winter blues!