Make the Most of Winter from the Comfort of Home

When Minnesota’s temps drop below freezing and snow piles up outside, there’s no better place to be than snuggled up inside. Cold days are the perfect excuse to slow down, stay warm, and make meaningful memories with the people you love most.

At Four Seasons Air Specialists, we’ve been helping White Bear Lake families stay warm and safe indoors since 1974. Here are some of our favorite cozy indoor activities to help you embrace the season—without ever leaving home.

 

☕ 1. Create a DIY Hot Cocoa Bar

Turn a chilly afternoon into a sweet event by setting up a make-your-own hot chocolate station. Let everyone pick their favorite toppings like marshmallows, whipped cream, crushed candy canes, or chocolate chips.

🧁 Bonus: Bake a batch of cookies to go with it and you’ve got the perfect winter treat.

 

📖 2. Have a Family Reading Day

Curl up under some blankets and read your favorite stories together. Whether it’s picture books with little ones or a cozy mystery for adults, reading warms the heart.

📚 Tip: Set up a “reading nook” with pillows, twinkle lights, and your softest throw blanket.

 

🎬 3. Plan a Home Movie Marathon

Pick a theme—like classic comedies, winter adventures, or childhood favorites—and settle in for a day of movies, popcorn, and PJs.

🎥 Make it special:

  • Create “tickets” for kids
  • Set up a DIY concession stand
  • Vote on the next movie between each one

 

🎨 4. Get Creative with Crafts or DIY Projects

Break out the paints, beads, or yarn and enjoy some screen-free time getting crafty. From seasonal decorations to homemade gifts, creative projects are a fun way to pass the time indoors.

🖌️ Ideas to try:

  • Make snowflake garlands
  • Build a birdhouse
  • Try a paint-by-number kit
  • Decorate candles or mugs

 

🍲 5. Cook or Bake Together

Cold days are ideal for warm kitchens! Let the kids help with a simple soup, bake a loaf of bread, or try a new recipe together.

🍞 Cold-weather favorites:

  • Homemade chili or chicken noodle soup
  • Banana bread or muffins
  • Mac & cheese from scratch
  • Indoor s’mores with marshmallows in the oven

 

🎲 6. Host a Family Game Day

Board games, card games, puzzles—pick your favorites and bring on the friendly competition. Rotate who chooses the next game and offer little prizes for extra fun.

🧩 Game ideas:

  • Classic card games like Uno or Go Fish
  • Board games like Clue, Monopoly, or Candy Land
  • Build a giant puzzle together over a few days

 

🧘 7. Have a Self-Care Afternoon

Sometimes the coziest thing is doing nothing at all. Take a break with a bath, some calming music, and a good book or podcast.

🕯️ Make it extra relaxing:

  • Light a favorite candle
  • Try a face mask
  • Sip herbal tea under a weighted blanket

 

🧦 8. Camp Indoors

Can’t camp outside? Bring the adventure indoors! Set up a tent or make a living room fort with blankets, pillows, and fairy lights.

🔥 Don’t forget:

  • Flashlights or lanterns
  • Campfire songs or scary stories
  • Indoor “campfire” (battery-operated candles or string lights in a bowl)

 

💃 9. Turn Up the Music and Have a Dance Party

Shake off the winter blues with a little movement! Create a family playlist and let everyone pick a few favorite songs.

🎶 Add some silly moves, make it a game of freeze dance, or choreograph a routine together.

 

🛋️ 10. Check Your Home Comfort Systems

Here’s one productive indoor task you’ll thank yourself for: make sure your HVAC system is running at its best. Cold days aren’t cozy if your furnace is underperforming or your indoor air feels dry and stale.

👨‍🔧 Cold weather checklist:

  • Replace your furnace filter
  • Check your thermostat settings
  • Schedule a mid-winter furnace inspection
  • Ask us about whole-home humidifiers or air purifiers for added comfort

 

Home is Where Cozy Begins

When it’s too cold to play outside, your home becomes your haven—and we’re here to make sure it’s as warm, efficient, and inviting as it can be. At Four Seasons Air Specialists, we’ve proudly served White Bear Lake and the surrounding communities for over 50 years.

 

✅ Furnace tune-ups and repairs

✅ Air quality and humidity solutions

✅ Energy-saving thermostat upgrades

✅ Emergency service, always available

 

📞 Stay warm all winter—schedule your seasonal furnace check or indoor air quality consultation today at: 651.426.5254