Winter weekends are usually looked upon as cold, bleak, and as a time frame in which there is little to do. People look forward to the end of the week and then sit at home in front of the television. It’s a ho-hum time at best...

...However there’s a lot more to do on a winter weekend than you think! Whether you’re newly married, have children, or are retired with an empty nest, there are winter activities abound.

Take a weekend break and do things you normally wouldn’t do. Activities don’t have to be expensive or difficult. As a matter of fact, the simpler things are often inexpensive and a lot of fun.

Try taking a bundled-up walk in the falling snow (if you live in a snow zone). A quiet stroll through the woods or a park can be exhilarating and can awaken your senses. A hike through the most remote location you have access to can give you a sense of achievement and that wonderful 'fresh air tired feeling'. Remember to Wrap up for the weather in layers to keep warm and then help each other peel off when you warm up. Nature may seem asleep during the winter but still speaks to those who listen.

A backyard cooking fire can brings out the best in easy to cook foods, whatever time of year, and is also great to stand around. Set up your grill with small sticks instead of charcoal, light it, and put your hotdogs on a camping fork or whittled stick over the fire for that more rustic feel! Dancing flames and the smell of great food lift winter spirits without fail and can give a truly festive feel to the time of year (especially with some mulled wine).

If you'd rather be indoors, how about a trip to the swimming park or a hotel with a pool? Kids especially love the water and what better time to go swimming than when they least expect it? Or have a family game night - pick a couple of board games and stock up on popcorn and soft drinks for a great time. Keep the games age appropriate and your kids will have a whale of a time.

Get creative, try the age old activities that have entertained for generations - press a few beautiful leaves in a covering of wax paper with a hot clothing iron. Cut them out to make window decoration or book marks - they’ll last all winter. Or try making handmade jewellery, you can buy beads and equipment for little cost and dress up your little ones in their own glamour creations!

Cooking is another great thing to do with kids - celebrate the holidays by making cookies. Start from scratch and let everyone help. Cookies lend themselves to creativity in both ingredients and shapes so have a good time, do some experimenting, and let everyone decorate what they bake. You can always freeze the extras or give them away.

If it's not the kids you're trying to entertain, host a meal for friends. Cook a big pot of chilli and set out the cheese, chopped onions, and all the dressings. Everyone loves a good warm meal in Winter and even more so when it’s with friends and family.

Winter weekends don’t have to lead to the doldrums or produce cabin fever. Be creative, set aside the time, and have fun. Your winter weekend breaks can be the best weekends of the year.