How to Beat Those Winter Blues

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When winter has really set in it's not unusual to think back, nostalgically, to summer days on the beach, having picnics and eating ice-cream. Cool beers and hot days seem much more appealing. But it's time to flip that way of thinking on its head and see that winter can be just as fun and memorable as summer, if not more so. Here is how to beat those winter blues and embrace winter in Sydney.

Sydney is getting better and better at winter themed events, with pop-up ice-skating venues now all over the city, from Parramatta to Bondi , in Darling Harbour and by Hyde Park. What could be more fun than popping some ice skates on and chasing your family and friends around the ice rink, and watching your dozy mate fall over the bloke in front of him because he was too busy looking where he'd been and not where he was going.



Mulled wine. Many of these winter-themed events also serve the Germanic version of mulled wine – Gluhwein. And if you like wine and you like spices then you can't go wrong. It smells like Christmas in a cup and it will warm you from the inside out. Why not have a go at making mulled wine at home or as a Friday treat for your office? Or you can have a winter themed party and serve Gluhwein .



Speaking of parties, this is the perfect time of year to throw an ugly sweater party. Invite all your friends around in their best worst knitwear. It's all about the reindeer jumpers and it's actually pretty easy to pick up retro-style, patterned jumpers these days, as they seem to be all the rage again.

Not feeling in a party mode: want to snuggle up instead? How about a movie night at home? Grab some massive woolly blankets and a good spot on the couch. Heat some popcorn, make some hot chocolate or pour a nice glass of red (one of the other winter greats!) and cosy up.



The other great thing about winter is Christmas… for those in the northern hemisphere anyway. But that's why, down here in Australia we invented Christmas in July. It's the perfect time to get the family together for a huge roast dinner – roast potatoes, pumpkin, Yorkshire pudding, meat and stuffing. Or, if you prefer, why not go to one of the many charity balls held for Christmas in July? Or you could take a weekend away in the Blue Mountains. If you're lucky it might even snow there.

Speaking of snow, one of the obvious ways to embrace winter is with winter-sports. Whether its skiing, snowboarding or perhaps just tobogganing, you are sure to have plenty of fun and frolics. Take a few days off and escape to Jindabyne or Perisher or somewhere else in the Snowy Mountains. You can take in the beautiful snowy landscapes, and wrap up warm in your best winter gear.

Or, if you're not sure you want to visit the snowy regions then you can still get outdoors and enjoy the winter weather. If it drops really cold then there's never been a better time to show off your winter attire. Get your new, matching scarf, gloves and hat on and head out for a stroll, even if it's just up the road to your nearest pub.



And then, once you get home, if you have a log fire, throw some chestnuts on it to roast, or spike some marshmallows and toast them until they're all gooey. Maybe bake some camembert, and serve with some homemade soup and freshly baked bread. Delicious.



If that doesn't inspire some days of winter contentedness then you are clearly a summer person through and through.

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