We’re gonna let you in on a little secret: we think Minnesotans are a unique group.

We are one hearty bunch, leaving our houses when we can’t see the house across the street. We are community members, dragging one another out of the ditch time after time. We are funny people, living somewhere where it can be all four seasons within a week.

We are Minnesotans, and boy are we proud. Winters in Minnesota can get long, but it is also the perfect season to slow down, enjoy restful moments, and cozy up. Here are some of the ways we’ve learned to *actually* enjoy these winter months:

Winter Walks

Ahh sunny winter days are just the BEST! We love fresh snow on the trees and being able to get outside. Not only does it feel good to get some movement in, but also the Vitamin D is great for curing those winter blues too. There are so many parks and trails around the Twin Cities where you can walk, snowshoe, or cross country ski to get outside and enjoy some fresh air!

Baking or Cooking

Winter is a great time to do some baking, especially if you’re hanging out with friends or hosting a get together. We love the Magnolia Table cookbook by Joanna Gaines, especially the banana bread recipe for a winter afternoon at home.

If you’re looking for a fun snack in the winter, check out how you can up your charcuterie game. For a more hearty meal, these winter soups are yummy and easy!

Cozy Nights In

We love a good cozy night at home! Get the fireplace going, pick up a good book, make some tea, and you’re set. This year, we both set a goal to read more (Carm’s goal is 25 books, mine is 2/month – so 24!) and we love to settle in for the night and read before bed.

Puzzles + Games

We love puzzles, especially during the winter! Some of our favorite puzzles are ones of our favorite places, like this Santorini puzzle Carm got for her birthday last year. Set it up on the table and work on it slowly for a bit each night to wind down and enjoy some good conversation. For more intense games, check out our favorite board games.

Road Trip

When the weather is good and roads are clear, we love taking winter road trips to enjoy the beautiful snow covered trees and get out for an adventure. Last year, Carm and her friends took a day trip to Duluth and are shared their tips about how to visit Duluth in the winter.

Investing in Winter Items

There are a couple of clothing or home items we’ve bought over the years that make winter much better and we wanted to share them with you!

• Humidifier

Carm loves her humidifier that she has by her bed in the winter, which makes the air way less dry and helps with chapped lips and hands. If you’re struggling with your skin in the winter months, check out 6 ways to care for your skin in the winter.

• Heavy Duty Boots

Jo got these Sorel Waterproof Winter Boots at the end of last year on sale and has been loving them this winter. They are made to withstand -40 degrees and are waterproof as well, which makes them great for slipping on to go out in the snow.

• Long Insulated Coat

Both of us have had longer winter coats for the past few years, but this year Carm decided to invest in a Patagonia coat since she’s outside every morning and afternoon walking to and from the bus stop and wanted something that would stand the test of time.

• Knit Hat with a Cause

For a cute winter hat that also gives back to kids with cancer, check out Love Your Melon. This company was started by MN college students and has since grown to a large company that has a variety of clothing goods. For every hat that is purchased, they donate a hat to a child battling cancer. Jo has this one!