Snowed In

The year has been unseemingly warm. Not a drop of snow has graced us with its presence and I’m getting pretty damn tired of it. So when the inevitable storm of the century finally hits us, a storm so extreme that it blocks all the doors and there is no escape from the inside, a storm so crazy that the streets are un-plowable for a week straight, I’ll be welcoming it with open arms. This is my favorite dream. (Of course in this dream I still have heating, running water and Wi-Fi). But when this storm hits, how will we stay entertained? I’m here to let you in on how to beat the cabin fever.

1. Baking and Playlist Making

The first day you’ll need to do a couple of things: bake and make playlists. These two things will keep you going for the rest of the week. I suggest making the playlists first, that way you can jam out and dance like an idiot while baking your holiday cookies. Don’t forget to make at least one holiday themed playlist to get you into the spirit of giving. My favorite holiday tunes include any Charlie Brown Christmas song and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.”
Baking wise you are going to want to make a ridiculous amount of cookies to munch on throughout the rest of the week. Gingerbread is a classic but if you are feeling more unusual try sugar cookies with lemon frosting—a tart yet delicious alternative.

2. Fluffy Fortification

The time has come for you to fortify the walls. And by that I mean build a fort out of all the blankets and pillows in the house. Grab your fluffiest and downiest-soft duvet for the base of the fort and then continue piling on tons and tons of pillows and anything else you can get your hands on. Once the work is complete grab your pets and some of those delightful cookies you baked yesterday and snuggle in for the night.

3. Films and Faraway Places

By the third day you may be needing a sort of getaway from the sealed-in-cabin feeling beginning to creep up on you. In that case, use a form of escape that is much easier than snow-blowing your way out the door: movies! Travel to Hawaii with Drew Barrymore in “50 First Dates,” camp out with Bill Murray in “Moonrise Kingdom” or go on an adventure to Thailand with James Bond in “The Man with the Golden Gun.”

4. Print and Paint

After a day of watching movies in your snuggly fort it’s time to turn off the electronics. Grab a good book or two, some hot cocoa and bundle up in the fort. After the inevitable nap that reading will lead to, get up and tap into your inner Picasso by breaking out the easel and paint. You never know what being stuck indoors for 72 hours will inspire you to create.

5. Final Festivities

By day five the snow has begun to melt and that means you can finally have a little fun outside. Personally, I find nothing more fun than having a snowball fight with your dogs. Make it more exciting by bringing a laser pointer — your pets will go crazy trying to chase it. If you lack pets, set up some targets and practice your aim.

After tuckering out the furry family members, the warm fire will be even more welcoming than before. Move your fort closer to the flame, bring your book, plate of cookies and mug of steaming hot cocoa and listen as the sad sound of snowblowers and snow-plows finally make their way down your street, freeing you from your prison and your paradise.

6. Holiday Playlists

“White Christmas”- Lady Gaga
“Baby, It’s Cold Outside”- Glee Cast
“Winter Wonderland”- Ray Charles
“O’ Tannenbaum”- Charlie Brown Cast
“Twelve Days of Christmas”- The Muppets
“Christmas Time is Here”- Charlie Brown Cast
“Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire”- Nat King Cole
“Peace on Earth, Little Drummer Boy”- David Bowie & Bing Crosby

7. Cabin Fever Films

“The Shining” (1980)
“Cabin in the Woods” (2011)
“Cast Away” (2000)
“The Thing” (1982)
“Rear Window” (1954)
“Pontypool” (2008)