Beyond the Blues: Unique Ways to Beat Winter Doldrums in Minnesota

This week’s edition covers stories 
from December 19th to December 24th, 2024.
Today’s issue is 630 words, a 5-minute read.

Good morning, dear readers, Isabella here. 

I hope you’re all weathering this festive season with a touch more grace than a Minnesota deer navigating a particularly icy patch of road. As we teeter on the precipice of 2025, a year that promises to be as unpredictable as a Minnesota summer storm, our team has been grappling with the age-old existential question: “What the heck do we do with ourselves?”

Now, I, for one, am a fair-weather friend to winter. Raised in a climate where “snow” was a whispered word, not a bracing reality, I’ve always viewed winter sports with a mixture of terror and grudging admiration. This year, however, I’ve vowed to embrace the icy beast. There’s a certain masochistic thrill to be found in voluntarily subjecting oneself to sub-zero temperatures, a perverse joy in the face of impending frostbite. Of course, the allure of hibernation is strong. The siren song of Netflix and a perpetually replenished supply of hot cocoa is a difficult one to resist. But as any Minnesotan worth their salt knows, succumbing to the winter blues is a slippery slope.



And let’s be honest, the holidays can be a minefield of awkward family dynamics, forced merriment, and the soul-crushing weight of societal expectations. The Midwest, with its storied tradition of “coping mechanisms,” boasts a particularly impressive record in the winter drinking category. While we may not lead the nation in alcohol-related fatalities (a dubious distinction, to be sure), it’s crucial to remember that for many, the holidays are a lonely and isolating time. So, check on your neighbors, your friends, your estranged relatives. Bring them a casserole, offer to shovel their walk, or simply offer a listening ear.

In the spirit of community and a desperate attempt to escape the clutches of cabin fever, we’ve compiled a list of uniquely Minnesotan ways to beat the winter doldrums:

Attend a competitive snowshoe race: Channel your inner Olympian at one of the many quirky snowshoe races scattered throughout the state. Witness the spectacle of grown adults huffing and puffing through the woods, faces contorted in a mixture of exertion and sheer bewilderment.

Go ice fishing on a frozen lake: Embrace the quintessential Minnesota experience. Bundle up in layers upon layers of wool, drill a hole in the ice, and patiently wait for a fish that may or may not exist. Bonus points if you bring a thermos of hot toddies.

Host an Indie Film Festival: Gather your friends, curate a selection of obscure, thought-provoking, or just plain weird indie films, and settle in for an evening of cinematic exploration. Popcorn, of course, is mandatory.

Become a Peanuts Scholar: Delve deep into the whimsical world of Charles Schulz. Read his collected works, listen to the classic soundtrack of ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’, and maybe even try your hand at drawing your own Peanuts characters.

Embrace the Winter Wonderland: Whether it’s gliding across the ice at a local rink, plunging headfirst down a snowy hill on a sled, or embarking on a bracing winter hike, get outside and experience the beauty of the season.

Unleash Your Inner Thespian: Catch a local play or concert. Support your community arts scene and immerse yourself in the magic of live performance.

Explore the Unexpected: Discover hidden gems in your city. Venture into a new neighborhood, try a restaurant with a cuisine you’ve never experienced, or sample the local craft beer scene at a quirky new bar.

So there you have it, dear readers. A few unconventional suggestions to help you navigate the treacherous waters of the Minnesota winter. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a date with a thermos of hot chocolate and a particularly gripping Scandinavian noir.

Disclaimer: This piece is intended for entertainment purposes only. Please drink responsibly and always prioritize your safety.

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Stay informed, stay connected. 

See you next week! 

–
Isabella and the NewPrensa team

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