Laughing through the frost: wacky ideas

All the winter shenanigans around us this past month are pointing to a New Ice Age in my life.
Yes, I’m ready to forget the longstanding advice of hunkering down with firewood, canned soup and thermal socks, and instead I’m thinking of sprinkling new-fangled absurdity into the mix. I mean, why not? Perhaps putting these non-traditional practices into place could stave off a round of cabin fever.
With that in mind, I’d like to share this list of unconventional activities I’ve come up with – to help us not just survive, but thrive. These outlandish suggestions are, ahem, guaranteed to turn the frostiest days into fond memories. So put on your wackiest winter layers, grab a hot drink, and let’s dive into some delightfully silly cold-weather antics.
(Public service announcement: (1) Do not attempt without responsible adult supervision. And please note the word “responsible.” (2) Be sure to say, “Here, hold my Coke” before commencing. (3) The Journey bears no responsibility for any mishaps, mischief or mayhem resulting from any of these frosty escapades. Proceed with caution and a sense of humor.)
Here goes, with tongue firmly planted in cheek – most of the time:

• Host an indoor beach party. Crank up the heat (provided the electricity hasn’t gone out), don a Hawaiian shirt and pretend you’re somewhere tropical, ignoring any snow or ice outside.
• Challenge your family to an ice-skating contest in the living room. Without actual skates, of course. Socks or bare feet only. Be careful of that coffee table, though!
• Perfect your skills in the ancient art of fireplace shadow puppetry. It’s like watching TV, but with a lot more imagination.
• Devise DIY thermal underwear. Because what could go wrong with duct tape and bubble wrap, right?
• Play hot chocolate roulette. Line up mugs of hot chocolate, but in one or two, sneak in an unexpected ingredient like a dash of chili powder. Who’s brave enough to take the first sip?
  Additional merriment if you toast marshmallows over a candle.
• Create an obstacle course of household items. Get those muscles moving by hopping over ottomans and ducking under dining tables.
• Host a winter fashion show with outrageous cold-weather combos. Think bathrobe over swimsuit, accompanied with ski hat, insulated gloves and laced-up winter boots – modeled while brandishing a bottle of suntan lotion.
• Set up a mini-golf course using everyday objects. Playing around furniture makes it more challenging and fun.
• Engage in a Soup-Guessing Game. Blindfolded, taste various soups and guess the ingredients. Bonus points for the most outlandish speculations.
• Assemble a couch campout. Build a fort with blankets and pillows, string up twinkle lights, and tell silly ghost stories while sipping hot cocoa.
• Stage a Snowman Fashion Contest. Compete to see who can draw the most stylish Frosty outfits.
• Have an indoor snowball fight using rolled-up socks. Less messy and just as fun. But, again, watch out for that vase!
  Now, as the snow (or rather sock) settles and laughter echoes through the chilly air, remember: Winter isn’t just a season. It’s a playground awaiting your imagination. So seize your most idiosyncratic ideas and warmest smiles – and make this Ice Age one for the history books.

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Another public service announcement: A new equine painting by my husband, artist Hooshang Khorasani, is part of the 2025 Minden St. Jude Auction. To buy a $10 ticket for a chance to win “Galloping Sunrise,” a 36-by-36-inch acrylic on canvas valued at $3,000, go to www.mindenstjude.org and search for “Hooshang.” The online site is currently active, with the live event scheduled for Thursday through Sunday.