A family of snowmen and their pet dog.

Angela Verges | Contributor

What do snow covered trees trees, decorated snowmen and kids sledding have in common? They are all signs of winter. There’s no escaping the constant reminder that cold days are ahead. This doesn’t have to mean doom and gloom.

My neighbors had a great idea when they created a family of snowmen in their yard. They even sculpted a snow dog. I hope this doesn’t set the standard for the neighborhood because I’m not quite that crafty. This is the time of year that everyone gets cabin fever. What’s a family to do? About.com provides a list of fun things to during the winter months.

Some of the outdoor activities from the website include:

• Make snow angels and watch the snow fall together
• Make ice cream using snow
• Fill a spray bottle with colored water and write in the snow (food coloring works great for me)
• Measure the snowfall (what a way to throw in a math lesson)

When you want to come in out of the snow try some of these indoor activities together:

• Use sheets or boxes to build a fort inside your house
• Make paper snowflakes
• Make hot cocoa
• Make a graph showing each days high and low temperatures (while sipping hot cocoa — optional)

Although our daylight hours are limited in December and January, family activities can be unlimited. About.com suggests equipping the kids with flashlights, camping lanterns and even headlamps, for outside play after school. How about a game of flashlight tag?

Don't forget about our local parks and recreation departments for outdoor and indoor activities. At the end of your journey, you actually receive the benefits of a little fitness while enjoying the family.

While snow can be a pain to shovel, it has advantages; we just have to view the glass as half full. The snow is pretty when it’s softly falling and tree branches look picturesque. This weather also creates jobs for those with snow plows, salt truck drivers, and it provides an outlet of fun for kids.

Why not take the time to be a kid again? Bundle up and take a walk through the snow, if only for a few minutes. Find the fun in the next wintry day.

Angela Verges is a writer and mother of two. She can be reached at awritersdream41@yahoo.com.