February, February, February: the most annoying month of the year, in my humble opinion. Chicago weather whiplashes from late spring to Antarctica-level freezing within two seconds. Clouds constantly block out the sun, making every single day a big brush of grey. February is a month where my body is crying itself to sleep for some vitamin D. Winter fatigue is no joke. The suburbs just have a depressing feel when covered in snow without all the holiday lights to add beauty.
Also, what holidays are there to look forward to besides Valentine’s Day? A holiday where it only matters for those who have a valentine? Presidents Day? We get the day off I guess but I wouldn’t be surprised if people forgot that it takes place in February.
March isn’t much better, in Chicago at least. It’s almost like our weather is having a personality disorder while dealing with a midlife crisis. At least there is spring break to look forward to. With the holiday cheers gone I have been figuring out ways to keep myself happy while waiting for the soothing weather of April to come.
5. Play a video game
If you really want to know what a good winter night vibe is, try booting up some game to play. Play by yourself, or even with some friends. Some of the best nights with friends are when everyone’s on a call, and all decide to trade a few hours of sleep for a night of yelling and screaming at each other over a game. My friends and I reminisce on our “Halo nights” like they were Christmas Eve. The thrill of having fun at one a.m. while trying not to wake up our parents will never not make me smile. Even if you are not a hardcore gamer, something simple like “Among Us” can create such a fun time with your friends. Yes, I know 2020 was six years ago, but even today, a lot of my friends still find that game fun. Even if I’m not a big fan of “Roblox,” a random game on there could be fun, too!
4. Watch a movie
My wallet has been having an awful time whenever I go to AMC theaters. It’s honestly the best place to go to whenever the cold locks me inside. Who knew that I could cure my stress by going to see thrillers like “Send Help” and “28 Years Later: The Bone Temple.” But everyone knows how crazy movie ticket prices are. And do not even get me started on the popcorn prices. I feel like I sacrifice months’ worth of college education just by buying a single medium bag. There’s always the option to watch from home. Not only from streaming, but also from borrowing a DVD from the library. Yes I am one of the few people left who still do that. And I am proud of it. Go crazy on a 1980s movie spree. No one can deny that watching The Lost Boys on an old 4:3 ratio DVD isn’t an awesome aesthetic. Just sit down with some friends and enjoy a nice comfort watch.
3. Late-night drives
Call me crazy all you want, but you know you’ve had one of these at least once. There is nothing wrong with using a bit of gas money and taking a friend for a nice drive. I swear, people have the best talks whenever they are inside a car. Yes, your parents keep asking when you are going to be home and if you are going to violate curfew, but it is the small talk and memories with friends that really matter. I feel like they are something I really need when it’s late winter and everyone feels isolated outside of school.
2. TV marathons
Yes, this is an obvious choice for what to do in late winter, but would anyone say no to it? Binging Breaking Bad every night after school was one of the best ways to go. Nearly everyone and their mother has a Netflix subscription. It is the most popular streaming service in the United States and it is what I see kids at study hall watch instead of studying an APUSH terms quiz. Even my brother has been marathoning Squid Game until eleven pm every night after school. I am one of the rare human beings on earth who has not watched Stranger Things. Please spare me, I will get around to it eventually. I’ll always love watching whatever Marvel, Star Wars, or DC comics shows come out with my Dad. It’s a tradition that will never die and I know plenty of friends who do the same with their parents.
1. Join a club
It is a cliché, but I think joining a school club can be great for someone suffering through the occasional loneliness of winter. While school can be very stressful around this time of year, sometimes I feel the need to be a part of something more. Ask your friends what clubs they are in and maybe stop by. You might become a part of something greater. I know I have.
