The days are shorter and it takes layers of clothing to be comfortable when going outside! There are compensations for winter's shortcomings, though:

1) Provide plenty of food for birds in your garden (or just outside your window) and they will provide hours of entertainment.

2) Fresh water will attract birds and other wild life to add life to the garden.

3) Remember your childhood and help your children build a snowman or make "Angels" in the snow!

4) Check with the local Parks Department for guided night time walks through your local parks to see nocturnal animals.

5) Start a weekly "Fun and Games" night with family and friends. Re-discover the fun of playing board or card games.

6) Institute a family "Reading Contest". The family member who finishes the most books in a given time period gets a reward (this can be as simple as a favorite cake).

7) Expand your cultural knowledge: Visit a museum, see a play or go to a concert. This is the season for wonderful exhibits and performances!

8) Use the long winter evening to teach yourself a new skill or work on a long overdue project. Enlist the family to make it more fun (and make sure that it stays fun ­ don't be over critical, especially with children)

9) Plan an evening with friends you have not seen in a while. Invite them over for a pot-luck dinner, or a Sunday morning "pot-luck breakfast".

10) Fill all kinds of unused containers with bulbs and force them into bloom to brighten the house while waiting for things to sprout outside next spring!

At last, brain-storm with your family for other fun and low cost ways to make winter fun!