In these hard economic times, having fun with friends and family lifts the spirits. Staying connected with others has been shown to ease depression and feelings of loneliness. Gathering your friends for a fun weekend needn’t be fancy, expensive, or extravagant. Simply gathering for a winter potluck full of friends, food, games, and outdoor activities will surely help you feel connected. The bah-humbug feelings of winter will be sure to pass.

Does one of your friends have a larger home or even an old barn that can be used to gather everyone? Perhaps that same friend has great sledding hills or a nature trail that can be utilized? Choose a location with free perks. Make sure it is centrally located so that many can enjoy the party without spending too much on gas or driving too far.

Have everyone bring a dish to pass. You may divvy up the list between main entrees, side dishes, or desserts. Or you can simply just state “bring a dish to pass”. Have them each bring a serving utensil as well. You can decide whether to have each family bring their own drinks or perhaps the hostess will provide these along with place settings instead of cooking a dish to pass? Get creative! Experiment with a new dish or make it simple and bring something that you know everyone will love.

Do you have a friend that is good on the guitar or loves to sing? Ask if they will start a sing-a-long. This is great fun for the children and those that love to sing. Have a friend with a camera tape this fun event.

Decorations can be kept simple. Do you still have some clear lights left over from Christmas? Greenery from the outdoors can be brought indoors. Candles can be lit. Just be careful of small children. Make a fire in the fireplace. Fires add a warm ambience.

Do you have any fun sledding hills? Ask everyone to bring a fun sled and winter gear. Hours can be spent outdoors going up and down hills. Make sure there are hot drinks available such as hot cocoa, tea, or coffee. Or perhaps you have some nature trails nearby that your visitors would like to take a trek on? Organize a little hike. Breathing in fresh air stimulates the mind and calms the senses. A daily dose of fresh air, even in the winter months can lift the spirits.

Make clean up simple. Make sure everyone brings their dirty dishes home. Enlist a few friends to stay and help tidy up. Viola! You are done and what a wonderful time you must have had with your friends!