Finding Joy Outside this December
Simple ideas for embracing nature during these strange and difficult times
Let’s be honest, the last nine months have been tough for most of us. Like really tough. The recent calendar change from November to December, combined with inching towards the end of 2020, has us reflecting on the bizarre, heartbreaking, lonely year that was.
As we think about the last nine months of pandemic living here in Alberta, something stands out. The times when life has felt most “normal” — when we’ve felt the happiest, the most peaceful, the most alive — have been outside. Whether it’s pedalling a bike, skiing down a mountain, or hiking to a summit, going outside has been our salve during these strange and difficult times.
We know this holiday season will look different than most and we know it won’t be easy. We hope you’re able to find some peace, some happiness, and some joy this December. Here are some simple suggestions for how to find it outside:
Take in the Christmas Lights in Your Neighbourhood
Is it just us, or are people really going all out with the Christmas lights and decorations this year? Put a hot drink in your to-go mug, and go explore.
Go Skating (on a Mountain Lake or Edmonton’s Victoria Park)
We keep seeing absolutely stunning photos on social media of Albertans skating on both clear mountain lakes (see above!) and Edmonton’s colourful rainbow path in Victoria Park. We’ve had friends rave about the smooth ice at Gap Lake and Spray Lakes in recent days, and we know there’s many other beautiful lakes just calling for you to twirl on their wild ice. If you go skating, be sure to follow these ice safety tips, and we hope you enjoy it more than we enjoyed this family visit to Ghost Lake a couple decades ago.
Zoom in on Annalise’s face if you need a laugh.
Enjoy an Outdoor Fire
In an attempt to help Calgarians embrace winter this year, the City of Calgary has installed small fire pits in various parks across the city. They’re free to use, and you can pick up free wood to burn, but you have to book in advance and must enjoy with people in your bubble. Rules have also been adjusted to allow Calgarians to bring personal, portable propane fire pits to city parks, which is welcome news for the hundreds of thousands of Calgarians who don’t have yards. Fires are relaxing and magical, says Annalise, who has a well-used fire place in her century-old home, plus a fire pit in her backyard. If you’re new to buildings fires, the Internet is full of videos and tips.
Don’t forget the hot chocolate and marshmallows!
Cut Your Own Christmas Tree
We have several friends who’ve decided to ditch the fake tree this year, in exchange for an outdoor adventure. As people who’ve been partaking in the good old fashion Christmas Tree Hunt since childhood, we can assure you, what your tree will lack in even/full branches will be made up for in the fun you’ll have finding it. Do research before you go. We recommend starting with the Junior Forest Wardens.
Annalise, circa 2015, after a Christmas Tree hunt on private land
Ride a Bike
After skiing in October, here we are biking in December. We told you 2020 was weird. Thanks to a tip from BikeBike in Inglewood, we headed to a closed Highway 546 on Sunday. (Yes, Annalise was willing to give winter biking another try after last weekend’s adventure. She even wore warmer footwear.) The highway closes to vehicle traffic just west of the Sandy McNabb Campground from December 1 to mid-May every year. While we’ve both done this trip several times in the spring, this marks the first year (for us, at least) that the road has been snow and ice free in December. If the forecast holds this week, you may still have time to try it before winter tires are needed.
It’s a 16-km one-way ride to the beautiful Sheep River Falls, which we had all to ourselves.
Ski Mid-Week
We’ve fielded some recent questions about ski hills and COVID-19 protocols, and we have one piece of advice if you’re planning to visit this winter. If at all possible, go during the week. We’ve enjoyed a few days of mid-week skiing this year and have encountered nearly no lineups, great enforcement of the mandatory face covering and physical distancing rules, and surprisingly good ski conditions for so early in the season. Oh, and one more tip: fill your pockets with snacks and enjoy them outside.
On a recent Wednesday, we enjoyed fresh snow at a quiet Lake Louise Ski Resort.
Go for a Walk
Sometimes the simplest things are the most satisfying. While we’ve long enjoyed walking, it’s taken on new meaning during the pandemic. Walking has become a distraction, a main form of socializing, and a time to reflect. And these days, it’s just rewarding to get out of the house, stop thinking about COVID for a little while, and see something new. Cailynn recently walked through Dale Hodges Park in northwest Calgary, a place she’s only ever biked through before. She enjoyed slowing down and exploring the park on foot, and even spotted a gorgeous coyote basking in the morning sun.
How are you finding joy outside this December? Share your tips, tricks and stories in the comments.