What can we say about winter? It’s cold up here and the farther North we get, the longer it stays dark and the more clothes we have to pile on. For those of us in the Northern hemisphere, we may dread the snow and ice that comes in December (and sooner in some countries – hello Canada and Norway), but with the right mindset, we don’t have to!

　　Every sign can connect with a different winter activity – so try these on for size and learn to embrace this time of year. Today we’re breaking it down by the elements of Fire, Earth, Air and Water to drum up some truly cool winter activities we can all enjoy!

　　

Air Signs – Aquarius, Gemini, Libra

Inventive Ideas

For a different kind of night out, our innovative Air sign friends would do well to do some socializing in an ice bar – or make one in your backyard? Conde Nast made this must-see list of amazing ice bars around the world, including the O.G. Ice Bar in Sweden, started in 1994 and artistically recreated every year. If you feel like going on a winter vacay, there are ice bars (sometimes located in ice hotels!) in Quebec, Canada, Dubai, Paris, Japan and Boston, USA.

　　For some truly unique winter experiences, why not visit some frozen waterfalls – from Minnesota’s Minnehana Falls (you can actually walk behind the 53 feet of blue ice) to Norway’s Eidfjord; Canada’s Heimcken Falls and Iceland’s Goafoss Waterfall, if you get a chance to see these in person, it will blow your mind. Mother Nature is pretty amazing, no?

　　

Fire Signs – Aries, Leo, Sagittarius

Adventurous Activities

Yukigassen. From the Japanese ‘yuki’ – meaning snow and ‘kassen’ – meaning battle – this is so much more than a snowball fight. 2019 marks the 30th year of this worldwide professional sport, with teams hailing from Japan, Finland, Norway, Australia and Canada. With rules similar to capture the flag, you get 3 minutes to annihilate the other team with 90 prepacked snowballs. Fire signs may not feel the need to practice before trying out an actual, intense competition, but you can also just head to the park with some friends and play until your hands get cold.

　　How about a fire in the snow festival? A very important cultural festival in Japan, the Nozawa Fire Festival is held every January 15th to pray for health, good fortune and an abundant harvest. It takes about 100 villagers to build the huge wooden shrine, which, in a 4-hour ceremony, is set on fire to end in a massive bonfire. This should be right up the Fire sign alley!

　　

Water Signs – Pisces, Cancer, Scorpio

Creative Endeavors

Igloo building – We all know Cancer loves to keep a happy home and that all Water signs need to feel safe in order to be themselves. Whether you need some privacy or just want to create another gorgeous place to invite your nearest and dearest, building a backyard igloo should be right up your alley. Here’s a great video to get you started!

　　Water signs appreciate creativity, so taking in a Snowman building contest or ice sculpture contest would be right up your alley. Whether you want to start your own or watch talented winter artists do their thing (with cool ice tools no less!), there are many options. Alaska boasts their own Ice Alaska World Ice Art Championships but Canada, Sweden, Latvia, Russia and China also boast their own events, drawing thousands of people to take it all in.

　　

Earth Signs – Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn

Old School

Earth signs appreciate tradition and they like to have the best of everything. Why not rent a winter cabin – stay warm and get cozy in front of that epic fireplace. Make sure to stock the shelves with gourmet hot chocolate and sneak out back to jump in the hot tub. It’s a classic for a reason – and huge cable-knit blankets await!

　　Winter picnic – this article from simplebites.net gives some awesome tips on how to make this happen. We all love to head outside when it’s hot as hell outside, but have you ever tried it in fresh, powdery snow? Do it like the Norwegians and embrace the winter with a thermos full of tea and a stack of yummy sandwiches.

　　

Conclusion

What’s your winter style? Whether you want to try an icy adventure, embrace the hot drinks of the season or try your hand at a truly creative outdoor endeavour, let’s own this time of year – and see it as an opportunity instead of an increasingly depressing drudge to spring.

　　We haven’t forgotten our fabulous astrology friends on the Southern hemisphere! Take a peek at this article on Best Summer Vacation Ideas for Each Zodiac Sign to get some tips on how you can enjoy the heat!

　　Related Article: Understand the Elements in Astrology: Improve Your Understanding of Others