Five of the best: Reasons to love winter

Winter gives you a great excuse to stay indoors all weekend. Photo / 123RF

A polar blast chilled the country this week, signalling the end of a seriously good summer. Winter may not be here officially just yet, but there’s no doubt it’s on its way, so we wanted to take a chance to see the glass half full and consider five of the best reasons to embrace the cooler months.

1: Indoor activities

Winter gives you a great excuse to stay indoors all weekend. Don't feel bad for chilling on the couch and binging on back-to-back seasons of Orange is the New Black. Maybe sinking into a blissful Sunday session of rom-coms or classic flicks is more your bag. Or how about a board game battle? We have whiled away entire winter weekends bickering over Trivial Pursuit answers and a bottle of red.

2: Take comfort

Speaking of red, comfort food and beverages warm our winter hearts. We're popular during the cooler months for brewing a batch of spiced mulled wine. Or how about the delicious aroma that fills the house when you're slow-cooking a pork shoulder? Soups, stews, casseroles - even pots of herbal tea - taste better in winter.

3: Winter wardrobe

We're ready to start layering up our winter woolies. Out come the capes, cardis, angora, ugg-boots, beanies, and, our favourite right now, blankets disguised as day-wear (ours is from French Connection). Commuting to work is easier, and a day at the desk more comfortable if you're prepared for the elements - you won't regret investing in a pair of good boots, a waterproof jacket and a durable umbrella (we're in love with our bright red Blunt brolly.)

4: Cosy getaways

Snow bunnies get set for some fresh powder around the country. If adventure sports aren't for you, a romantic break to a bach or bed'n'breakfast boasting a roaring fireplace might appeal. Or hustle your friends together for a fun group getaway to Ohakune. If the chill factor is just too much to bear there are some pretty thrifty flights to our warmer neighbouring Pacific Islands for a mid-winter escape.

Snow bunnies get set for some fresh powder. Photo / Sarah Ivey

5: A chance to reset

The winter months justify hibernation. The silly season has come to a close, social events are drying up and no one wants to stay out too long on a chilly Friday night after work. Winter is here to give us a big warm hug and help us recover and reset.