It’s easy to get the blues in mid-fall and early winter knowing that your sunscreen or flip flops won’t be getting much use for the next several months. Even thinking about the continuous grey tint to the sky can be enough to get you down. But don’t forget, a new season means new activities.

Delicious treats are one of the biggest focuses of fall and winter. Muffins, cookies, breads, and pies are definitely fun to eat, but are equally entertaining to make. It’s hard to go wrong with anything cinnamon, apple, pumpkin or gingerbread flavored. Check out cheap and easy Thanksgiving treats on the Internet; Smitten Kitchen, Spoonful, Snackpicks and the Bdubbs Bakes column are great for ideas. Invite a few friends over, grab an apron, turn up the tunes, and immerse yourself in the wonderful world of holiday spices.

Fall and winter are also ideal times for a trip to the movie theater. During the summer, wasting two hours of a beautiful sunny day inside a dark theater is almost a crime. But on a rainy or chilly day, the movie theater can be just the right outing to see the new blockbuster before everyone else does. If you head out to Montgomery Mall, the movies are generally cheaper, though the selection is limited. Going to Bethesda Regal can be a little on the pricey side, but buying your tickets online or becoming a member of the Regal Crown Club will ensure good discounts. Bringing your leftover Halloween candy or popping your own popcorn greatly reduces the overall cost of a trip to the movies.

This one might sound a little lame, but bear with me. Scrapbooking. Don’t let the stereotypical image of several mothers fawning over pictures together stop you from giving it a shot. You can’t deny that high school holds some of the most transformational experiences of your life, and while Facebook will “last forever” it’s still useful to have a solid copy of pictures or significant letters to look back on in years to come. Who knows, you could become the new Michael Jackson and those silly photos of spirit week or prom could one day be worth hundreds. Head to the Michael’s craft store and buys a few sheets of fun stickers or page boarders and go at it. In ten years, you’ll be glad you did.

Other classic fall and winter activities are bowling and ice skating. These aren’t as fun to do in the summer, and provide a change of scenery from the usual friend’s basement where you spend your fall weekends. There are several ice skating rinks and bowling alleys in the greater D.C. area, but my two favorites are Cabin John Ice Rink and Bowlmor Lanes in Bethesda. Get some friends or family together and test your balance and your bowling skills.

Don’t let the cloudy skies during fall and winter cloud your mind of fun things to do. There are plenty of activities to keep you busy and entertained. Even a simple movie night with hot cocoa has its place in everyone’s heart. The next few months are the perfect opportunities to cherish those indoor moments.