Winter is here and there is nothing more fun than spending cozy nights doing great things. Here is a list of five fun things to do.

By Salma Calderon

Southern California has not seen a true winter in forever, but everyone always enjoys what the season has to offer. Going Christmas tree hunting and heading to Starbucks for seasonal drinks like peppermint hot chocolate gives the people a taste of the season. All the more reason to have fun this wonderful time of year.

As the month of December becomes the highest peak mark of the year, winter reaches into the month as the weather gets cooler, and with society just barely recovering from COVID-19 quarantine, many wonder what to do this winter that does not just consist of attending simple festive grounds or traditional White Elephants.

Some tend to forget that winter does not just land in December, but extends beyond the new year. Winter is not just Christmas time, seasonal tree farms and presents, but it is a new season, with ombre skies and cold weather here in Southern California.

There are so many things to do but few fresh ideas, so here are 5 ideas to get right into the season.

1. Have a winter photoshoot.

If you want to get that seasonal Instagram post online with the best look but are at home, have a winter photoshoot right there in the comfort of your own place. It does not always have to be fancy. A coat and some boots outside on your lawn or in a living room by the Christmas tree goes a long way with the right editing. Southern California does not have that blue aesthetic everyone looks for but simple adjustments made through the standard edit on photos can make everything look festive and fun.

Here is a simple phone photo edit to make your winter pictures look holly jolly this year: Exposure: +12, Brilliance: -63, Highlights: -10, Shadows: +68, Contrast: +17, Brightness: +20, Saturation: +50, Vibrance: +40, Warmth: +10, Tint: +40.

2. Traditional baking.

Perhaps put the filter and photoshoot to the test when you are baking. There is nothing more fun than baking with loved ones or just on your own. It does not have to be Christmas themed which is the beauty of baking. So long as there is flour, sugar, and eggs the possibilities may be endless. Cookies, cakes, and pastries are the best way to go this season. Chocolate chip cookies hit close to any home with this awesome recipe to have your whole house smelling sweet and warm.

Traditional Chocolate Chip Cookies: 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking soda, 2 tsp salt, 1 cup chilled butter, 3/4 cup brown sugar, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 2 large eggs, one and a half pack of chocolate chunks (do not put in fridge). No milk or water is necessary.

Prepare all ingredients into one mixing bowl and mix with a mixer and then by hand. Chill the dough for at least 30 to 40 minutes. Set the oven to 375 degrees. Grab a pan and set down a line of parchment paper, no cooking spray or butter is needed. Take your dough out of the fridge or freezer and roll it into individual balls to set on the baking sheet. Place the tray in for 9 to 10 minutes then check. After that place them in for another 10 minutes until they are the perfect golden color.

3. Build a fort wonderland.

Now if you want a place to chow down on those trays of cookies you just made and uploaded online, then head to your living room or even your room and set up a winter wonderland fort. Let's head back to the old days when you were a kid having fun. A fort simply needs pillows and blankets, maybe even a chair or two, for a nice place to sit and be cozy.

4. Host a holiday themed dinner party.

Get some friends or your family for a holiday themed dinner party. Nothing has to be perfect and it does not have to be traditional. Instead of red and green think about some holiday movies to spark some imagination. How about a "Home Alone" themed dinner party where you have microwaved meals and ice cream sundaes could be the best fit. Maybe even a "Mickey's Twice Upon a Christmas" dinner where there is a turkey and solid bread just like the Duck family.

5. Have a winter movie marathon.

It is a simple and easy activity that requires nothing but movies and home. Sit down to enjoy fall movies with snacks like popcorn, chips and candy.

Looking for something classic while wrapped in a few warm blankets, then "Oh captain, my captain!" watch "Dead Poets Society". Perhaps engage in "When Harry Met Sally", and even listen to the bells ring with Zuzu Bailey in the classic film "It's a Wonderful Life". There's no limit to what movies you can watch. It is all about being cozy with a blanket or two with a movie to end the night. Having fun is key.

Top five winter activities to do in 2022