With the weather growing colder and the days getting shorter, it can be challenging to find ways to stay warm during the winter. Here are a few ideas that will help keep your body heat up, even when the weather outside is frightful.Â
 1. Make a Holiday playlist and bake Christmas cookies – When your day is done, your toes are numb and your nose is debatably frostbitten, this is the perfect time to throw on your cozy socks and bring out your inner Martha Stewart. Bake your favorite holiday-shaped cookies and throw on that Michael Buble Christmas CD you’ve been missing since last year. As you’re mixing and singing, you’ll be sure to forget all about your frostbitten extremities. Â
2. Buy that cozy jacket you’ve been eyeing – We all need to stay warm and protected during the unbearably cold days of winter, so splurge on that oversized jacket you’ve been wanting for months! This way, when it’s time to wake up and go to class or work, at least you will have the motivation of knowing you’ll look great in the cold. All of the compliments are sure to warm you up.
3. Cuddle up by the fire and watch your childhood favorites – With dark cold days and even darker nights, it can sure get lonely in Eugene this time of year… This is why you’ll need to confide in your best childhood friends: Frosty, Rudolph, Santa Claus, and even the Grinch to keep you company. Throw some wood on the fire and get ready for a night of throwbacks and nostalgia. If you’re not into the oldies, then remember that there’s nothing more comforting than a night with Buddy the Elf or A Christmas Story.
4. Take advantage of your winter wonderland- This means grabbing some carrots and a scarf to go outside, playing in the snow and making your own version of Frosty the Snowman! Maybe organizing a group sledding day is more your style, where you toboggan down a hill and loser gets to pull the other one back to the top. My personal favorite is taking a trip to the ice skating rink to practice your moves and inevitably, your falls. Even sleigh rides are a great way to help you get into the holiday mood! So jump on the Polar Express and get yourself out and about to embrace the chilly season this year. Â
5. Throw an ugly sweater party- Is there a better way to keep your blood flowing and your body heat high than by hosting an ugly sweater party? The thrift stores are chock full of absolutely heinous holiday apparel (that most likely came from our parents’ closets), and are begging for you to adopt them for the season. With some peppermint schnapps and hot chocolate, your guests will be sure to stay nice and toasty during these festivities.  Â
 Nobody likes a Scrooge that kills the holiday vibe, so take this advice and be sure to keep yourself toasty during this holiday season!