I don’t hate winter. Balmy 30 degree days in December don’t bother me in the slightest and watching as snow falls elegantly outside my window helps put me in the holiday spirit. Waking up each morning to a sparkling landscape of frosted trees and swirling breezes is lovely and for a solid month I thrive, in love with all winter has to offer.

But by late January when the temps dip well below 0 and the ice and snow arrive in full force, I’m ready for summer. Hacking away at my iced over windshield every morning while my fingers go numb has me dreaming of sunny days on the beach and warm August evenings.

Unfortunately for me and everyone else who’s ready for an end to this eternal deep freeze, we’ve got some time to kill. Luckily, I’m here to share my snow day go-tos, a complete list of everything you need to make the most of the freezing weather.A mug of something warm and delicious

Pick your poison: coffee? Hot tea or cocoa perhaps?

• A cozy dog

Trust me on this one. Nothing will warm you up faster than a drowsy golden retriever, although cats work well too.

• A good book or a good Netflix binge

You’ve got your mug and somebody to cuddle with so all you need is something to do and luckily Central Times just released their top Netflix picks. Grab a blanket and get busy. The key to a good snow day is productivity.

• A walk

Now this one is always hard to sell. But again you just have to trust me. It doesn’t have to be a forced death march to the top of Mt. Everest, just get up and walk around the block. The fresh air will make you feel better and you feel less guilty for spending the entire day on the couch.

• Snacks snacks snacks

Number 5 is easily the most important element to any snow day and ideally your snacks pair well with whatever you have in your mug. My favorite thing to make when the weather is garbage is a warm, chocolatey banana bread. My mom created this recipe and it has a serious reputation for being the best banana bread out there. Trust me and add the chocolate chips, you know you want to.

The Banana Bread

½ cup canola or avocado oil

2 cups sugar

2 eggs

3 ripe bananas, mashed (the browner the better)

2 cups flour

1 tsp salt

1 tsp baking soda

Optional 1 cup dark chocolate chips

Mix your wet ingredients and mashed bananas together in a large bowl and add flour, salt, and baking soda. Add chocolate chips and mix well.

Pour batter into a buttered and floured bread pan and bake @350 for 90 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean and the top is golden brown.

Enjoy warm!