Right, granted, there's not as much happening in winter in Malta as during the summer. But the cooler, darker season does not have to be filled with doom, gloom and boredom. In fact, it is a time for simple pleasures that nurture and bring people together in a more intimate setting. Lost for ideas? Here are a few.
1. Pizza night
Who can possibly feel depressed when there's pizza? Whether two's company or it's a good excuse for a gathering of friends, whether home-baked or wood-oven baked at one of Malta's fab pizzerias, we know that pizza is a sure pathway to happiness.
2. Spa day
Sauna, Jacuzzi, massage...how can you say no to melting those stresses away? And as relaxation settles in, so does a blissful state of being. You don't really fancy a sauna in Malta in the summer, so make the most of this simple luxury while you can.
3. Games night
From card games such as Uno to complex multi-player board games, from old-fashioned charades to video games, or even Escape Rooms, rekindle that inner kiddo in you with a good game! There's nothing better than a healthy dose of competition and a good laugh.
4. Creativity session
Unleash your creative juices whether alone or in company. Do your favourite thing or try something new. Painting, moulding, sculpting, creating a mosaic, sewing, sticking bits together to make something else...everything counts. Think outside the box!
5. Enjoy nature
If not now, then when? The land is green, the air is crisp and time in nature offers a wonderful dose of vitality as well as vitamin sea and D when you seek out water and sunshine too! Nothing brings you back to yourself in a state of peace like the beautiful natural environment.
6. See the sights
Go to a tourist attraction you’ve never been to before. Summer is for the beach and winter is for everything else. And just because you live in Malta doesn't mean you've seen it all - in fact, you probably haven't. There's lots to choose from for any kind of curiosity and interest.
7. Visit an animal sanctuary
When all else fails, animals always know how to warm your heart. Visit a cat sanctuary, walk a dog, meet other volunteers. There's a lot of satisfaction in the act of giving and what you receive from supporting an animal shelter will surely be beyond your expectation.
If all else could be enjoyed both as a resident or a visitor on the Maltese Islands, the following may be more of local thing because, first, they need some planning and, second, you must get a group of people together.
8. Pamper party
Invite a few friends and hire a masseuse, get cake, do some yoga...whatever fits into your group's idea of a pamper really. You can even get creative and have each of you come up with an idea for an in-house workshop or service - even if it means painting their nails or sharing a facemask.
9. Clothes swap
This has a two-fold advantage: you get to make space in your wardrobe and get new(ish) clothes! Send word out and on the day, invite your friends, each bearing a bag of give-aways. With tea and cake to sweeten the deal, enjoy a good chat as you rummage through each others' stuff to take home.
10. Ecstatic dance
A party idea with a difference, the only planning that goes into a do-it-yourself ecstatic dance is creating a nice playlist of music that starts slow, climbs to a crescendo and slows down again in the space of 90 minutes or so. The rules are simple: 1) bare feet 2) no talking 3) no drink or drugs. Invite free-form movement in a judgement-free space. It's amazing what unfolds, quite the experience!