You’ve made it through a long, cold winter, and now it’s finally time to soak up the sun. So how are you going to celebrate? Many cultures and countries worldwide have traditions surrounding the spring solstice, from dancing around a maypole to crafting wildflower wreaths. These are also wonderful ways to welcome the return of warm weather. There are plenty of ways to make springtime feel special, and many of these ideas can become fun traditions that you and your family can celebrate together each year.
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Organize a Picnic
One of the first things that comes to mind when the warm weather rolls in is to sit outside with loved ones and bask in the sunshine. Turn this concept into a memorable day trip by packing a picnic basket full of delicious sandwiches, juice boxes, cookies and more before hitting the road.
Find a quiet spot in the forest or park or by a lake where you can spread a picnic blanket underneath a tree for shade. Whether you do this with friends, your partner or the kids, everyone will relax, have fun and soak in some rays.
Decorate with Florals
Spring is commonly associated with flowers, making it the perfect time of year to decorate your home with vibrant, aromatic florals. Some of the best flowers to add to your home or garden in springtime are crocuses, lilacs, tulips, daffodils and hyacinths. These bursts of color and intoxicating scents will breathe new life into your home.
Revamp Your Wardrobe
The beginning of warmer weather is a sign that it’s time to switch around your closet, moving the coats to the back and your t-shirts to the front where they’re easily accessible. While you’re at it, why not give yourself a style makeover and invest in some fun new pieces that are trendy this spring? Flowing boho dresses are the perfect choice for an adorable, feminine addition to your closet. Long-sleeve maxi-dresses are ideal for March, April and May when evenings tend to be a little cooler. Then choose short-sleeved midi-dresses that will carry you through summer in style.
Visit a Local Brewery or Winery
Nothing tastes as good in warm weather as a cold beer, so head to a nearby brewery for a tasting and support local businesses at the same time. If beer isn’t your thing, you can explore a winery in your area instead and enjoy pairing their finest vintages with the local spring produce.
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Prepare a Haft-Sin Table
In Iran, the beginning of spring also marks the Persian New Year, which is widely celebrated and known as Nowruz. To welcome the warm weather into your home this year, why not adopt traditions of other countries and see what they’re all about? During Nowruz, it’s customary to set a special table called Haft-Sin for the occasion. Traditionally, the table should have seven items on it, all starting with S and each symbolizing something precious. Welcome in spring with this beautiful tradition that will also enhance the aesthetic of your home.
Spring Cleaning
As soon as the warm weather arrives, everyone has a sudden desire to purge old items from their closet, their house and the garage. Make use of the balmy temperatures to do a deep clean of your home and tidy up any exterior elements that might look worse for wear after a season of rain and snow. It’s incredibly satisfying to open all the windows in your home on a sunny Saturday afternoon and let the clean, crisp air waft through the house and freshen it up.
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Take Part in Holi
Holi is a Hindu celebration that is another opportunity to experience a potentially new culture while ushering in the warmer seasons. Known as the festival of colors, Holi marks the beginning of spring and the end of winter in India. It’s a two-day event that celebrates new life with people throwing paint, dye and colored powder over each other. If you decide to celebrate Holi for spring, you might want to invest in a bandeau to cover your hair and some sunglasses to protect your eyes from paint.
Hit the Beach
Depending on where you live, the weather might be warm enough to head to the beach already, so grab your swimsuit, beach towel and tote bag. Whether you’re ready to swim, surf or just bathe in the sun, always remember to apply sunscreen thoroughly to protect your skin. Bring along a beachside picnic or portable grill and make a day of it by laughing, talking and enjoying some good old-fashioned barbecue with loved ones.
Watch for Wildlife
With spring in the air, animals wake up from their winter hibernation and venturing out into the world again. Spring is an excellent time for wildlife enthusiasts to scope out what’s living in your region and take photos or videos of it for your collection. Attract local wildlife to your home by placing bird feeders or a cute squirrel picnic table feeder on your porch, where you can watch them daily.
Start Gardening
For those who have a green thumb, you’ve been waiting all winter for spring, and it’s finally arrived. Take advantage of the warm weather by tending to your garden and preparing the soil for planting. Make your first trip to the nursery and purchase the seeds, flowers and succulents you want to plant this year. Nothing is as satisfying as getting a gardening project underway in the first weeks of spring.
Out with the Old, in with the New
The arrival of warmer days is synonymous with new beginnings and taking time to celebrate what is important this time of year. While some countries, like India and Iran, have traditions specifically for this purpose that you can take part in, there are plenty of other, smaller ways you can mark the change of seasons. Whatever feels good to you, take time to get outside and soak in some sun or spend valuable time with friends and family.
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