We were all stoked about getting that extra hour of sleep on Sunday night (we were, weren't we?), but it's kind of tough now that we can pretty much expect darkness around 5 p.m. every night.
Let us give it to you straight, New York City. Seasonal depression is real. We don't want you to fall prey to its clutches, however.
It's too easy to get down about dry skin, dark evenings, and cold weather.
We think we have some suggestions to make everything better, though. There's no point of sitting around all winter, day dreaming about long July days, eating endless pies of pizza, and watching Netflix.
We think the following indoor activities will keep you out and about now that daylight savings has struck, and they'll hopefully help you ward off the cold weather blues.
1. Play with puppies
satubert I'll just rip your jeans - cool? 🐶#cutenessoverload #pups #iwantthemall #doggies #citipups #newyork #puppieserrywhere
Ever been to Citipups? It's in Chelsea at 147 8th Avenue, and they've got a store of entirely adorable, 100% lovable puppies.
All you have to do to play with one is convince the guys that work there beyond a reasonable doubt that you're interested in buying. You can do this without lying.
When they say, "Do you want to buy a puppy?" All you have to do is say, "Yes." It's true, isn't it, that you do want to buy a puppy. He didn't say "Can you afford a puppy?" He didn't say, "Do you have time to take care of a puppy?"
All he said was, "Do you want a puppy?" To which you can very truthfully answer yes. Then, you'll find yourself in a playpen with the cutest puppy in the world. You'll get a half hour of blissful playtime with this puppy.
Pro tip: there's a Chipotle right next door. Playing with puppies and then going to Chipotle makes for a pretty stellar hang out session.
2. Journey to the Rockefeller Christmas Tree
The 2015 Rockefeller Christmas Tree Lighting is going down on December 2nd. There will be live performances from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Rockefeller Plaza on December 2nd.
It'll remain lit and available for viewing until January 6th. Plus, it's absolutely stunning.
There's no use getting down and out about the fact that it's dark and cold when you're standing in front of a sparkling, 100-foot tall Christmas tree shouting its light into the darkness.
You can placate yourself with the knowledge that if it weren't dark so early in the wintertime, the Rockefeller Christmas Tree wouldn't be so ridiculously pretty. If it didn't get dark, we wouldn't be able to see those radiant lights.
The darker the darkness, the brighter those Christmas lights are. So get here on an evening with someone special this holiday season, why don't you?
3. Hit up a bar with a fireplace
shoolbreds Scotch for one? Not how you should be spending #ValentinesDay...Bring your crew and celebrate Friday with your favorite friends and single malt at #Shoolbreds!
Okay, it's Friday night and you're cuddled up in your sweatpants in blankets. You've got Netflix on your computer and Seamless on the way. This is everything you'd ever want. Why would you ever go out?
What if we told you there were lots of bars in NYC with roaring fireplaces?
What if we said you could sit on a cozy couch while being warmed by this fire, tossing back a hot toddy? Just stick with us here. You're wearing a cozy sweater, the fire is warm on your skin, and the hot toddy burns your throat. In a good way.
This sort of makes you want to get out of bed, doesn't it? There's Shoolbred's, there's Molly's, there's Harlem Public and Lexington Bar and Books. There are lots more, and they make going out in the wintertime delightful.
4. Drink at a heated rooftop bar
spurofthemoments Excited for the fun things that are about to go down at @refineryrooftop especially after stopping by for lunch. Stay tuned for what's to come 😁 #refineryhotel #refineryrooftop #nyc #nychotels @ingoodcompanyhg
Oh, so you were willing to get out of bed for a fireplace? You haven't seen anything yet.
Everyone knows about the stunning rooftop views in NYC. Everyone knows about the seasonal rooftop bars that make a killing in the summertime, where people throw back their hair and chug cocktails and stare into the city lights.
Guess what, NYC. We have news for you. This was never just a summer fling. There are plenty of heated rooftop bars at which you can be entirely cozy while being entirely enamored by NYC's rooftop views.
There's Refinery Rooftop, Gansevoort Park Rooftop, Plunge Rooftop Bar & Lounge, and Spyglass. You'll be a real rockstar if you suggest any of these places to your friends.
,5. Channel your inner tourist and go to the Radio City Christmas Spectacular (Radio City Music Hall)
cambosaurus @teganhaigh @eriiinnn_ @newlander88 131 days to go!!! #radiocity #radiocitychristmasspectacular #rockettes #santa
Splurging to see the Rockettes dazzle everyone attendance at Radio City Music Hall is a staple of the holiday season in NYC. It's the most special was you can treat yourself this holiday season.
We have to say, as well, that it's completely warm inside Radio City Music Hall. We can tell you that from experience. Plus, the show is absolutely breathtaking. So, there's also that.
During this show, Radio City Music Hall is transformed into a holiday wonderland, while the Rockettes spread joy to everyone. If you love infectious holiday spirit, talented performers, and the chance to impress whoever you buy tickets for, this event is perfect.
Get your tickets here.
6. Go ice skating
There are plenty of ice rinks scattered throughout the city, and while you're taking figure eights and gliding around the rink, just remember none of this would be possible if it weren't freezing outside.
The ice rink at the Bryant Park Winter Village has free admission. There's also an ice rink at the LeFrak Center at Prospect Park, which costs $6 to skate on weekdays and $8 on weekends and holidays.
You can also skate at Wollman Rink in Central Park, which is one of the most picturesque winter activities in which you could possibly partake. The Wollman Rink opened for the season on October 24th, and entering the Park at 59th Street and 5th Avenue will yield immediate discovery of the rink.
It costs $11.25 to skate at Central Park during the week and $18 on the weekends. You also have to pay $8 for skate rentals. Worth it? Depends how many times you fall.
7. Bowlmor (various NYC locations)
Bowlmor is a distinctly New York place. Which means, is there another bowling alley in the world where you can get completely drunk, jam out to amazing music, and eat to your heart's content?
Okay, maybe this could all happen at Brooklyn Bowl, but Brooklyn Bowl is in New York, isn't it?
Yeah, that's what we thought.
Anyway, getting back to Bowlmor: we think it'll chase your winter blues away so fast, you won't even have time to say "winter blues." They've got locations at Times Square, Chelsea Piers, and Union Square.
They've got an arcade, laser tag, and a ropes course. Plus, they got a two-foot long hot dog, and plenty of beer on tap. Sounds like a blast to us.
Check out 7 Things to Do This Weekend in NYC with That Whole Extra Hour.
[Feature Image Courtesy Gramercy Park Hotel]