CALIFORNIA, Md. — Daylight saving time is over, which means the clocks “fall back” to standard time until March. Officially, “daylight saving” is actually the period between March and November when we adjust clocks to take more advantage of natural light and longer days.
During daylight saving time, the Northern Hemisphere is tilted on the Earth’s axis toward the sun. This means we naturally have extended daytime hours and warmer conditions. Daylight saving allows us to take advantage of those already extended hours — during daylight saving, people tend to rise earlier, complete their tasks sooner and enjoy later sunsets for leisure activities.
Daylight saving goes back centuries, and many communities around the world have practiced or continue to practice it informally. In the U.S., cities and towns began observing daylight saving at the start of World War I to conserve fuel.
Daylight saving has been contentious in recent years, but there are numerous benefits. It’s actually more popular than ever, as people with 9-to-5 jobs can take advantage of the extended daylight. What people tend to dislike is the return to standard time — and they often use the term “daylight saving” as a catch-all for the clock changes. The return to standard time is where we are now — bringing with it 4:30 p.m. sunsets, colder days and nights and seasonal mood changes.
But standard time doesn’t have to be sad. Cultures around the world have learned to embrace cold and dark, or at least try to remain self-aware enough to guide each other through literally dark times. In Nordic countries, “hygge” is a state of coziness that residents adopt during winter to conserve their energy and take a more mindful approach to the dark winter months.
Here in Maryland, we’re lucky to have so many indoor and outdoor activities we can enjoy year-round. Even if it’s dark, getting outside into nature can be incredibly healing. And of course, we have to make sure we don’t use the dark or cold as an excuse to seal ourselves off from others. Nothing staves off seasonal depression like friends.
So with all that context in mind, here are some activities you can do in the dark on standard time:
See A Movie
November and December are usually packed with blockbusters and family-friendly options. Yes, it’s a little more expensive than movie night at home on your couch, but getting out of the house is a healthy way to switch up your regular activities and help you avoid getting stuck in a rut.
Plus, the movies still feel like an experience. Especially if you love popcorn.
Library Events
Libraries in Calvert, Charles and St. Mary’s counties all have hours that go beyond a typical 5 p.m. schedule. So you have the opportunity to relax there, browse for some books or take advantage of library programming. The libraries have fun things planned for people of all ages, and it’s such a beautiful way to get out in your community, try something new and not let darkness get you down.
Bonfire
Attend a bonfire or create one. If you have the space, adding a fire pit to your deck or yard gives you the opportunity to sit outside in the dark itself! Fires can be enjoyed solo, with pets, with a book or with friends. The opportunities are endless. Oh, and you can make s’mores.
Flashlight Walks
For some reason, kids love to walk with flashlights. You can make this nighttime activity fun by working together to spot landmarks or creatures. It’s a fun way to get outside and appreciate that darkness has charm, too.
Join a Book Club
A classic. How many times during winter do you hear of someone wanting to curl up with a good book? Reading is a fantastic way to pass these dark months, because the possibilities of escape into your imagination are only limited to how many books you can store in your home at one time. Joining a book club keeps you reading and provides a social element to your reading.
Baking
Or any hobby, really. Stock up on supplies and experiment with tastes and recipes, and make it a family event. Baking is creative and relaxing, and you get the opportunity to try something delicious when you’re done. Or share it with someone else.
Stargazing
The Earth is constantly turning on an axis, remember? Go outside and look up. Remember how tiny we are, and that this darkness is a part of living on this beautiful planet. It may get dark at 4:30, but only in the dark can you see the stars.
Plus, when summer comes, everyone will be really impressed when you point out Cassiopeia.
Of course, this isn’t a complete list. There are endless hobbies or topics you can explore, or you can take advantage of the many indoor recreation offerings by Southern Maryland’s parks and recreation departments. Good luck out there, and let us know your best ideas for spending time until March.
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