10 Best Things to Do Now that Daylight Savings Time is Over

I always get so excited when it's time to "fall back" in November. An extra hour of sleep? Yes, please! And then 4:30 pm comes and the sun is low in the sky and I think, "Wait, I take it back. I would rather have the daylight." It turns out I'm not the only one with mixed feelings. Nationally, daylight savings time was first established in 1918 in the U.S., but that law was repealed. The practice was popular again during World War II as an energy saving measure. It was finally standardized in 1966, but states can choose whether to play along. Study all this, because there will be a quiz.

It feels like the real start of winter for me. It's the beginning of dark, cold afternoons and limited hours to get yard work and errands done. But it's also the beginning of long, cozy evenings. To celebrate, try:

1. Building a fire: Bundle up and make s'mores around a campfire or fire pit on your patio. Or if you are really lucky and have a fireplace or a wood stove, it's time to get it cranking.
2. Making mulled cider: Whether you heat a whole gallon in your slow cooker or fancy it up on the grill like Bobby Flay, it's a perfect way to warm up a cold evening. This fancy Betty Crocker version is delicious for a fall party. 
3. Simmering some soup: No, not all my ways to celebrate the end of daylight savings time involve food, I swear. But a bowl of hot soup is the perfect dinner for a chilly, dark evening.
4. Baking homemade bread: To go with the soup! Try this one that does all the work on its own while you enjoy the precious hours of daylight.
5. Getting up early: If you're like me, you've been getting up in the dark for weeks now and you survived. Try setting your alarm a little earlier now that the sun is coming up earlier. Drink that coffee in an honest-to-goodness ceramic mug and get a jump on the day. Among other factors, increasing exposure to sunlight can help to improve mood during the grim winter months.
6. Going outside: Make the most of your daylight hours by taking a walk somewhere pretty before it gets too cold.  
7. Star-gazing: Go out and check out some fall constellations without staying up past your bedtime. Download an iPad app if you are as clueless as I am. Or go out and see the Leonid meteor shower on November 17th.
8. Playing Manhunt: Manhunt is a variation of hide-and-seek played in the dark. If your neighborhood is safe or you have a campus or park to play in, gather a bunch of friends. One person is "it," the Manhunter, and all the other players hide. Pick clear boundaries and keep it safe with rules about legit hiding spots. Pick an ending time so the champion isn't left hiding all night long. 
9. Making a night of it: Have a fall party combining several of the suggestions above. Or check out these other fall party ideas for kids or adults
10. Going to bed early: Round up your loved one or someone friendly and warm and enjoy some early evenings. The busy holiday season is coming, and soon spring will be here. Before you know it, you'll be busy with all kinds of parties and engagements. Take this opportunity to hibernate a little while you have the chance.