Quick Winter Crafts, Flu Risks for Older Adults, and Smart Ways to Use Life Insurance in Estate Planning

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Winter is an ideal time for small, satisfying projects — especially ones that don’t require a big setup or long cleanup. The crafts below are practical, fun, and designed to fit comfortably into a short window of time. Each can be completed in about 10–20 minutes, making them perfect for a quiet afternoon or a creative break between errands.

Instead of batch-making cards, try creating just one. Use cardstock, a glue stick, and pre-cut paper shapes or stickers. A simple winter scene or pattern is all you need. Writing a thoughtful note on your homemade card often takes longer than the design — and that’s the point. One finished card feels meaningful, not overwhelming.

If you have an unused teacup or small bowl, place a tea light or LED candle inside and add a ring of dried orange slices, cinnamon sticks, or pine sprigs around it. No pouring wax required. This creates a cozy centerpiece in minutes.

Cut a strip of felt or soft fabric about 2 inches wide and 6–7 inches long, and glue it to a strip of cardstock the same size. Glue a ribbon or tassel to one end. These are simple and make excellent gifts for friends who read or attend book clubs.

Fill a small fabric pouch or coffee filter with rice, a pinch of ground cloves, and a drop of essential oil (lavender or pine works well). Tie with string. These are useful in drawers, coat closets, or nightstands.

Choose one printed photo, glue it onto a blank card, and write a short memory or date on the back. Over time, these become a personal archive — far more meaningful than photos stored in a shoebox or on a phone.

These projects aren’t about productivity. They’re about using your hands, focusing your mind, and creating something finished — quickly.

“The Radio at the End of the Hall”
From the life overview of Marjorie L., 84, Santa Rosa, CA. Shared with permission.

When my husband and I first moved into our house in 1972, the hallway felt impossibly long and a little too dark. That’s why we kept a small transistor radio on a side table near the linen closet. It was nothing fancy—just a beige plastic box with a dial that crackled anytime someone touched it—but it played softly from morning until dinner. Usually, we played the local AM station, which broadcasted a mix of traffic reports, farm news, and the kind of easy-listening music that always sounded a bit sleepy. It became the background hum of our early marriage, threading through laundry days, sick days, and every hurried morning we spent searching for misplaced keys.

One afternoon, the station cut away from a song to break the news of a wildfire miles away. I remember standing frozen in the hallway, towel in hand, listening as the announcer’s voice wavered ever so slightly while giving evacuation updates. We weren’t in danger, but the moment felt strangely intimate. It was just me, the quiet house, and that trembling voice carrying someone else’s fear through the radio speaker. I kept checking in every few minutes, and the static from the radio would rise and fall like an anxious heartbeat.

Years later, when the radio finally gave out, I couldn’t bring myself to throw it away. It had played the soundtrack for so many ordinary days, steady and unremarkable yet deeply woven into the rhythm of our lives. Even now, I sometimes catch myself expecting to hear its familiar crackle drifting down the hall.

***

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British Pathé Archive
A large collection of historical newsreels and short films from the early 20th century through the 1970s. The footage covers everyday life, work, travel, science, and public events, often filmed in a straightforward, observational style. Clips are short and easy to watch one at a time.

Chronicling America – Historic American Newspapers
A searchable archive of digitized newspapers published between 1777 and 1963, maintained by the Library of Congress. You can browse by date, place, or keyword to see how news, advertisements, and local concerns were presented at the time. It’s useful for understanding daily life through original reporting.

Smithsonian Open Access
An open portal to millions of images, artworks, objects, and research materials from across the Smithsonian museums and research centers. Items are clearly labeled and easy to browse without needing background knowledge. The focus is on direct access to collections rather than interpretation.

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Take a few minutes to jot down your thoughts. Even a few sentences are a memory preserved for loved ones.

Online maps can make walking safer, easier, and far less stressful—whether you’re heading to a doctor’s appointment, exploring a new neighborhood, or just trying to avoid hills and busy intersections. Most smartphones already come with free, powerful map tools that work well for walkers once you know where to tap.

If you’re newer to smartphones or apps, start with Google Maps (Android or iPhone) or Apple Maps (iPhone only).

Helpful tips:

Once you’re comfortable, these features can make walking even better:

Avoid hills and busy roads:
Google Maps often offers multiple walking routes—tap different options to choose flatter or quieter paths.

Download maps for offline use:
This is useful if you walk in areas with poor cell service.

Share your walk with family:
You can share your live location so someone knows where you are during longer walks.

Try walking-focused apps:

Used correctly, online maps help walkers stay oriented, avoid unnecessary detours, and reach destinations more safely. Even basic features can make walking in unfamiliar areas more comfortable and predictable.

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Unmissable American gem: New Hope, Pennsylvania offers seniors a charming riverside escape with historic Main Street shopping, cultural attractions, and delightful dining that make it a beloved getaway in the Philadelphia countryside.

Unscramble the letters to find a famous person, event, or object! Be the first to reply with the correct answer, and we’ll send you a free gift in the mail.

Today’s clue: Old Hollywood favorites.

CISCLAS OIVMES

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