Getting out of the house during this time of the year can seem like a hassle with winter just around the corner. We are all bound to stay hidden indoors a little more than we would like. The indoors can be lots of fun too, but if you're like most of us who need a reason to get out of the house during the frosty months, here is a list of things you can do this winter to stay healthy and creative.Looking for something fun to do with your significant other? Spice up the chemistry in the kitchen with Turkish spices! Roll up your sleeves because a cooking class is the perfect thing to stir the love. Learn to cook your favorite Turkish meals from professional chefs and become part of a full cultural experience. This fun activity is also a great way to welcome the holidays with homemade meals just ready to be gobbled up. Learning to cook is fun but cooking your own food has its benefits. As opposed to fast food, you know exactly what you are eating; even better, you can control exactly how much salt you want to put in that rice or how much butter you want to add to that cake. Knowing what you consume will lead you to make healthier choices in your diet and maybe even help you lose unwanted weight just in time for the holidays. Cooking classes are available everywhere in Istanbul, and most of them have special holiday budget packages for this time of year. Mutfak Sanatları Akademisi has a wide range of classes on offer, even if you are on a budget. You can pick your class from their website www.msa.com.tr. Whip out your apron and prepare yourself for the full experience of Turkish dishes.If you are a person of solitude and like time alone, then what better thing to do than yoga. That's right, yoga. Yoga has great benefits for the body all year round and could come in especially helpful during the winter months as you can do yoga indoors. Yoga moves help to stretch muscles and reduce stiffness in the body. This calming activity also pays great attention to your breath, which can help you reduce stress and calm the mind. There are many types of yoga classes to choose from, so you can pick the class best suited for your body type and ability. Bikram Yoga, which is suggested for beginners, only has 26 poses, but don't let that fool you, as it is still very challenging. Vinyasa Yoga is the most common type of yoga, and it will definitely keep you moving from one position to another. Restorative Yoga is a great way to calm down after a long day and can help you revive your energy with slow and calm moves. There are over 23 places in Istanbul where you can sign up for your yoga classes. Cihangir Yoga has a promotional package for newcomers where you can attend as many classes as you want for 30 day for the exciting price of TL 120. You can get more information about their classes on their website www.cihangiryoga.com. What are you waiting for? Start stretching.Among activities for children this winter, theater classes are a fun and educational way to keep them busy. Theater classes can help children learn to improve their communication skills as well as helping them express themselves in better ways. These types of classes show children the importance of working as a team and helping others towards a common goal. Introducing children to theater at an early age will spark their creativity and help them discover their identities as individuals. Theater classes are available for every age group: (0-6) preschool groups, (8-12) elementary stage one (12-5) and elementary stage two. Beşiktaş Sanat Merkezi is having a campaign, and theater classes are TL 190 only. You can get more information about the contents of the classes on their website www.besiktassanatmerkezi.com.For those of you who just want to stay at home with family, we know that it can be difficult to find activities for the whole family to participate, but you can never go wrong with a board game. Board games are all-time classics, but add a spin to them by purchasing a newer version or a limited edition of a favorite game. Luckily for you, Monopoly is always coming out with special editions, and if you are looking for something new, then just pick up one of the new releases of 2014 board games. Keep your eye out for educational games that can keep your family on their feet and their minds creative this winter. Aside from board games, indulge your family in the excitement of card games. Crazy Eights is a card game played with two to four people, and it will keep you on your toes with fast draws and discards of the cards. D&R books stores have free shipping on most of their board games. Check out their website www.dr.com.tr to find your families favorite game.