The amount of activities which have been organised this summer will probably go down in the records’ books for Malta.

There has been all sorts, loads of concerts, gigs, shows, sports events, and various cultural as well as calendar activities. Let us start this editorial by saying that this is fantastic for Malta’s tourism product, and also for us, the regular citizens.

Every weekend, there has been something going on and more often than not, it is followed up by some other activity midweek. Again, we point out that this is all positive.

But many people in Malta are saying that there is simply far too much going on to do something every week as it becomes expensive. First of all, we must point out that one must live according to their means and the simple fact that there is so much going on does not mean that each and every person is obliged, or ‘has a right’ to afford to go to them.

But what we will say, both in terms of tourism and the general public, is that some of these events should be organised in Autumn and Winter. People in Malta have long complained that there is not much to do in the off season – and tourists echo these thoughts.

Of course these months come with their own considerations – weather being first and foremost. Surely, there is enough potential to have a whole calendar of events throughout the year rather than the status quo of a glut in summer and a scarcity in winter.

We are not insinuating that nothing happens in these months – we have seen the success of the Notte Bianca in Valletta and similar events in Gozo and other localities.

But they need to happen more regularly. To be fair, momentum has increased and the local councils are quite active as well as the commercial organisers.

The truth be told, in Winter, we Maltese are a lazy bunch. If it’s windy, we will not go out as we might get earache (or a blow-dry might blow out); if it’s raining, then we will not go out as we might catch a cold (or the blow-dry might turn to frizz); if it’s cloudy then we will not go out as it might rain, we might catch a cold (or the blow dry might turn to frizz)... we are sure that everyone gets the picture.

If there were more activities which could entice people to get their behinds off the sofa and actually do something in winter, then we might actually get the ball rolling and encourage some much needed activity.

While it may not be possible to have open air concerts in the middle of January, the plethora of indoor venues which are now available could easily facilitate some shoulder and winter month activity.

Some might enjoy the sedentary life, but it is clear that Malta needs a little something to brighten up our winters, which let’s face it, can be very drab and boring. From a commercial point of view, if the activity on offer is a good one, then it could be rich pickings, so the benefit is for all concerned.

Winter is boring enough, we don’t have to make it even worse by refusing to get up and doing something. On the other hand, there has to be something worth doing for anyone to have the inclination to do so.