In the past, people relied on the seasons and knew how to prepare themselves for each one. Today we have many modern conveniences to keep us warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Despite these conveniences, it is still critical that even in the mildest regions, we take a few minutes to make sure we are prepared for the upcoming winter season. One big part of this is considering how we are planning to bundle up our family both inside and outside.
Examining Our Closet
Our winter wardrobe items tend to wear out towards the end of the cold months. When this happens, most of us put off buying new winter garments because the next bout of freezing weather seems far away. This ends up being a mental trap. We don't purchase new winter items until we absolutely need them, and then we can struggle to find any available. To avoid such an unpleasant circumstance, we should set a reminder on our phones to look over our winter items in the middle of fall. This will enable us to make sure we are prepared for cold weather when it hits our community.
Keeping Our Feet Warm
The first step to preparing for winter is to make sure we have good winter footwear. For example, our ankles are thinly insulated, so we should be certain to cover them with socks, long pants, and boots or booties. We should not skimp out on getting quality winter boots or heeled booties to make sure our feet stay toasty and dry when we go outside. We should also invest in some comfortable warm socks. For example, Merino wool is one of the most effective choices for warm winter socks thanks to its natural moisture-wicking and insulating abilities, even if it gets wet.
Always Wear Layers Outside
When we are trying to stay warm outside, wearing layers is always a good choice. We need to wear appropriate outdoor clothing like a tightly woven, wind-resistant coat or jacket and an inner layer of light, warm clothing. Wearing lots of layers, rather than one thick piece of clothing, is a smart way to keep warm in winter. Base layers like thermal vests or long-sleeve tops are inexpensive and can work well to trap heat. Keep a look out for clothing made from wool, cotton, or fleece fabrics. Layers work by capturing air which provides a barrier between us and the cold outside. Clothing layers help keep us, and our families dry, which is crucial to staying warm. Being cold and damp puts us at a higher risk of hypothermia, which can be life-threatening.
Don’t Forget a Hat
Every part of our body that encounters a cold environment can lose heat. And the part of our body that is most often exposed to the elements during winter is our head. The amount of heat we lose through our heads depends on several factors, including how thick our hair is. We should also note the ratio of the surface area of a child's head relative to their body surface area is much greater than that of an adult. This means children lose proportionally more heat through their heads. This means hoods and hats are even more critical for children.
Staying Warm Inside
Staying bundled up outside helps us to control and maintain proper body heat, but it doesn’t always give us that “cozy” feeling we search for when the snow is falling outside. A pleasant way to relax during a snow day is to find a comfy recliner, sit back with a book and a thermos of hot chocolate, and bundle up. It’s really an amazing, relaxing feeling that can only be enjoyed in cold weather. This means it is imperative that we invest in warm blankets for everyone to enjoy cuddling under as well as a wide range of warm food and beverages.
Conclusion
We want to make sure everyone in our families can stay nice and warm this winter season. To do so, we need to buy warm boots, wear layers, grab a hat and make sure we have lots of cozy places around our home. With a little bit of preparation, everyone in our family will be able to enjoy themselves this winter.
