How to whistle in a blizzard: A Canadian Winter Living Guide

Our first "snow storm" is upon us, and cries of terror and dread abound. Some have even called the snow "horrible".

What I propose is that perhaps we can look at our Winter through a different lens, and perhaps some of these points can be helpful for others to get more out of the winter; and perhaps, maybe, just possibly, ENJOY the winter too.

Often we dread things because we are not prepared; either mentally or physically. Here are some ideas on how to prepare for, enjoy, and LIVE through a Winter, not just survive it:

Adjust your Grey Matter. Plan to have fun in the Winter, and see the good in it. If you live in Canada, you cannot stop Winter from coming. So either embrace its arrival, or indeed, plan to move somewhere warmer. There's a reason millions of Canadians love and cherish this nation, despite the cold. There is amazing greatness in this nation; and, there is good and enjoyment to be found in the Winter season. See my other blog post on "Reasons to love the Fall and Winter" for some ideas on things that you and your family can do. You can also acquire a sense of humour; or loosen a cranial screw. I find having a screw loose sometimes helps.

Protect your Grey Matter. I still am baffled when I see teenagers, and often adults too, out in the Winter without a toque (a hat for those not familiar with this Canuckism). There are ways to fix/adjust your "doo" after getting ToqueHead; carry a brush, comb, mirror and hair product to adjust your coif upon de-toquification at your end destination indoors (easy to say, coming from a BaldE, who's chrome dome is always exposed to the elements). Acquire an array of toques / headwear, have fun with it. Also, ensure that your neck / collar area is covered as well; scarves or neck warmers pay off high dividends.

Research has shown.. Arctic researchers stated "You can be comfortable in any weather, as long as you dress for it.". Here are a few more "dressing" points, along that vein.

Protect your Core. Having or not having a good Base Layer can make or break your spirit when you're outdoors. You can choose tops and bottoms that whisk away sweat, are breathable, even when you're indoors, but also protect when you're stuck outside. There's no shame in wearing "long johns" at all. Protect your "junk", don't freeze it off. See an example from MEC.

Protect your Digits. Mitts or gloves with a separate liner. Good combo to have a lightweight liner glove, with rubber on palm/fingers for dexterity tasks, and have a separate mitten impermeable shell on top. Invest, don't cheap out. See an expensive example here.

Protect your Stompers. High-boots that go beyond your ankles. Wet feet will make you miserable. One good brand is Sorel; Hanukkah Harry just bought a nice pair for my wife. Invest, don't cheap out. You don't buy boots every year, make it worthwhile.

Protect your Chesticles. Get a good jacket. Choose one with layers; one benefit from a layered jacket is that you can zip out the liner and re-use the shell as a Fall / Spring jacket (as an option). Here's an expensive example, but you can find cheaper. Invest, don't cheap out. You don't buy jackets every year, make it worthwhile.

Protect your Leggings. For intense outdoor activities, or prolonged periods outdoors, it is worthwhile to get snow pants. Good ones will protect against wind and moisture.

Getting Around. Think about what frustrates you about winter commuting. Parking. Traffic. Try taking public transport (depending where you live / where you're going). If it is an option, plan it, take it. If you have to drive, plan your time wisely. Plan for winter / storm commuting to take 1 to 1.5 times longer (ex. for a 30 minute normal commute, in storm will take 1 hr to 1 hr 15 minutes - according to RCMP recommendations). See more details on preparing your vehicle, next.

Winterification of your Ride. Get good Winter Tires, and steel rims. Buy it once, along with your summer tires, it spreads the wear and tear between the two sets, and it is a NOTICEABLE difference in driving as compared to "all seasons". Get a good snow brush. Have good wipers. Invest, don't cheap out. This is not a comfort issue, it's your safety, and those of others. If you can plan / are planning for a new vehicle acquisition, consider a vehicle that is better suited to winter, that is high off of the ground, with AWD / 4WD as an option. A Pontiac Fiero doesn't fare well on top of a foot of snow.

Winterification of your Home. Do it. Worthwhile having windows weather-proofed with extra plastic layer, and space heaters in the cold areas (like my dungeonous basement office). I'll update this article later with a good reference article.

Warming Up. Things will get wet, accept it. You can plan to have spare clothing / accessories, or plan to dry them when you get where you're going, or back home. We use a great gloves drying rack. Once you're at work, at home, plan to have something to look forward to: a warm drink treat. Hot Cocoa and marshmallows. Hot Cider. Warm, spiked, coffee. Mmmm I am thirsty now. They can help fight that occasional bone-chilling freeze.

Slouching About Cozily. Depending on the relative warmth of your house, you should likely get a good robe. Cozy Slippers. Great PJs. Make it fashionably fun and cozy.. we look forward to donning our cozy slippers and flannel PJs as a family.

Snow Management System. If you have a large-ish driveway, invest in a decent snowblower. Otherwise, do a little homework and get a sturdy shovel or two. We procured smaller ones for the kids and they LOVE helping out, just as they did this morning. Except the help is often not really helpful, but at least they have a blast.

Pack your Pockets. When spending time outdoors, it helps to have Pocket Kleenex. Hand warmers can be good too.

Plan for Fun. Skiing. Tobogganing (with helmets, eyewear / protection for the cautious - we have a story in there). Skating. See my other post for the fun things that you can do, with or without kids. On an adult note, fornication is a good alternative too (for consenting adults only!). Ha. Hee hee.

Please feel free to comment and add your own suggestions on how to get the most out of winter. SNOWBALL FIGHT!

-Bald E


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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Bald E has no official degree in meteorology nor in fashion / design, but has happily enjoyed a few decades of Canadian winters, including working outdoors in many "harsh" winter conditions (a military qualification in Winter Warfare could be considered helpful). He, his wife, and their spawn have solid plans to snowboard, ski, build snow forts (and anatomically correct snow people) in the coming days.

He actually started writing this article, in his head, after realizing the hilarity of him whistling "Let it snow" in the middle of a recent blizzard.