Getting your family ready for winter can be a challenge, as readiness means different things to different people. For some, it involves preparing the garden and house for the cold months ahead, while others focus on keeping the kids cosy and comfortable. If you’re lucky enough to have central heating, staying warm is much easier compared to relying on a single burner in the living room.
As you get ready for the winter season, it often brings mixed feelings, especially for those who love summer. Some people struggle with seasonal affective disorder or simply don’t fare well in snowy conditions.
Ensuring your family is fully prepared for the cold is simply a smart move. If you grew up in snowy environments, you might already be familiar with the preparations needed for winter. However, if you haven’t experienced cold winters before, it can be difficult to know which winter coats to buy, where to find the best scarves and mufflers, and which gloves will keep the snow out.
Winter isn’t the easiest time of year, largely because comfort can be hard to find. Yet, with the right planning, clothing, and information, you can make winter a season to remember for the right reasons. We’ve got tips to help you get started.
1. Consider The Positives
Winter’s chill often brings to mind long, dark days and biting cold, with sub-zero temperatures making early morning commutes and school runs less than delightful, especially if the school is sparing on their heating. Yet, winter offers a unique opportunity to embrace its magic with a positive outlook. Picture the enchanting sparkle of fresh snowflakes, transforming ordinary landscapes into winter wonderlands, and the joy of Christmas festivities that fill the air with excitement and warmth.
Encourage your kids to engage with the season by building snowmen and discovering the wonders of Christmas fairs, where laughter and joy can be found at every corner. Take family strolls to admire the twinkling Christmas lights that illuminate neighbourhoods with festive cheer. Even the simple act of choosing colourful, cosy winter gear – like vibrant coats, snug scarves, and playful gloves – can turn into a delightful adventure for the whole family.
2. Make Winter Fun

Consider starting new winter traditions, like crafting homemade decorations or baking seasonal treats to fill your home with comforting aromas. You could also set aside weekends for movie marathons, nestled under blankets with hot cocoa in hand. Choosing positivity during winter isn’t always easy, but by focusing on these moments and activities, you can transform the cold months into a season of warmth, cherished memories, and heartfelt connections.
Winter is a season bursting with opportunities for fun and enchantment, inviting families to dive into its frosty embrace. As the nights grow colder and the air turns crisp, it’s the ideal time to prepare the family for winter by transforming it into a canvas of joy and adventure. While the season can sometimes feel long and harsh, it’s also a time to revel in the delights of a snowball fight or the simple joy of building a snowman, adorned with your child’s old scarf for a dash of character.
Imagine the aroma of slow cooker hot chocolate, mingling with peppermint candy canes as you construct a whimsical ice fortress in your backyard. Inside, wrapped in soft blankets, you watch the fluffy snowflakes gently cascade past the window, each flake shimmering with winter’s magic. Encourage your family to dream up exciting winter plans—suggestions might include sledging down powdery hills or twirling on an ice skating rink, creating moments of shared laughter and joy.
Consider setting off to witness the Christmas lights twinkle across town or joining in the community’s vibrant fireworks display on Bonfire Night. Beyond outdoor escapades, winter also offers cosy indoor activities: crafting winter-themed decorations, baking delightful treats that fill the house with warmth, or hosting a family game night by the fire. Embracing these experiences transforms winter into a season rich with laughter, warmth, and unforgettable memories for everyone.
3. Make Winter Traditions
Crafting your winter traditions can bring a unique charm to the season, much like the magic of Christmas. Whether you’re strapping on snowshoes or skis, hitting the slopes for some snowboarding, or simply enjoying a day of sledging, winter offers countless opportunities to embrace the outdoors just as you do in summer. Reflect on what truly matters to your family – be it staying active, enjoying the crisp winter air, or crafting handmade decorations that add a personal touch to your home.
By weaving these activities into your winter routine, you create moments of joy and anticipation. Getting the kids excited about winter becomes effortless when they know that memorable and delightful experiences await. Whether it’s a day of snowy adventures or cosy crafting sessions, these traditions foster a sense of togetherness and turn the colder months into a cherished time for family bonding.
Some Winter Traditions You Could Create
Snowy Adventure Days
Plan regular outings for snowshoeing, skiing, or sledging. These activities offer a great way to enjoy the crisp winter air and create lasting memories in the snow.
Frosty Crafts Weekend
Dedicate weekends to crafting sessions where the family can create homemade winter decorations like snowflake ornaments, wreaths, and cosy candle holders.
Winter Baking Extravaganza
Turn the kitchen into a winter wonderland by baking seasonal treats such as gingerbread cookies, cinnamon rolls, and hot cocoa bombs, allowing everyone to join in and learn new baking skills.
Indoor Movie Marathon
Create a cosy home cinema experience with blankets, popcorn, and a lineup of classic winter movies that everyone can enjoy.
Winter Wildlife Watching
Set up bird feeders and keep a journal of the different species that visit. It’s a calming activity that connects the family with nature even in the colder months.
Evening Storytelling by the Fire
Gather around the fireplace for storytelling nights, where each family member can share their favourite tales or make up new ones together.
DIY Hot Chocolate Bar
Set up a hot chocolate station with various toppings like marshmallows, whipped cream, and peppermint sticks for a delightful treat after a day in the cold.
Frozen Science Experiments
Conduct fun science experiments that explore ice and snow, like making ice lanterns or snow volcanoes, sparking curiosity and learning.
Weekly Winter Walks
Choose a day each week for a family walk in a nearby park or nature reserve, encouraging everyone to appreciate the serene beauty of a winter landscape.
Seasonal Scrapbooking
Capture the essence of winter by creating a scrapbook filled with photos, drawings, and mementoes from your winter activities, ensuring that these memories are cherished for years to come.
4. Slow Down and Embrace the Stillness
Winter can often force you into a new pace of life, even if it’s just for a few months. Embracing that new pace of life with slower, quieter mornings and working on board games rather than being on a hiking adventure is how to get through it.
Winter often forces people to stay indoors, especially when they’ve got little kids and they don’t want to keep them outside for too long. This means you have to make your fun inside the house as much as outside the house. So build pillow forts and teach the kids how to be bored and find their imagination. Winter does come with a degree of stillness, so you need to ensure that everybody is ready for it.
5. Prepare Everybody’s Wardrobes

Ensuring everyone is dressed for the weather is key to enjoying winter comfortably. Opt for thick, waterproof winter coats with a cosy woollen lining to keep you and the kids warm. Don’t forget woolly hats to cover heads and ears, and gloves to protect hands and fingers from the chill.
Being prepared for the cold means layering up smartly, so everyone can stay cosy outside and easily remove layers when indoors to avoid overheating. Remember, children should wear one more layer than adults. For instance, if you’re in a shirt, jumper, and coat, you should add a vest and t-shirt underneath. Dressing appropriately for the weather is essential for making winter days enjoyable and keeping everyone snug and happy.
6. Teach The Kids to Cook
Teaching kids to cook during the winter months is a wonderful way to spend quality time together while instilling valuable skills. As you prepare hearty winter meals like slow-cooked stews and soups, invite the kids to join you in the kitchen. Not only will they witness the process, but you’ll also be teaching them a practical new skill.
Keeping them entertained becomes easy when they’re actively participating in creating delicious dishes. They’ll learn to make meals that warm the heart and soul, adding to the joy of being cosy indoors. Cooking together fosters family bonding and creates memorable experiences that make the chilly season feel warmer from the inside out.
7. Welcome The Snug Layers Back In
As winter sets in, it’s time to swap out those lightweight summer duvets for snug layers that promise a warm and restful night’s sleep. Start by adding a thick duvet with a fleece blanket on top, complemented by a few extra pillows to ensure everyone feels cosy.
When shopping for winter essentials, remember to pick up fleece sheets and pyjamas, which are perfect for wrapping up in comfort during chilly nights. Wearing pyjamas becomes essential this time of year, as everyone seeks that cosy, snug feeling that winter brings. Preparing your beds with these layers will help combat the cold and make bedtime a comforting retreat from the frosty weather outside.
8. Remember That It’s Not Forever

As winter weaves its chilly spell, remember that this season, like all others, is fleeting. Embrace the unique charm of winter, for it offers a canvas on which to paint cherished memories that will warm your hearts long after the snow melts away.
Though the days may be cold and short, they are filled with opportunities to create joy and laughter with your loved ones. Keep your spirits high, knowing that the bright warmth of spring is just around the corner, ready to light up your days once more. Until then, savour every snowflake and every cosy moment, for they are the gifts of this magical season.
Last Updated on October 17, 2024 by Lucy Clarke