Minnesota can be a tough place to live for 6 months out of the year if you aren’t prepared for it. As I sit here and type, it is -22 degrees Fahrenheit out and dropping with wind chills down in the -40 degrees Fahrenheit range. No matter how you look at it, that is cold. But there are ways to make it not seem as miserable or cold because it will be around for a while so a person might as well get used to it.
Dress for the weather
Dressing appropriately is very important during this time of the year. Sweaters, sweatshirts, pants, long johns, scarves, warm boots, gloves, and the like are all in fashion during a Minnesota winter. The only person who is getting funny looks for the way they are dressed is the one that is way under dressed and trying to look fashionable as if they live in Florida during the winter.
Blankets
Warm blankets are a must during this time of year. Keeping a wool blanket in your vehicle is a great idea in the case of you getting stranded. It would help keep you warm until someone can get to you to help you out. Warm blankets on your bed help make the nights seem a lot warmer than they are along with lap blankets around the house. We own so many red and purple lap blankets that I am pretty sure we could sponsor a Target ad.
Wood stove or fireplace
Having a fire place in your home is a risk but in cold northern Minnesota, it is tough to beat the warmth and coziness a fireplace brings to your home. Having a wood stove as well is also very nice because I do not sweat the cost of heat or how much fuel I am using as the temp drops below -10 degrees Fahrenheit and it does not get above that temperature all day long.
Games
Having a plethora of games helps make the days go by, especially during Christmas break like we are currently. It is not really a great idea to go outside for a length of time when it is this cold so having a pile of games to play with your family is important to help pass the time so a person does not go stir crazy. Sure you can cozy up and watch Netflix for many hours, but that will get boring and you have no stimulation from conversation or interactions. Right now the game of choice has been Uno but Phase 10 might start to come around and Settlers of Catan is my favorite game to play.
Reading a Book
Ok, now to the really important part of fending off the stir craziness. Having a good book, or in many cases, good books is to me of the upmost importance. I love to read and reading is way better than watching shows. It stimulates your mind and with the plethora of lap blankets and heat in the house, reading a good book is near the top of my list of favorite things to do. Especially since it is hard to golf during this time of year. I love action books like Vince Flynn, Lee Child, David Baldacci, James Patterson, Brad Thor, and the list goes on and on.
For the most part, I do not mind living in Northern Minnesota and don’t mind the cold. When it stays below zero for a week straight, it can start to wear on you but if you take precautions and find ways to enjoy your time indoors, it is not overbearing. I definitely would take it over the foot of snow a day my brother gets to snow blow daily in northern Michigan. What are your favorite things to do in the winter? Tips to keep active? Till next time, Stay Warm!
