Whelp, here we are. Still. Again. I don’t know. Time is weird when you are in the middle of a (hopefully) once-in-a-lifetime pandemic. It’s been almost a year since the United States recorded its first case of COVID-19, but when the last case will be recorded is anyone’s guess.
The pandemic isn’t slowing down, and a new strain of the virus seems to be more contagious, making the spread of COVID-19 easier; this means we need to continue — or get back to — our vigilant social distancing practices. We’re not meant to be isolated from one another, and human connections are necessary for our mental and physical health.
The safest way to see loved ones who don’t live inside our home is to see them through video chats. Masked, outdoor, and socially distanced meetups are your next safest bet. For those of us living in cold and snowy climates, being outside comfortably takes some planning and motivation to step into below-freezing temperatures.
Here are some ideas to stay safe and toasty as we continue into winter with a raging pandemic nipping at all of our senses.
Proper Gear
Your experience outside is only as good as the gear you put on your body. Wear layers, find deals on waterproof boots and gloves, and buy some snow pants. Basically, don’t be afraid to dress like Bernie going to Biden’s inauguration.
As a fellow Vermonter, I can promise you that function always beats fashion when it comes to getting outside during the cold months. Besides, you’re wearing a mask. If you’re worried about your looks, no one will know it’s you anyway.
Hand Warmers
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From electronic, rechargeable hand warmers to the air-activated disposable HotHands, you can easily take the sting out of cold fingers — and toes, too! Since you can find decent hand warmers on Amazon for $20 or less, the cost of investment is relatively cheap compared to the benefit of not complaining about how you can’t feel your hands.
Fire Pits and Patio Heaters
I love a good campfire and have used my old fire pit more this year than in several years combined. My kids love it, too. They play in the yard while I get a fire going and then come over to warm up, roast a marshmallow or 10, and then go back to playing in the snow. Several of my friends got the Solo Stove — a stainless steel fire pit — for Christmas this year, but fire pits don’t need to be fancy or expensive. I think I got mine at Walmart for $50 several years ago. Some people prefer gas fire pits or pellet-burning wood stoves. Check your town’s guidelines for outdoor fires, but gathering around a fire allows folks to socialize without freezing their buns off.
Another option could be a patio heater, but the propane ones are not cheap and literally burn through gas pretty quickly. Plus, depending on how big of a space the unit is able to heat, you may not be able to stay socially distanced and stay warm. Electric space heaters may be cheaper but rely on being close to an outlet. And they will drive up your energy bill.
Sports Equipment
Snowshoes alone won’t keep you comfortable, but if you strap them on your feet and take a walk or hike through the snow, you’ll get warm in a hurry. Rent or buy ice skates or cross-country skis, and find local parks or trails that offer free use of the ice or land. A good snow tube or sled can up your outdoor playtime as well. If walking up a hill over and over doesn’t keep you warm, laughing after hitting an unexpected bump will. Make some hot cocoa to bring along, too.
Equipment can be expensive, so see if you can borrow something before buying it, or check out used sports stores and Facebook Marketplace for secondhand gear. If walking or jogging is more your speed, do it safely with snow and ice grips that attach to your shoes and boots. They reduce the risk of falling while you are busy catching up with the hot gossip your friend is spilling.
It’s currently 20 degrees Fahrenheit with a light wind and snow flurries where I live. Am I excited about leaving this couch to get outside? Not really. But I want to talk to people who aren’t my children and who aren’t inside of a screen. I miss being around people more than I dislike the cold air. So I’ll layer up, get the firewood, and set up camp around the fire pit for an hour or two. I can’t wait until socializing is easier and safer, but for now I’m thankful for the ability to make modifications for enjoyable outside time.
Psst: If you choose to purchase an item on this list, LittleThings may receive a small cut. Each item and price is up to date at the time of publication; however, an item may be sold out or the price may be different at a later date.
