COPING WITH THE COLD CANADIAN WINTER

Bundling up for the winter weather takes more time. But keeping warm is important!

With boots!

And hats and scarves. Mitts and gloves! And a warm coat- Canadian winter weather is manageable. Embracing the change in temperature takes fortitude. A willingness to use each season for the beauty and positive aspects it can bring. So why do so many people lament about winter or head south to avoid it for months. So what can keeping warm mean? Protection against the cold! Having control over an uncontrollable situation! Going with the flow- the colder time of year. Oh Canada the home of ice and snow! How Canadian eh?

NANA SAYS COLDER WEATHER NEEDS PREPARATION

Advice to put on snow tires brings the realization that colder weather is around the corner. With children big and small, checking out the coats, boots, hats, mitts and scarves is the task of the day if not already done. Even putting some cold weather clothes on that famous Christmas list given to grandparents and other family members can bring in some warm outfits. Preparing mentally is important too. It takes longer for all of us to get out the door when bundling up in those clothes and boots. So- start to think about leaving home earlier rather than the nagging to get children all ready at the regular time. Children do take their time and lacing boots or putting on warm socks just take longer. As for mitts, have several pairs the same. Everyone loses a mitt or misplaces one- hopefully it will be found in the lost and found box at school. Think too about that emergency kit in the car. I always put some scarves, mitts and a couple of blankets- go over knees on those cold days before the car really warms up- in the car!! A little snow shovel  in the trunk in case it is necessary to dig out of a snow bank!! Warm clothes are good for the fun times that can be had playing outside in the colder weather. Healthy for children and adults as well. If needed there may be a  relative that loves to knit or crochet a scarf or hat for you. Just ask!

NANA SAYS COLD WEATHER BRINGS WARMER CLOTHES

As many parts of Canada have already experienced snow and cold weather, parents have pulled out the winter clothes and boots. It can be a struggle with little ones to put on snow pants, jackets, hats and scarves as well as the bulky boots. Children often resist. What was a quick exit from home can become a 5-10 minute ordeal! Then the teenage child that insists on wearing spring clothes on the cold days. On my winter walks I have seen many red ears on the older child due to the resistance of wearing a hat. Winter or cold weather since it is not official until December 21 is more work for the parent. Planning and organizing clothes by the door can help with the routine. Patience can be stretched. Allowing the younger child to get ready uses a lot of it. Have extra pairs of mitts/gloves and scarves in several places. I always had extra in my car all winter when the children were little and even when they were teenagers. Thus if something is left at home, there is the proverbial backup. Check the lost and found box regularly at the school or day care as many items find their way there. Children misplace, lose and don't care about their winter clothes. Even as adults the layering can be cumbersome and annoying at times. If I am going to an evening event with heels, my boots, scarf and gloves are put in the car as my backup too. Having several matching sets of winter apparel saves the problem of losing one mitt! There is another pair! Oh the struggle to keep warm! What are your suggestions for winter organization? Do you find it a big annoyance? Or do you just roll with it?

NANA SAYS BABY BLANKETS ARE LOVING

One of my summer projects was knitting squares to make baby blankets. One blanket is in progress and I will be photographing the stages soon to share with my blog readers. I love making blankets but especially ones for babies. All my grandchildren have several blankets made by Nana. I have made them for my children's friends that are having babies. Usually I just keep making them to have a little stock. Hats and scarves are another favourite of mine. Yes I have several scarves on the go too. I put a project near where I sit in the house, like my kitchen table. While waiting for breakfast, I can do a few rows. By my bed and if on a short car trip carry along a project- of course, I am not driving. Spending time using my hands is very therapeutic and there is a product at the end. Do you make special projects with your hands? I am trying to teach my granddaughter to knit. She almost has the skill. Back to blankets- do you find yourself wanting to curl up in one? Or wrapping that little person in one?