Winter Is Coming, Peeps, Don’t Chill (Literally)

Ah yes… our favourite time of the year is creeping in — winter!

If this is your first European winter, come gather around the heater, my friend. Let’s talk. Now listen, winter can be beautiful, snow falling like magic, Christmas markets, hot chocolate, fairy lights, the whole Pinterest fantasy. But what no one tells you is that it’s also a battle of survival. The wind? Personal. The cold? Unforgiving. The combination of rain, wind, and darkness at 4 p.m.? Absolutely disrespectful.

If you’re from a warm country, say South Africa, Nigeria, Brazil, Colombia, Indonesia, Bangladesh, or anywhere the sun actually loves you — adjusting to a European winter is… an experience. Especially in places like the UK, Germany, France, the Netherlands, or Scandinavia (Sweden, Norway, Denmark — you know, the ice kingdom).

I learned the hard way.

My first winter? I thought I was ready. I had a puffer jacket and a turtleneck. Cute, right? How naïve of me. Then one morning, I stepped outside — the wind slapped me so hard I questioned my life choices. It wasn’t just cold. It was spiritually cold. I swear I felt it in my bones, in my ancestors. Please, don’t be like me. Before the cold really hits, start preparing now. Build your winter wardrobe like you’re assembling an Avengers team, each piece has a purpose.

Survival Pack

Here’s your survival starter pack:

• A long puffer jacket (if it covers your thighs, you’re winning)

• Waterproof gloves (especially if you’ll be walking or cycling)

• Waterproof boots with good grip — snow and ice are not your friends

• A thick scarf (protect that neck like you life depends on it)

• Beanies that actually cover your ears

• Layered socks — cotton first, wool second

• Thermal leggings or long sleeves under your jeans (no shame in warmth)

• A flask for coffee or tea, trust me, you’ll feel sleepy all the time

• And please, Vitamin D supplements — the sun goes MIA, and without it, your mood will too

• Also, get a rain cover for your backpack — ideally with reflective strips (you’ll thank me when it’s dark at 4 p.m. and raining sideways).

And here’s the truth: looking cute in winter is an extreme sport. You’ll eventually learn the fine art of mixing survival gear with style, maybe a colourful scarf or a fun beanie to brighten your soul. But when the cold wind hits? Fashion bows down to function.

One last thing — don’t underestimate the power of warmth. Staying dry and cozy is the real winter flex. I still haven’t cracked the mystery of why my feet always felt like they were dipped in icy water, no matter the boots. If you figure it out, please write to me. I’m still healing.

So, to my future snow warriors: Start prepping early. Don’t wait until you’re shivering at a bus stop, rethinking your life. And remember — winter doesn’t care about your confidence; it respects preparation. Until next time, stay warm, stay caffeinated, and may your Wi-Fi and heating never fail you.