Last year, I got the winter blues. They sucked. A lot. It was smooth sailing until January and then, for whatever reason, all I wanted to do was hibernate inside my apartment until it was spring. Sure, 20-below weather may still be a couple of months away but I’m taking a cue from the squirrels and getting a head start on the cold weather; determined to not only tough it out, but embrace it with open (well-insulated) arms. To do so, I’ve been compiling a list over the past month or so of my cold weather essentials and at this point, I’m all: "bring it on!"

Buy a slow cooker
I just bought one a few weeks ago and it was easily the best purchase I’ve made in a very long time. So far, I’ve slow cooked a pot roast, a whole chicken and pork ribs (all of which can be described as nothing short of heavenly) and I’ve got about a million more comfort food recipes to test out, from chili to casseroles. The selling points? It’s more energy-efficient than a conventional oven, reduces dishes, is a great way to impress your friends and, best of all, you get to come home to an already-cooked meal.

Make your home green 
Staring at a blanket of snow can get a little depressing after awhile so bring the green indoors! Besides being the perfect pick-me-up for the winter blues, caring for plants and flowers is a great way to hone your gardening skills for the spring and summer. African Violet, Indoor Bamboo, Cacti, Peace Lily, Spider Plant and Orchids all do well indoors.

Indulge in a winter sport/activity
I came to a stark realization recently that my distaste for winter popped up right around the time I stopped having to buy snow pants. Back then, I didn’t give a shit about how cold it was or how many feet of snow I’d have to trek through because it meant that I could build snow forts or skate around the backyard rink. So this year, I’m going to commit myself to one winter activity a week—each of which will be followed by hot chocolate. Boozy hot chocolate. 

Create a nook
When I’m done frolicking outside, I’m going to need a cozy spot inside to drink my boozy hot chocolate and I plan on making good use out of a nook this winter. Find yourself a comfortable, well-cushioned chair, accessorize it with plenty of reading material, a lamp and blanket, and, voila! A nook. 

Stock up on winter fantasy movies
Winter always looks incredibly appealing in film form and since surviving the season requires lots of mind over matter, stocking up on winter fantasy movies is a must. Some personal favourites include: It’s A Wonderful Life, Little Women (Winona version), Home Alone, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind and Love, Actually. 

~ Caitlyn Holroyd