Winter Advice

[nonexpat]

I can't speak for Florida, but I have heard it's horribly humid. In Texas, where I lived for 11 years we had almost 100 days of 100 degree or higher weather. If you think that's a picnic, think again.

[Lookout Kid]

Natives learn to deal with numb body parts. The real cold (which we have been thankfully spared so far this winter) is something that you just have to acclimate to. You will need to learn the difference between cold that is uncomfortable, and cold that is dangerous and causes frostbite.

I've lived in Wisconsin and Illinois for 36 years with only a couple stints in Europe, and have never had frostbite of any kind in spite of spending significant time outdoors. I haven't worn a pair of long underwear in a decade. Most of the time I don't wear a hat unless the temperature is under 20 (but do have a pair of those "180s" earmuffs that spare hat head. But I have my wool coat for "light winter", and my big North Face hooded down parka for the cold stuff. I also recommend having gloves that are light and allow you to do regular tasks, and heavier "ski gloves" for when it's really cold. And get a pair of insulated water proof boots for times when walking through snow and slush are unavoidable (less of the winter than you probably think). I have kids, and would recommend nice winter gear for the kids, including snow pants in case they want to play in the snow. But most of the time they should be dressed in a winter coat, hat, mittens/gloves, and that's about it over their normal clothes.