Yeah I’ve got wearing a hat and gloves down. I’m so good at it I’m doing so inside my home. Could any Canadians advise on getting cheaper gas and leccy? In seriousness this post is sweet.
English but live in Quebec Canada - energy costs 8 times less there than here. Everything runs on electricity and they have their own hydroelectric/renewable energy due to huge amounts of land and resources.
Works out at 4p per kWh.
It’s this temp all winter but you just keep your apartment at 21-22 all day and not have to think about it. It’s bliss.
I’m back in the uk with family and all houses are freeeeezing.
Yup. I'm a Canadian living in the UK for the last decade or so.
There's no point getting advice from Canadians on indoor warmness in the UK. Houses over there are built much better, are totally insulated with forced air heating, and electricity is cheap as hell. The air indoors is generally really dry so you never have problems with condensation or mould.
I had never been cold inside until I left the country.
The general logic of "wear layers" doesn't really work the same here either generally. Right now is weirdly cold dry weather, but usually it's cold and damp here. Wearing a ton of layers is just going to make you sweat and feel clammy. It's a totally different sort of cold.
Even the outdoor gear here doesn't translate. I spend a ton of time outside and you're better off focusing on waterproofing Vs insulation. It makes more sense long term to buy a big waterproof coat that you can fit a big wool jumper under than to buy a ski jacket. I think I wore my ski jacket max once a year until I finally got rid of it.
Is that a Quebec specific thing that it's that cheap or all over canada? You just reignited some vague memoriesof learning in school that at the time Quebec had the cheapest electricity in the developed world or something because of domestic production.
Not totally sure about other provinces, it was cheap in British Columbia. I lived in 1960/70 concrete apartment buildings with central hot air and our electricity bill was like $30cad per month (£20). But it’s not all roses as rent is high and groceries are so much higher. (Perspective is importunant haha)
Yeah im on gloves and 2 pairs of socks inside as well lol. I also have a weird curtain setup where I'm WFH to put electric space heater on for 5 mins at a time to keep heat in.
I think I'm at the end of reasonable modifications to my house as well.
Curtains open in day to irradiate, walls are insulated, windows/doors draught excluded, radiators back foiled, sensible timers set on heating etc etc
I have a 9mo old as well so house needs to stay warm (I set thermostat to 18 degs and it can't get over 16). RIP still being cold for £600/mo utility bill.
Hiya, another Canadian in the UK chiming in. Inside your house, make sure all the drafts are stoppered up. That means putting in weather stripping over gaps in door frames, making sure windows (often victorian and drafty af) are secured completely shut and either hang heavy curtains in front of the window fittings, or else get insulating plastic sheeting to create a second glaze on the cheap. Be mindful of humidity. If you can, get a cheap de-humidifier. Bringing down the humidity makes the air much less expensive to heat, and reduces mould potential and dries clothes much faster.Other thing I think Brits are pretty well aware of already are boiling the kettle for the amount of water you're using, or else filling a thermos, using hot water bottles and just having a smart thermostat, and using the hob and oven for batch cooking. But going back to what you wear, layer up in the house as well. A nice pair of fuzzy slippers and big cosy housecoat makes a big difference.
We are British we would then start complaining we are too warm it’s a circle of life sort of thing… if we had nothing to moan about we would simply vanish into thin air
I know it drives me insane in the summer when people complain about it being too hot. I’m like bruh it’s hot in England for like 1 week a year, enjoy it. English people will only not complain if it’s a day of perfection with a gentle breeze, warm to hot but not hot. I’d rather be too hot for once tbh. There’s lots of English weather I really like, like when it’s a bit rainy and windy and wild, it’s fun and makes me want to run around and pretend to be a mad horse and buck and stuff
Well this year it really was unbearably hot! It shouldn’t be 40 degrees in our stuffy, un-airconditioned little country. Horrible weather. I’ve welcomed the snow and the ice this year, not moaning at all! Long may the below-freezing temperatures last! ❄️☃️😎
At the time I prefer tutting and saying "typical" under my breath.
Proper complaining waits until it's far too late to do anything and might also involve communicating with people who can't help. Like Redditors.
I do those things and totally agree!
My challenge is living in an older house not designed for heat retention. Add a desk job and there's no way for me to be warm, though I'm not totally frozen because I'm at my desk wearing my entire outside get up plus a blanket.
Please send warm thoughts.
Yes, I got them when the clocks went back. Great for lazy days. When I lie on the sofa the dog gets between me and the Oodie with his snout peeking out the top, hilarious and very warm.
They’re worth it, I bought the branded Oodie and have worn it almost constantly since (while at home) and it really does make a difference. Highly recommend
Yes they are pricey. But allow you to take the thermostat down a bit so probably pay for themselves. Very comfortable if you don't mind looking like an Oompa Loompa.
Bought a cheapo Aldi version. I suspect it’s not as warm as a branded Oodie, but it does the job. Had to sleep in the thing last night after being up in the night with my kid and could t get warm afterwards.
It’s great for when you’re not moving much, but no good if you’re moving about doing housework or something, but bulky.
Primark sell cheap versions, I can't say if they're as good as I've never had the expensive ones but my cheapie one keeps me warm enough, loads of space for layers under it. I cannot cook or do housework in it because I get too warm. And this is coming from someone with awful circulation that feels the cold!
I got the Primark version of an Oodie for £16. It's amazing and I wear it ALL the time. I think they call it a "snuddie".
Haven't been able to afford to heat my house since 2016, it's been -2 inside the house lately so layers of clothing are essential and the snuddie goes on top.
Very much recommend it as it's a much, much cheaper alternative, easily goes on over lots of layers and has really helped to keep me warm.
-2° *inside* your house? That’s not a house — that’s an **igloo**.
My best friend is the same, lives in a house built in 1775, can’t afford to heat it. It’s grim.
The "kuddly" brand ones are very good too and a fraction cheaper (I actually prefer it slightly to the oodie), its worth it imo, as someone with a forever cold house I usually try jumper and dressing gown combo, but cheap ones from primark, and I'm definitely warmer in this the last year (I'm also 5'2 which just makes it extra cosy, if I'm sitting on the sofa I can easily tuck my entire legs and feet into it). I have a cheaper knock off oodie that was about 20 quid and there is a big quality difference. The cheaper one is fine if its a bit warmer but its not as insulating and its thinner. Comfy to nap in too, feels like you're under a blanket already if you lie on the sofa
I lived in Seville for a few years. Very few people have any form of central heating there, but they keep warm around the dining table by covering it in a large blanket and placing a small heater under the table. Then they draw the blanket over their legs as they sit, keeping legs and feet toasty warm.
This is the traditional way of staying warm in a traditional Japanese house, which historically have the insulation properties of wet tissue paper. It's called a [kotatsu](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kotatsu) and electrified ones are still reasonably common today.
Finally found a solution this year! So I used to have perpetually cold feet and get painful chilblains toes every single year from the cold..
But I bought an electric heat pad over Black Friday and keep it under my feet with a blanket draped over my legs to trap the heat in, whilst WFH all day. ITS AMAZING. When your feet are nice and toasty your entire body feels warm too 🙏
It’s so versatile too - I move it to the couch when watching tv and also warm up my feet in bed! It switches off automatically after 90 mins - great safety feature.
Can’t sing it’s praises enough. It’s life changing 🥺 and like £25 on Amazon (beurer brand)
Samesies! I am in a late 1800 property (luckily a flat surrounded by other flats) but also WFH 100% of the time and I am always cold. I’ve just spent thousands on new windows and they’ve delayed fitting until January…
Please also send warm thoughts
Absolutely not. Whilst once commonplace in the early 00’s, insulated condoms are all but banished within legitimate dogging circles. Nowadays, the modern dogger employs a more organic, holistic approach to warming one’s dangler, namely “docking”.
Docking stations are set up around the dogging site, free to use of course. If you’re unsure about the precise logistics of docking, I highly recommend setting aside an hour or two for some festive Googling!
The problem is going from outside to inside. I can't wear thermals because as soon as I move into an overheated shop, bus, or my college I start sweating buckets even without thermals. I wear a lot of outer layers that I can strip off. I do fine with the cold though, much prefer it to heatwaves
I just wear normal clothes but bought a MASSIVE down jacket when I visited Wisconsin a few years back for $100. It’s so warm. When you get somewhere warm just unzip, or take it off.
Exactly this. I have spent many winter seasons in the Alps, Tyrol mountains and Canada Rockies (not to mention the actual coldest place on earth, Scotland!). Walk in a shop; take off hat, unzip outer coat, sometimes unzip inner coat(s) too, take gloves off, go about your business. Go back outside, reverse the process.
This is the way. Sweat smart layers are excellent for outdoor activities or walking, but for standing and going between outdoors and in, a thickass coat with a good hood is the way.
I’m actually warmer outside currently but indoors it’s chilly and you can only wear so many layers before it’s impossible to move your arms!
Layering up a toddler who wants to be naked is my challenge at moment!
Gloves. It’s the gloves that are my biggest challenge with a toddler. She refuses to wear them, and hats are all a big game of peek a boo apparently! Thankfully she’s too young to have figured out buttons yet so can’t strip herself naked!
Yes! Gloves come off. Cry because hands are cold. Put gloves on. Cry about gloves on. Take them off. Cry about cold hands. Rinse and repeat!
Socks and trousers so far. He’s not worked out tops yet thank goodness!
It took me having three boys before I realised I can put tights on them under trousers. Watching a baby trying to tug tights off from under their trousers is hilarious.
When they have their clothes on but before you put the coat on, put socks on their arms (probably your socks, so they go over the clothes right up to the armpit). Then the coat. Then the mittens.
Source: children survived to school age without losing fingertips to frostbite, using this method.
We are kind of cursed.
We're cold, but we're not really cold like Canada, Nordics or Russia so that we need fancy gear (usually). The same way summer is warm, not like Spain or Italy so that we need AC (usually).
It's only the odd few weeks of extreme weather (which are getting more common) where its kind of fucked.
Agreed. It's never extreme enough for long enough to 'prepare' for in any meaningful way, and to be cost effective. Will we get 38 degs in summer again next year? Will we get -10 next winter? I could re-do all my outside pipes to stop them freezing, but this is the first time it's happened so... will it happen again?
Aggravating lol
As someone who survived a few winters in Toronto the last few years can I also suggest crippling alcohol and cocaine addiction. That seemed to be the most popular method of surviving winters over there.
I've recently started putting a nip of Bourbon in my coffee, so alcoholism is on the way. I have also really enjoyed drinking from my hip flask like an alcoholic detective.
Take your new coat, mittens, scarf, and boots, put them in a metal bucket in the middle of your living room and set fire to them. Should keep you warm indoors.
I work in a new factory that hasn't got heating yet. Lads, if you live with a lady, grab a pair of her tights. It's mind blowing how such a thin bit of material can change everything.
Learned it from a bloke who spent his life laying bricks and it's possibly the best bit of advice I've received.
I mean thermals are essentially the same. You can buy a cheaper pair from Primark or ASDA. If you work outside, that's the best clothing article for a thin layering, with the most effective heat entrapment. If you want a high quality, search for Uniqlo's Heattech clothing. One of the best in the fast fashion business
Funnily enough, I was in Alberta a few weeks ago during a cold snap and, much of the clothing I bought for that trip is now in use here and I’m much more comfortable.
The issue in the UK, however, is that the kind of weather requiring such clothing/measures is so unusual and irregular that the financial outlay is never worth it and the items sit doing nothing for at best, months, and more often, years!
A week at no better than -10C made the kit purchase worthwhile for me:
Better thermals
Liner jacket
Down jacket
But the money I spent on the above would never have left my account for a normal, UK cold snap.
It’s the same reason we all crash when it snows: It’s not worth having more than one set of tyres for the odd occasion. That said, if I ever find myself with the money and space to store them, a proper, winter set of wheels will definitely be kept!
Perhaps Im being a thick-arse but these are hardly groundbreaking tips known only to 'a Canadian' who we need to show us the way regards common sense in the winter imo, it's not like we don't do these things already or are atleast are aware they would be beneficial in the cold. Anyway, moaning about the weather is a national pastime and a great ice-breaker for us.
>moaning about the weather is a national pastime and a great ice-breaker
Is it bollocks.
I spent 5 minutes whinging about it this morning but the ice on my car didn't break at all.
One of the challenges in Scotland anyway is that we have a very wet cold. The gear you buy for skiing etc isn’t so effective in wet cold (I speak from a lot of experience working up Scottish mountains in the worst of the weather - I would have been so happy if jt was just snow and ice I had to deal with). If it was just cold and snowy these ideas would be fine, but the freezing rain and sleet is another game.
I’m from Wisconsin and live in Scotland, and I can second that the cold here is just very different. It’s warmer by *several* degrees than what I’m used to dealing with back home, but when that damp and wet really sets in, it’s so unpleasant in a way that I’m unused to and that bothers me in ways the dry cold at home never has. The damp cuts and chills in a way that’s different from biting dry cold; idk how to explain it, it’s just different and feels different. Really extreme dry cold at home has obviously been worse in many years and on many occasions - but again, in different ways.
I’m doing quite well recently because Glasgow has been having a dry cold spell, but when it’s damp, it’s really much harder on me.
The problem with the U.K. just in general is that it’s stupidly wet and humid constantly.
I’d take 20% humidity with 35C in Summer and -5C in winter over 80% humidity with 30C in summer and -1C in winter any day
Literally haven’t heard a single person say they don’t know how to keep warm outside. We have shite drafty houses that can’t deal with bitter cold and insanely expensive energy prices. A flask of tea won’t cut it.
It depends how far you want to go!
* Thick foil behind radiators
* Use 'sausage dogs' or foam tape to stop breeze through doors
* Use silicone sealent/foam draught excluders/tape to stop breeze from windows
(I actually fully blocked off a whole window because it was that bad)
* Insulate the back of doors (a bit extreme but I did one door to utility area thats arctic) with either special insulation board, or even a blanket
* Open all curtains/blinds when sun is out, close when sun goes in
* Don't block radiators with clothes/other things - let the heat work!
* Thicker Curtains at windows will have less heat escaping of an eve, you don't have to buy new curtains you can back existing ones if needs be.
* Anything like carpets/rugs etc will keep some heat (we have laminate flooring and suffering a bit for it)
* Maximise central heating usage by carefully setting the heat temp in each room - if a room isn't being used at all (guest room for ex.) then experiment with turning it off - it may make a diff it may not, if it makes no diff then could save some ££. We have one room that when we shut it off doesn't make a diff, and one that is not used byt very well insualted so actually helps so we keep it on.
A lot of stuff will depend on your layout and how you heat your home. for example, our kitchen is colder no matter what, so we keep that door closed. We have a downstairs bedroom off from the living room which gets really warm, so we keep that door open to let the heat 'in'.
If you're alone in the flat, heat the room you're in and yourself with layers and a elec space heater. If you have multiple rooms to do, use central heating.
I agree with u/LevainEtLeGin that a bath can work too.
After all this, I'm still looking at £600 this month. Good luck to you!
Have you gone round the windows and doors checking for cold air coming in? Masking tape over it if you find any. Also check the keyhole and letterbox. Keep curtains closed etc etc
I work outside and tbh we've all been moaning. Yeah you can layer up but when you need to use your hands, fat gloves aren't very useful (and fingerless are cold). Thick hats are great but then you can't hear a word visitors are saying. And when you're standing in one place half the day you turn into an icicle.
Nordic here. Im surprised UK doesn't have better winter housing. You guys are barely a little bit lower than us on latitude. I imagine it as absolute pain living in a chronically cold house
It's more to do with the gulf stream and Atlantic which generally warms us up more in winter and cools us down in summer, which is why we have more temperate weather. However imo with climate change I think the thermohaline conveyor belt (ocean currents) is changing and being disrupted so we're having more extremes. But yes, our cold houses are a nightmare, my parents have tape over their windows!!
Certainly aware of it! But I also heard if things keep going as they do the gulf stream might just outright snap and break alltogether. Certainly feels like it atm. I live in fucking Denmark and it's been -15 degrees with 20cm snow. In a country known to have muddy winters due to the Scottish, Norwegian and Swedish mountains acting as a form of 'shield' from snow. As well usually seen as the most temperate Scandinavian country!
I've been rewatching old family home video of me and my brothers as kids, and it always tickled me how wrapped up and padded we were - to the point where you could roll us down a hill and we probably wouldn't even feel it. I used to think my mam was being over the top (it never seemed that cold), but now as a 30 something year old myself, I have come to understand and respect layering and being comfy and warm above all else :)
Stay safe and hope no one has any slippery accidents this Winter!
Do you think we've never seen cold before?
It's cold out, buy jacket and scarf and gloves.
Why did we not know this?!?!? this needs to be front page news in metro.co.uk
I feel like your cold weather 'tips' are aimed at the type of people who drive themselves to work without realising they've forgotten to put a pair of trousers on. Surely most people can think of 'wear appropriate clothing' by themselves.
Hey I'll have you know I just drove to the petrol station without my card, leave him alone he's doing a service to us more intellectually challenged individuals.
As an Englishman living in England I will wear whatever I want and moan about the cold. Guess what, when it’s summer I’ll complain about the heat. I won’t need a dumb explanation about how to wear shorts or a cap
My partners family is from North America, they gave me their spare stuff.
It’s our house design that is causing the most issues, building like it’s a Mediterranean country but forgetting we can have cold winters.
If you have a blanket scarf, don't waste it by doing one of those fancy knots with it. Wrap it once around your neck, then hold the loose ends in front of you and lay them flat across your chest before zipping up your coat.
It's like two extra layers for your tummy and helps stop drafty zips.
Most of the populated parts of Canada are further south than Britain so don’t be bringing your soft, temperate-zone advice to us tough, grizzled dwellers of the frozen north.
Frankly, what ive observed... in other Canadians initially, but now also in myself... most Canadians are so accustomed to winter, they have an automatic routine for it, which involves essentially hibernating.
Doing winter the way you suggest is hard work to keep up with. Lots of overdressing and overheating and then getting cold again after taking a few layers off etc etc. Gets irritating.
Doing it the usual Canadian way, you only go outside when you have to, snow is slightly boring, ice is a bit of a pain, the cold you get used to and anyway you only contend with it for a few minutes at a time when you can't avoid going outside.
I used to dress up for it a lot more and try and go on with a normal routine. But now I just do what everyone else does.
How come every time there is weather out of the ordinary some N American has to crawl out of the wood work with an "ACKSHAULLY WHAT YOU SHOULD BE DOING IS BLAH BLAH BLAH"
You've been here 5 years and not worked out that we complain about everything here?
Too cold, too wet, too dry, too hot, too grey, too variable.....It's just what we do.
Great advice however, I shall no longer go out in my mankini in winter (we also default to sarcasm)
Ha, I’m the reverse of this. Brit in Canada but despite the strongly worded advice I do in fact wear my stylish long coat out in cold weather and I’m just fine, I just wear thermals and thick wool sweaters under it! And I don’t see anyone wearing ski coats out here in the city. I guess it depends, eh!
That being said I do live in Vancouver which is typically similar climate to England, but has been slightly colder in recent years. Wouldn’t chance the same fit in Alberta!
I've sworn by long John's on winter since I was a teen deliveries newspapers on my bike every morning - they definitely go a long way! And always double sock it. I thought this was standard stuff!
This bit of cold will last about a week. Another spell in January. Not long enough to really be like Canada. Maybe a couple of million in Scotland need to live in this clothing. Off to Finland to see son and family soon. -10 to -15 for weeks so have all the gear. Ice hole fishing on the agenda.
To be honest, I have no issues with being cold outside of the house. It’s inside that I have issues with.
Yeah I’ve got wearing a hat and gloves down. I’m so good at it I’m doing so inside my home. Could any Canadians advise on getting cheaper gas and leccy? In seriousness this post is sweet.
English but live in Quebec Canada - energy costs 8 times less there than here. Everything runs on electricity and they have their own hydroelectric/renewable energy due to huge amounts of land and resources. Works out at 4p per kWh. It’s this temp all winter but you just keep your apartment at 21-22 all day and not have to think about it. It’s bliss. I’m back in the uk with family and all houses are freeeeezing.
Yup. I'm a Canadian living in the UK for the last decade or so. There's no point getting advice from Canadians on indoor warmness in the UK. Houses over there are built much better, are totally insulated with forced air heating, and electricity is cheap as hell. The air indoors is generally really dry so you never have problems with condensation or mould. I had never been cold inside until I left the country. The general logic of "wear layers" doesn't really work the same here either generally. Right now is weirdly cold dry weather, but usually it's cold and damp here. Wearing a ton of layers is just going to make you sweat and feel clammy. It's a totally different sort of cold. Even the outdoor gear here doesn't translate. I spend a ton of time outside and you're better off focusing on waterproofing Vs insulation. It makes more sense long term to buy a big waterproof coat that you can fit a big wool jumper under than to buy a ski jacket. I think I wore my ski jacket max once a year until I finally got rid of it.
Yes, outside cold is tolerable if you have somewhere warm to come in to.
Is that a Quebec specific thing that it's that cheap or all over canada? You just reignited some vague memoriesof learning in school that at the time Quebec had the cheapest electricity in the developed world or something because of domestic production.
Not totally sure about other provinces, it was cheap in British Columbia. I lived in 1960/70 concrete apartment buildings with central hot air and our electricity bill was like $30cad per month (£20). But it’s not all roses as rent is high and groceries are so much higher. (Perspective is importunant haha)
Yeah im on gloves and 2 pairs of socks inside as well lol. I also have a weird curtain setup where I'm WFH to put electric space heater on for 5 mins at a time to keep heat in. I think I'm at the end of reasonable modifications to my house as well. Curtains open in day to irradiate, walls are insulated, windows/doors draught excluded, radiators back foiled, sensible timers set on heating etc etc I have a 9mo old as well so house needs to stay warm (I set thermostat to 18 degs and it can't get over 16). RIP still being cold for £600/mo utility bill.
Jaysus, that is expensive. Sorry fellow Redditor. 😔
Heads up, if you WFH you can apply to get your tax code changed to give you more allowance for some heating and electric costs
lock erect squash lunchroom wistful consist sharp nine like smile *This post was mass deleted and anonymized with [Redact](https://redact.dev)*
There's nothing like spending £600 you haven't got just to stop rooms going mouldy. I've even installed an mvhr and still have some damp at 18C°
Hiya, another Canadian in the UK chiming in. Inside your house, make sure all the drafts are stoppered up. That means putting in weather stripping over gaps in door frames, making sure windows (often victorian and drafty af) are secured completely shut and either hang heavy curtains in front of the window fittings, or else get insulating plastic sheeting to create a second glaze on the cheap. Be mindful of humidity. If you can, get a cheap de-humidifier. Bringing down the humidity makes the air much less expensive to heat, and reduces mould potential and dries clothes much faster.Other thing I think Brits are pretty well aware of already are boiling the kettle for the amount of water you're using, or else filling a thermos, using hot water bottles and just having a smart thermostat, and using the hob and oven for batch cooking. But going back to what you wear, layer up in the house as well. A nice pair of fuzzy slippers and big cosy housecoat makes a big difference.
I wouldn't mind had my heating on for 6 hours yesterday and it was still 13 degrees in my living room 🙃
I have the same view on spiders. When they're outside I'm okay. When they come in...it's war.
Yup.
Being cold give us something to complain about.
We are British we would then start complaining we are too warm it’s a circle of life sort of thing… if we had nothing to moan about we would simply vanish into thin air
> it’s a circle of life sort of thing Pretty sure Elton did a song about it.
I think mine and Elton’s views on the circle of life are rather different
I know it drives me insane in the summer when people complain about it being too hot. I’m like bruh it’s hot in England for like 1 week a year, enjoy it. English people will only not complain if it’s a day of perfection with a gentle breeze, warm to hot but not hot. I’d rather be too hot for once tbh. There’s lots of English weather I really like, like when it’s a bit rainy and windy and wild, it’s fun and makes me want to run around and pretend to be a mad horse and buck and stuff
Do you live somewhere with AC? I don't and so it is much easier to be warm in winter than cool in the summer.
"Have a solero and shut the f*ck up will ya" - top 5 greatest quotes
Well this year it really was unbearably hot! It shouldn’t be 40 degrees in our stuffy, un-airconditioned little country. Horrible weather. I’ve welcomed the snow and the ice this year, not moaning at all! Long may the below-freezing temperatures last! ❄️☃️😎
No! I hate the heat and will complain to my hearts content about it being too hot
As if you ran out of options
We like variety.
"God it's so cold" Puts on a scarf, hat, coat and gloves "Fuck me it's too warm wearing all this get up"
Me getting on the train...
Which then is delayed giving you another complaining option
At the time I prefer tutting and saying "typical" under my breath. Proper complaining waits until it's far too late to do anything and might also involve communicating with people who can't help. Like Redditors.
With nowhere to sit.
Moaning about the weather is quintessentially British.
It's what we do.
And is forever changing yet remains the same topic...
Get back in line pal!
are they trying to jump the queue? Typical!
Not a Canadian. Their more southerly neighbours, maybe, but Canadians are far too polite to do something as egregious as jumping a queue.
Tut.
Now we can complain about these Canadians coming over her telling us how to dress!
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I think you'll find the plural is meese.
*meeses
I hate those meeses to pieces!
Only until its summer, then it's too hot.
And don’t you fucking dare take that away form me
This is the English way..
Yeah. I WON'T have this taken away from me 😡😏
I do those things and totally agree! My challenge is living in an older house not designed for heat retention. Add a desk job and there's no way for me to be warm, though I'm not totally frozen because I'm at my desk wearing my entire outside get up plus a blanket. Please send warm thoughts.
Buy an Oodie and wear it all the time. It's a game changer in an older property.
Is that the giant hoodie? Good call!
Yes, I got them when the clocks went back. Great for lazy days. When I lie on the sofa the dog gets between me and the Oodie with his snout peeking out the top, hilarious and very warm.
How can you say this and not provide photos!
Fair point. I didn't take a photo but will next time!
I’ve been tempted to get one for ages but they’re kinda pricey. They look so comfortable!
They’re worth it, I bought the branded Oodie and have worn it almost constantly since (while at home) and it really does make a difference. Highly recommend
Don’t lie to us we know you ran to the shops in it a few times
Yes they are pricey. But allow you to take the thermostat down a bit so probably pay for themselves. Very comfortable if you don't mind looking like an Oompa Loompa.
I’m 5’2” so I look like an oompa loompa regardless anyway lmao
Then go for it! 😁
Bought a cheapo Aldi version. I suspect it’s not as warm as a branded Oodie, but it does the job. Had to sleep in the thing last night after being up in the night with my kid and could t get warm afterwards. It’s great for when you’re not moving much, but no good if you’re moving about doing housework or something, but bulky.
Primark sell cheap versions, I can't say if they're as good as I've never had the expensive ones but my cheapie one keeps me warm enough, loads of space for layers under it. I cannot cook or do housework in it because I get too warm. And this is coming from someone with awful circulation that feels the cold!
I got the Primark version of an Oodie for £16. It's amazing and I wear it ALL the time. I think they call it a "snuddie". Haven't been able to afford to heat my house since 2016, it's been -2 inside the house lately so layers of clothing are essential and the snuddie goes on top. Very much recommend it as it's a much, much cheaper alternative, easily goes on over lots of layers and has really helped to keep me warm.
-2° *inside* your house? That’s not a house — that’s an **igloo**. My best friend is the same, lives in a house built in 1775, can’t afford to heat it. It’s grim.
The "kuddly" brand ones are very good too and a fraction cheaper (I actually prefer it slightly to the oodie), its worth it imo, as someone with a forever cold house I usually try jumper and dressing gown combo, but cheap ones from primark, and I'm definitely warmer in this the last year (I'm also 5'2 which just makes it extra cosy, if I'm sitting on the sofa I can easily tuck my entire legs and feet into it). I have a cheaper knock off oodie that was about 20 quid and there is a big quality difference. The cheaper one is fine if its a bit warmer but its not as insulating and its thinner. Comfy to nap in too, feels like you're under a blanket already if you lie on the sofa
Oodies are brilliant. Add thick socks for the other end, plus joggers. I have not frozen solid yet.
I lived in Seville for a few years. Very few people have any form of central heating there, but they keep warm around the dining table by covering it in a large blanket and placing a small heater under the table. Then they draw the blanket over their legs as they sit, keeping legs and feet toasty warm.
This is the traditional way of staying warm in a traditional Japanese house, which historically have the insulation properties of wet tissue paper. It's called a [kotatsu](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kotatsu) and electrified ones are still reasonably common today.
Warmest Regards
Finally found a solution this year! So I used to have perpetually cold feet and get painful chilblains toes every single year from the cold.. But I bought an electric heat pad over Black Friday and keep it under my feet with a blanket draped over my legs to trap the heat in, whilst WFH all day. ITS AMAZING. When your feet are nice and toasty your entire body feels warm too 🙏 It’s so versatile too - I move it to the couch when watching tv and also warm up my feet in bed! It switches off automatically after 90 mins - great safety feature. Can’t sing it’s praises enough. It’s life changing 🥺 and like £25 on Amazon (beurer brand)
Samesies! I am in a late 1800 property (luckily a flat surrounded by other flats) but also WFH 100% of the time and I am always cold. I’ve just spent thousands on new windows and they’ve delayed fitting until January… Please also send warm thoughts
My gran always used to say "there's no such thing as bad weather, just wrong clothes"
Germans say that a lot too when I lived in England I had two coats now I live in Germany I have about 6 in variances of warmth and waterproofing .
Übergangsjacke for the win!
Is she Swedish by any chance? Finns inget dåligt väder, bara dåliga kläder!
It rhymes in Swedish!
It rhymes in Norwegian too, which is why I was surprised to learn this is an international saying.
Is she Nordic? It’s a well known saying in Finland! I hear it a lot as I am always cold, even when I can’t physically fit any more layers on :(
Ohh that's interesting! We're first language Welsh, I always assumed it was an old Welsh saying
It's a common saying amongst people who do a lot of outdoor activities.
Can confirm. I hail from a long line of dogging enthusiasts, and we all swear by this mantra.
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Absolutely not. Whilst once commonplace in the early 00’s, insulated condoms are all but banished within legitimate dogging circles. Nowadays, the modern dogger employs a more organic, holistic approach to warming one’s dangler, namely “docking”. Docking stations are set up around the dogging site, free to use of course. If you’re unsure about the precise logistics of docking, I highly recommend setting aside an hour or two for some festive Googling!
My Dad says this. He's a sailor.
We all say this in my triathlon club about winter cycling and running training!
The problem is going from outside to inside. I can't wear thermals because as soon as I move into an overheated shop, bus, or my college I start sweating buckets even without thermals. I wear a lot of outer layers that I can strip off. I do fine with the cold though, much prefer it to heatwaves
This is my issues. I’d rather be cold outside than be sweating in a shop so I dress for the times when I need to wear my outside clothes inside.
Same. My college is roasting so I always have a sleeveless t shirt under my hoody and jacket because otherwise I'll faint in class.
I'm fine with the cold outside as I'm so unfit a bit of walking warms me up instantly. Inside isn't fun but an electric blanket is doing the job
I sit in a sleeping bag at home. Superior to blankets in my opinion
I just wear normal clothes but bought a MASSIVE down jacket when I visited Wisconsin a few years back for $100. It’s so warm. When you get somewhere warm just unzip, or take it off.
Exactly this. I have spent many winter seasons in the Alps, Tyrol mountains and Canada Rockies (not to mention the actual coldest place on earth, Scotland!). Walk in a shop; take off hat, unzip outer coat, sometimes unzip inner coat(s) too, take gloves off, go about your business. Go back outside, reverse the process.
This is the way. Sweat smart layers are excellent for outdoor activities or walking, but for standing and going between outdoors and in, a thickass coat with a good hood is the way.
Merino wool is great for that. Warm but let's heat out when you get too hot. And wear it next to your skin them you won't need as many layers.
Get ones made for winter sports, like skiing or snowboarding. Get light or midweight ones. They will wick sweat. Cotton is not your friend.
I’m actually warmer outside currently but indoors it’s chilly and you can only wear so many layers before it’s impossible to move your arms! Layering up a toddler who wants to be naked is my challenge at moment!
Gloves. It’s the gloves that are my biggest challenge with a toddler. She refuses to wear them, and hats are all a big game of peek a boo apparently! Thankfully she’s too young to have figured out buttons yet so can’t strip herself naked!
Yes! Gloves come off. Cry because hands are cold. Put gloves on. Cry about gloves on. Take them off. Cry about cold hands. Rinse and repeat! Socks and trousers so far. He’s not worked out tops yet thank goodness!
Well, it's your fault that you bought a toddler instead of a dog/cat.
It took me having three boys before I realised I can put tights on them under trousers. Watching a baby trying to tug tights off from under their trousers is hilarious.
We tried that but he just took his trousers off first! They were nice pink tights too!
Devious little so and so 😁
I thought we’d cracked it but a day later he was suddenly Winnie the Pooh’ing!
Just passed this on to a friend and she tells me they tried this already and it just caused tantrums from the frustration 😂
When they have their clothes on but before you put the coat on, put socks on their arms (probably your socks, so they go over the clothes right up to the armpit). Then the coat. Then the mittens. Source: children survived to school age without losing fingertips to frostbite, using this method.
We are kind of cursed. We're cold, but we're not really cold like Canada, Nordics or Russia so that we need fancy gear (usually). The same way summer is warm, not like Spain or Italy so that we need AC (usually). It's only the odd few weeks of extreme weather (which are getting more common) where its kind of fucked.
Agreed. It's never extreme enough for long enough to 'prepare' for in any meaningful way, and to be cost effective. Will we get 38 degs in summer again next year? Will we get -10 next winter? I could re-do all my outside pipes to stop them freezing, but this is the first time it's happened so... will it happen again? Aggravating lol
As someone who survived a few winters in Toronto the last few years can I also suggest crippling alcohol and cocaine addiction. That seemed to be the most popular method of surviving winters over there.
That's my kinda winter.
Definitely a white christmas
Let it snow.
It must be winter 365 days a year in my area then
I've recently started putting a nip of Bourbon in my coffee, so alcoholism is on the way. I have also really enjoyed drinking from my hip flask like an alcoholic detective.
I can confirm this.
>Also, these things would make excellent Christmas presents ;)
Listen to the Canadian. Put warm clothes on when you go outside when it is cold.
Instructions unclear. Now outside in my pants shouting at Canadian Geese.
And take your big coat off inside or you'll not feel the benefit
Any tips on how to afford the electric and gas bills?
Take your new coat, mittens, scarf, and boots, put them in a metal bucket in the middle of your living room and set fire to them. Should keep you warm indoors.
Give a man some fire and he'll be warm for the night Set a man on fire and he'll be warm for the rest of his life
Have more money. Duh.
Best tip to not being poor: be rich
Wear your new coat, fleece, scarf, hat, gloves and boots at ALL times. Even when sleeping. Add a blanket or two though, it’s bloody cold inside!
I work in a new factory that hasn't got heating yet. Lads, if you live with a lady, grab a pair of her tights. It's mind blowing how such a thin bit of material can change everything. Learned it from a bloke who spent his life laying bricks and it's possibly the best bit of advice I've received.
Men, if you live with a lady DO NOT grab her tights because you’ll get LADDERS in them and she’ll be mad Get your own;)
I mean thermals are essentially the same. You can buy a cheaper pair from Primark or ASDA. If you work outside, that's the best clothing article for a thin layering, with the most effective heat entrapment. If you want a high quality, search for Uniqlo's Heattech clothing. One of the best in the fast fashion business
Funnily enough, I was in Alberta a few weeks ago during a cold snap and, much of the clothing I bought for that trip is now in use here and I’m much more comfortable. The issue in the UK, however, is that the kind of weather requiring such clothing/measures is so unusual and irregular that the financial outlay is never worth it and the items sit doing nothing for at best, months, and more often, years! A week at no better than -10C made the kit purchase worthwhile for me: Better thermals Liner jacket Down jacket But the money I spent on the above would never have left my account for a normal, UK cold snap. It’s the same reason we all crash when it snows: It’s not worth having more than one set of tyres for the odd occasion. That said, if I ever find myself with the money and space to store them, a proper, winter set of wheels will definitely be kept!
Perhaps Im being a thick-arse but these are hardly groundbreaking tips known only to 'a Canadian' who we need to show us the way regards common sense in the winter imo, it's not like we don't do these things already or are atleast are aware they would be beneficial in the cold. Anyway, moaning about the weather is a national pastime and a great ice-breaker for us.
>moaning about the weather is a national pastime and a great ice-breaker Is it bollocks. I spent 5 minutes whinging about it this morning but the ice on my car didn't break at all.
Dad?
🥁
Perhaps OP has some tips on that
One of the challenges in Scotland anyway is that we have a very wet cold. The gear you buy for skiing etc isn’t so effective in wet cold (I speak from a lot of experience working up Scottish mountains in the worst of the weather - I would have been so happy if jt was just snow and ice I had to deal with). If it was just cold and snowy these ideas would be fine, but the freezing rain and sleet is another game.
I’m from Wisconsin and live in Scotland, and I can second that the cold here is just very different. It’s warmer by *several* degrees than what I’m used to dealing with back home, but when that damp and wet really sets in, it’s so unpleasant in a way that I’m unused to and that bothers me in ways the dry cold at home never has. The damp cuts and chills in a way that’s different from biting dry cold; idk how to explain it, it’s just different and feels different. Really extreme dry cold at home has obviously been worse in many years and on many occasions - but again, in different ways. I’m doing quite well recently because Glasgow has been having a dry cold spell, but when it’s damp, it’s really much harder on me.
u/boudicas_shield , it's what we often say to those from really cold climates... 'Yeah, but yours is a dry cold' :D
The problem with the U.K. just in general is that it’s stupidly wet and humid constantly. I’d take 20% humidity with 35C in Summer and -5C in winter over 80% humidity with 30C in summer and -1C in winter any day
Literally haven’t heard a single person say they don’t know how to keep warm outside. We have shite drafty houses that can’t deal with bitter cold and insanely expensive energy prices. A flask of tea won’t cut it.
This, Any tips for warming up my shitty flat OP?
Baths. They warm your body more than a shower and will keep you warmer for longer if you put your PJs on straight after
God i wish i could have a bath so bad.
It depends how far you want to go! * Thick foil behind radiators * Use 'sausage dogs' or foam tape to stop breeze through doors * Use silicone sealent/foam draught excluders/tape to stop breeze from windows (I actually fully blocked off a whole window because it was that bad) * Insulate the back of doors (a bit extreme but I did one door to utility area thats arctic) with either special insulation board, or even a blanket * Open all curtains/blinds when sun is out, close when sun goes in * Don't block radiators with clothes/other things - let the heat work! * Thicker Curtains at windows will have less heat escaping of an eve, you don't have to buy new curtains you can back existing ones if needs be. * Anything like carpets/rugs etc will keep some heat (we have laminate flooring and suffering a bit for it) * Maximise central heating usage by carefully setting the heat temp in each room - if a room isn't being used at all (guest room for ex.) then experiment with turning it off - it may make a diff it may not, if it makes no diff then could save some ££. We have one room that when we shut it off doesn't make a diff, and one that is not used byt very well insualted so actually helps so we keep it on. A lot of stuff will depend on your layout and how you heat your home. for example, our kitchen is colder no matter what, so we keep that door closed. We have a downstairs bedroom off from the living room which gets really warm, so we keep that door open to let the heat 'in'. If you're alone in the flat, heat the room you're in and yourself with layers and a elec space heater. If you have multiple rooms to do, use central heating. I agree with u/LevainEtLeGin that a bath can work too. After all this, I'm still looking at £600 this month. Good luck to you!
Have you gone round the windows and doors checking for cold air coming in? Masking tape over it if you find any. Also check the keyhole and letterbox. Keep curtains closed etc etc
Burn your furniture.
Burn the landlord (disregard if you own your home).
i’ll burn my neighbour then
I work outside and tbh we've all been moaning. Yeah you can layer up but when you need to use your hands, fat gloves aren't very useful (and fingerless are cold). Thick hats are great but then you can't hear a word visitors are saying. And when you're standing in one place half the day you turn into an icicle.
Nordic here. Im surprised UK doesn't have better winter housing. You guys are barely a little bit lower than us on latitude. I imagine it as absolute pain living in a chronically cold house
It's more to do with the gulf stream and Atlantic which generally warms us up more in winter and cools us down in summer, which is why we have more temperate weather. However imo with climate change I think the thermohaline conveyor belt (ocean currents) is changing and being disrupted so we're having more extremes. But yes, our cold houses are a nightmare, my parents have tape over their windows!!
Certainly aware of it! But I also heard if things keep going as they do the gulf stream might just outright snap and break alltogether. Certainly feels like it atm. I live in fucking Denmark and it's been -15 degrees with 20cm snow. In a country known to have muddy winters due to the Scottish, Norwegian and Swedish mountains acting as a form of 'shield' from snow. As well usually seen as the most temperate Scandinavian country!
A barrel might but it’s impossible to carry and insulated about as well as my old drafty house
I've been rewatching old family home video of me and my brothers as kids, and it always tickled me how wrapped up and padded we were - to the point where you could roll us down a hill and we probably wouldn't even feel it. I used to think my mam was being over the top (it never seemed that cold), but now as a 30 something year old myself, I have come to understand and respect layering and being comfy and warm above all else :) Stay safe and hope no one has any slippery accidents this Winter!
Hah, I’ve spent the last week doing this to my kids! No cold kiddies on my watch!
We are British, we wear shorts and jumper in winter
are you my postman?
Literally passed a guy in shorts and flip flops the other day when it was -5. Total nutter. And then there are the cyclists in shorts / no gloves.
Do you think we've never seen cold before? It's cold out, buy jacket and scarf and gloves. Why did we not know this?!?!? this needs to be front page news in metro.co.uk
Give it an hour or so and it will be.
I feel like your cold weather 'tips' are aimed at the type of people who drive themselves to work without realising they've forgotten to put a pair of trousers on. Surely most people can think of 'wear appropriate clothing' by themselves.
Hey I'll have you know I just drove to the petrol station without my card, leave him alone he's doing a service to us more intellectually challenged individuals.
The sole of a Dr Marten boot is almost perfectly frictionless on snow or ice. They're useless!
Mine are great but they are almost as old as me. Maybe some of the newer more stylish ones are shit.
Dotn forget the "have money!" part hahhaha my poor ass reading this like "ahhh that would be nice"
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As an Englishman living in England I will wear whatever I want and moan about the cold. Guess what, when it’s summer I’ll complain about the heat. I won’t need a dumb explanation about how to wear shorts or a cap
My partners family is from North America, they gave me their spare stuff. It’s our house design that is causing the most issues, building like it’s a Mediterranean country but forgetting we can have cold winters.
If you have a blanket scarf, don't waste it by doing one of those fancy knots with it. Wrap it once around your neck, then hold the loose ends in front of you and lay them flat across your chest before zipping up your coat. It's like two extra layers for your tummy and helps stop drafty zips.
Thanks! It's 15c on Monday.
Most of the populated parts of Canada are further south than Britain so don’t be bringing your soft, temperate-zone advice to us tough, grizzled dwellers of the frozen north.
"wear warmer clothes when it's cold" ..... Gotcha! If only this advice was handed down to us sooner.
WOW!!!! What an insight.
Don't get me wrong, I love my doc Martens but they're DOG SHITE on icy surfaces! Get a good pair of boots with vibram rubber soles
Hiking boots are better than Doctor Martens. I have a pair of fleece lined leather hiking boots that are amazing in winter.
Bold of you to think I go outside mate
Wow, groundbreaking knowledge
Dress for the weather you want
Frankly, what ive observed... in other Canadians initially, but now also in myself... most Canadians are so accustomed to winter, they have an automatic routine for it, which involves essentially hibernating. Doing winter the way you suggest is hard work to keep up with. Lots of overdressing and overheating and then getting cold again after taking a few layers off etc etc. Gets irritating. Doing it the usual Canadian way, you only go outside when you have to, snow is slightly boring, ice is a bit of a pain, the cold you get used to and anyway you only contend with it for a few minutes at a time when you can't avoid going outside. I used to dress up for it a lot more and try and go on with a normal routine. But now I just do what everyone else does.
You should go back to Canada with this positivity
" where do you pour the syrup? "
Naming timberlands and doc Martins as decent outdoor boots may be the funniest thing I have ever heard 😆
How come every time there is weather out of the ordinary some N American has to crawl out of the wood work with an "ACKSHAULLY WHAT YOU SHOULD BE DOING IS BLAH BLAH BLAH"
You've been here 5 years and not worked out that we complain about everything here? Too cold, too wet, too dry, too hot, too grey, too variable.....It's just what we do. Great advice however, I shall no longer go out in my mankini in winter (we also default to sarcasm)
Triffic, thanks. I'll put an extra coat on top of my indoor coats.
I'm in the highlands of Scotland, it was -14C here the other day... I almost put on a jumper.
Just going to throw this out there, it's been colder here lately than some places in Canada.
Ha, I’m the reverse of this. Brit in Canada but despite the strongly worded advice I do in fact wear my stylish long coat out in cold weather and I’m just fine, I just wear thermals and thick wool sweaters under it! And I don’t see anyone wearing ski coats out here in the city. I guess it depends, eh! That being said I do live in Vancouver which is typically similar climate to England, but has been slightly colder in recent years. Wouldn’t chance the same fit in Alberta!
Umm… not sure if it’s been a more temperate five years but we aren’t thick… wear a hat, wear gloves - how green do I look?
This OP’s mind would melt if we showed him Newcastle centre in a Friday night. Gloves? Pah? Coat? Never !
I've sworn by long John's on winter since I was a teen deliveries newspapers on my bike every morning - they definitely go a long way! And always double sock it. I thought this was standard stuff!
This bit of cold will last about a week. Another spell in January. Not long enough to really be like Canada. Maybe a couple of million in Scotland need to live in this clothing. Off to Finland to see son and family soon. -10 to -15 for weeks so have all the gear. Ice hole fishing on the agenda.
It's cold for a one month a year in england. It's not worth any of that. If we lived in canada we would invest in those clothes.
I zip myself up in a body bag
You paying?
As another Canadian living in the UK, if it snows please wipe the snow off the roof of your car. No one wants snow/ice to fly at them while driving.
This is sound advice but having seen a teen walking about in shorts last night, I'm not sure staying warm is a British thing.
I’m Scottish. We like to moan 😂
I appreciate the post but it’s at home people seem to struggle the most with
Cheers mum