15 Essentials To Have On Hand During A Winter Storm
Alright, winter warriors! The flakes are starting to fly. Snowpocalypse? Blizzard of Doom? Whatever the fancy name, it means one thing: staying inside. And to make that stay as cozy and non-panicked as possible, I've compiled a list. Consider this your secret weapon. Your ultimate guide to weathering the whiteout with a smile. Or at least without a complete meltdown.
First up, number one. We need emergency blankets. Not the fancy space-age ones. The cheap, crinkly, silver kind. They make you look like a baked potato, but they keep you warm. Plus, they’re great for building forts. It’s a win-win.
Number two, a really good book. Or three. Or a whole stack. Something you’ve been meaning to read forever. This is your permission slip. No guilt allowed. Just pure literary escape. My personal favorite for a snow day is anything by Agatha Christie. Always keeps you guessing.
Number three: extra batteries. For everything. Flashlights, remotes, that weird singing toy your kid got for Christmas. You don’t want to be fumbling in the dark when the power flickers. Trust me. The dark is scarier when your flashlight dies.
Number four: canned soup. Lots of it. Chicken noodle, tomato, cream of mushroom. The classics. And a can opener, obviously. This is not the time for gourmet. This is the time for survival. And maybe a grilled cheese on the side, if you’re feeling fancy.
Number five, and this is crucial: a deck of cards. Or several. Solitaire is great, but you can also rope your unwilling family into a game of Go Fish. Bribery with extra soup is encouraged. It’s amazing how quickly boredom can be conquered with a simple shuffled deck.
Number six: a flashlight. A sturdy one. Not one that looks like it’s been through a war. A reliable beam of light can be a real comfort when the world outside goes dark and silent. And maybe some glow sticks for good measure. For ambiance. And emergency dance parties.
Number seven: a first-aid kit. A basic one is fine. Band-aids, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers. You never know. And if you have any minor injuries from, say, an over-enthusiastic snowball fight, you’re covered. Hopefully, you won’t need it, but it’s better to have it.
Number eight: water bottles. Filled. And maybe a big jug. You don’t want to be thirsty and unable to get to the store. Hydration is key, even when you’re just binge-watching your favorite show. Think of it as pre-hydrating for spring.
Number nine: a portable phone charger. Or a power bank. Your phone is your lifeline. For checking weather updates, calling for help, or just scrolling through endless cat videos. Don’t let a dead battery silence your inner cat lover.
Number ten: snacks. Oh, the snacks. Chips, cookies, chocolate. The comfort foods. Because let’s be honest, sometimes the only thing getting us through a blizzard is a really good bag of pretzels. Or a family-sized bar of something delicious. Treat yourself.
Number eleven: warm socks. Plenty of them. Wool, fleece, whatever your cozy preference. Cold feet are the enemy of winter survival. And fuzzy slippers. Don’t forget the fuzzy slippers. They’re non-negotiable.
Number twelve: toilet paper. Yes, toilet paper. I know, it’s not glamorous. But you’d be surprised. It’s one of those things you don’t think about until you absolutely need it. And then… well, you know.
Number thirteen: a good playlist. Or a few. Upbeat tunes to keep your spirits high. Slow jams for when you’re feeling contemplative. And maybe some cheesy 80s power ballads for a good sing-along. Music is medicine, folks.
Number fourteen: a board game. A fun one. Not Monopoly. Unless you really want to test the bonds of family. Something like Settlers of Catan or Ticket to Ride. Less tears, more triumph. Unless you get really competitive. Then, all bets are off.
And finally, number fifteen: an attitude of gratitude. For your warm home. For your loved ones. For the fact that you’re not out there trying to shovel snow. It’s surprisingly effective. And it’s free. So, count your blessings. And maybe enjoy a cup of hot chocolate while you do it. You’ve earned it.
My unpopular opinion? Winter storms are just nature’s way of forcing us to slow down. To reconnect. And to eat more cookies. Don't fight it. Embrace the cozy chaos.