Things are about to get frigid here in the upper midwest. For some, that’s no big deal. Snow bunnies, skiers and snowboarders who love winter have a little more ease navigating the harsh season. For those of us who have a harder time embracing winter, the season can be long and unforgiving. But this winter doesn’t have to be like the others. With these tips and a little determination, you could walk away with a newfound appreciation for the season. Here’s our advice on how to survive a Michigan winter.

How to survive a Michigan winter

Layer up

Get smart about keeping yourself warm. Buy some cozy sweaters and warm socks. Don’t write off long underwear either—those extra layers will help keep you toasty and comfortable. When you venture outside, make sure you’re equipped with a wind-resistant coat, a scarf, a good hat, and a pair of mittens. Prioritizing warmth is going to make moving through the winter world so much easier.

Get cozy

When you’re settled in the warmth of your home, get extra cozy. Swaddle yourself in soft fabrics, comfy clothes, and big throws. Hot tip: invest in some hot water bottles or a heated blanket to add an extra layer of warmth to your home life. A hot water bottle at your feet feels like you hired a litter of puppies to sleep on you. It’s that cozy. You’ll have a hard time resenting the frigid temperatures outdoors while you’re this snuggled up.

Invest in some hygge lighting solutions

Daylight is painfully brief in the winter months, but the dark can create a cozy feeling if you decorate your home with soft, warm lighting. Avoid turning on overhead lights if you don’t need them. Think candles, string lights, maybe even an oil lamp. Flickering flames give the feeling of being near a fireplace. The warmth you’ll feel from these simple lighting solutions will make you fall a little in love with the winter darkness.

Pamper yourself

Let’s face it: if you’re reading this, winter probably makes you feel like a big baby. So why not treat yourself like one? Give yourself the care, comfort and attention a mother would give an infant child. Devote time to pampering yourself with hot baths and an elaborate skin care routine. Invest in some sheet face masks, bath bombs, and some extra fluffy towels. Wrap yourself in an even fluffier bathrobe. You are worth it.

Moisturize, hydrate, humidify

Dry, scratchy skin is one of the worst side effects of winter. Fight it by slathering yourself with a good moisturizer on the daily. Stay good and hydrated with lots of H2O. And have a humidifier running at night. Give your houseplants the same treatment—they’re going to need it too.

On second thought, maybe don’t slather your houseplants in lotion.

Embrace the outdoors

You can’t hide from the realities of winter forever. As appealing as a winter hibernation sounds, especially after following all of the aforementioned tips, you will eventually need to leave your house. Finding ways to embrace the harsh winter landscape is going to make doing this a lot easier. Meet up with a friend and go snowshoeing or cross country skiing at a local park. There are plenty of fun winter activities to do here in Michigan that will leave you with a newfound appreciation of this season’s unique beauty.

Take a wintry vacation

Winter vacations usually look like a trip to someplace warm or to a destination ski resort. But small town Michigan has its share of appeal during this chilly time of year. Find a log cabin-style vacation rental with a fireplace and a view of a snow-covered woodland. Devote a vacation to winter appreciation and follow each of these tips while you get away from it all. Book a winter vacation here in Saugatuck. The months that remain between us and the spring thaw will become not only bearable, but maybe even a little enjoyable.