What are the origins of this fun-filled festive custom?
In winter we tend to turn to warming comfort foods that are a little heavier than summer meals. There's a reason we're drawn to higher-calorie options: our bodies need it! It's natural to eat a bit more in the winter and a bit less in the summer. The body needs more fuel to keep the core temperature up in the cold.
It's easy to become more sedentary in winter, but it's important to keep moving and get the blood circulating. Vigorous exercise naturally warms you up while you're doing it, but generally maintaining and building muscles provides more long-lasting body heat.
If you notice you're more sensitive to the cold than you were in the past, it may be a good idea to talk to your doctor. It may indicate anaemia, thyroid problems, or a nutrient deficiency.
It takes about two weeks to adapt to a colder environment, so if you've just arrived somewhere new try to stay warm and hopefully you'll be better adapted within a couple of weeks.
Sources: (Web MD) (Simple Most) (Instructables) (Expert Home Tips)
See also: Top tips for healthy winter skin
A good warm beanie will serve you better than furry earmuffs or a stylish beret. The blood vessels in the head are much closer to the surface, so it can get cold very easily. You can even keep a hat on at home!
For some people this is a given. For others, it's sacrilege. Regardless of your stance, this is one of the best ways to stay warm in bed! If your feet are cold it won't matter how warm the rest of your body is–you'll still feel uncomfortable.
Good thermals are a lifesaver when the chill sets in. They can be worn under your clothes at home or outside. Choosing a snug top and leggings will give you the best results!
A space heater is a great option if you've got a small space and haven't been blessed with central heating. A convection heater with a fan is best for warming an entire room, while a radiant heater is better for warming a specific space. Such as your spot on the couch...
An outlet timer is quite a simple device to pick up at any electrical store and you can use it to set the time your coffee machine turns on in the morning. You can go straight from your bed to get a warm drink, and there's nothing like waking up to the smell of fresh coffee.
A simple hot water bottle is an inexpensive and highly effective way to keep warm. The rubber material holds in the heat for a long time. Prepare your hot water bottle before bed time and place it under the covers so it'll be nice and snug when you get in.
Drafts are a big problem in many older buildings, particularly during winter when they let the cold air in. Draft excluders are a good option to combat this.
Although the heated mattress pad is far superior in the bedroom, heated blankets are a great asset elsewhere! If you work from home and sit at a desk, or get chilly on the couch at night, try using a heated blanket to keep you warm.
This is absolutely extravagant, but if you've got a dryer, throw your clothes in for a few minutes before you put them on in the morning. There's nothing worse than pulling on cold clothes after you get out of your warm, cozy bed.
If your scarf isn't covering half your face and ears, then you're doing it wrong. Large blanket scarves are ideal, as they can be worn under your coat as an extra layer or thrown over your legs when you're sitting down.
Pajamas are the most essential part of anyone's winter attire. For the colder months, it's important to be highly discerning when choosing your jimjams. A warm fabric like flannel is ideal, as it keeps you toasty but is also breathable so you won't get sweaty.
If the flannel isn't enough for you, you can add long johns and a night cap!
High-neck sweaters are a winter essential. If you wear a normal sweater and a scarf, there are bound to be nooks and crannies that let the cold air in to bother your neck. A high-neck sweater or turtleneck is the answer to all your problems.
Heated mattress pads are a much more practical and effective alternative to the electric blanket. They fit snugly to your mattress and don't slip around as much, and they retain the heat better than a blanket.
A simple hack to keep your feet extra warm is to make some DIY insoles. Simply cut out two pieces of wool from an old sweater or scarf to line the bottom of your shoes. They come in direct contact with the cold ground, so it doesn't hurt to have some extra protection.
If you don't have the best circulation then your hands can easily get cold while working at your computer, especially if you're at it all day with no central heating! Fingerless gloves might help to off-set the frostbite.
There's also an easy DIY solution for people with large gaps under their doors. Buy some pipe insulation tubes at your local hardware store and cut them in half lengthways. Fit the semi-circle-shaped tube to the bottom of the door and it should block the gap nicely.
When you take a shower or bath, don't drain the water! There's lots of heat in there that would be wasted going down the drain. Let it sit and cool to room temperature naturally. This will keep the heat from the water in your house, and also help to dehumidify the dry air.
Then there are the people who can never get warm, no matter what time of year it is. The ones who always complain that the temperature at the office is too low when everyone else is fine. Guys, this one's for you. Click through this gallery to discover the very best tips on warming up and staying that way.
Tips for people who are always cold
How to stay warm this winter!
LIFESTYLE Winter
When the temperature drops, it can put a real dampener on things. When it's freezing outside (and inside), it's hard to get motivated to go anywhere or do anything. It can even interfere with the simple pleasures in life, like sitting on the couch watching 'Bridget Jones's Diary' for the hundredth time.
Then there are the people who can never get warm, no matter what time of year it is. The ones who always complain that the temperature at the office is too low when everyone else is fine. Guys, this one's for you. Click through this gallery to discover the very best tips on warming up and staying that way.