After last year’s terrible polar vortex that froze our city, Chicagoans are ready for anything this winter.  The Chicago Streets and Sanitation Department is budgeting 17.1 million dollars for snow removal this year and has 400,000 tons of salt on hand.  How can you personally prepare, mentally and physically, for this harsh Chicago winter?

First,  relax and take a few deep breaths.  Think about the positive things that come with winter.  For instance, now you can build a snowman, go sledding at the nearest hill, get peppermint mocha drinks at Starbucks, and wear cozy sweaters and fuzzy socks.  Also, baking cookies every other day is much more socially acceptable. Yay winter!

Second, stock up on supplies to combat the cold, ice, and snow.  Some must haves are a large snow shovel (maybe even a snow blower if you can afford it), street salt so you don’t fall in your driveway in front of all your neighbors, an ice scraper for your car, a warm hat, scarf, and gloves, a nice down or wool coat, and some warm winter boots.

Next, invest in a Netflix subscription.  You will need it.  Don’t plan on going out often because the harsh weather will probably interfere with a lot of your plans including school.  You should also purchase a large container of hot chocolate powder mix.  Although whipped cream is better, a can never lasts more than two days so a jumbo bag of marshmallows is much more economical and it will suffice.

Now that you know how to prepare for Chiberia, you should begin right away.  With the unpredictable weather in Chicago it might be sunny one day and below freezing the next.  Up until New Year’s the weather is bearable with holiday spirit in the air but after that these tips really come in handy.   When in doubt, always think of a warm place, such as Hawaii, and a cute baby animal and then winter is not that bad.