Lessons from a Yia-yia: 5 Tips to Get Ready for Winter
My Yia-yia (as yours, probably) really knew how to keep a home. Everything was always clean, in its place, and ironed. I mean, really, is there anything Yia-yiades loves more than ironing? In Greece, the word for someone who is good at all things hosting and home-keeping is called a νοικοκυρά, and it’s definitely something I’m not sure I fully embody as a modern Greek American gal. But the weather starts to cool down more and more, I am trying to take a lesson from my yia-yia and starting to prep for winter. Winter in Chicago feels like it goes on forever, and so getting ready is definitely necessary.
Deep clean. Before getting ready for winter, the most important thing is to do a deep clean of all those areas that were neglected on the day to day. Things like baseboards, high up shelves, cabinets, the refrigerator definitely get dirtier than you would think. Giving them a fresh clean every now and then is definitely necessary.
Put away warm weather clothing. Donate anything that you didn’t care and/or don’t see yourself wearing the next time warm weather roles around. Bring out your cold weather clothing, and go through that as well. If you don’t see yourself wearing it, you can add to the donation pile or figure out a way to up cycle.
Put away “summer” rugs and put down “winter” rugs. This is something that we don’t do in my home now (hello central AC and heat), but we did it growing up and everyone seems to do this in Greece. While you’re at it, put away the summer curtains and tablecloths too. And don’t forget to iron them before putting them away!
Change bedding. Certain sheets, like percale, keep you nice and cool at night. This is great in the summer, but in the the winter… there is nothing worse than getting into a freezing cold bed at night. Switching up sheets to something that is warmer makes all the difference. Flannel sheets are a little too warm for me, but these Brooklinen Luxe Sateen sheets are the perfect amount of warmth for me when paired with a duvet and a blanket. Adding a cozy blanket and some throw pillows will also make your bed more textured, and warm.
Transition your cuisine. Now is the time for focusing on warm, hearty meals like fakes, chicken and potatoes, and fasolada, rather than the bright summer salads.
I would love to hear what everyone else is doing to prep for the cold weather in the comments below!