10 Thoughts Everyone In Kentucky Has When Winter Is Coming

Kentuckians know when the chill hits the air in autumn, winter is near, and we must prepare. Our winters are not like the more northern states, but they are quite wicked when Jack Frost starts nipping at our nose. We can have a cold rainy winter or end up with a foot or more of snow. It honestly varies from year to year.

Here are 10 thoughts Kentuckians might have as winter nears:

10. Seasonal closet exchange.

It's time to fold and put away our wonderful summer clothes. Now we have to break out those sweaters, sweatshirts, winter coats, boots, and long underwear.

9. Holiday madness.

It may only be October but there are already Xmas decorations in some department stores. Many Kentuckians like to get that shopping done early to avoid the holiday crowds.

8. Basketball.

During the cold months, half of Kentuckians feel there's nothing better than a cold brew or drink at a basketball game. The other half prefers hot cocoa, a mixed drink or whatever, while sitting on their couch enjoying the game.

7. Scarves, toboggans, and gloves.

Now is the time when the stores start to put out scarf, boggin, and glove sets. It doesn’t matter how many we have, each year we tend to buy a new one.

6. Flannel sheets.

These soft, warm bed sheets make snuggling under the covers even better. As a matter of fact… there're days I don’t want to crawl out from under them.

5. Winterize the home.

Some of us will do anything to block out the cold, damp winter air. We use plastic over the windows, door air block pillows, block off unused rooms, and whatever else will help us stay warm.

4. Winterize the vehicles.

Tis the season to change fluids and makes sure the tires have good tread. Some people even switch to a more rugged tire during the winter seasons, or just put chains on when the snow and ice hit.

3. Mulled cider, bourbon, cocoa, or coffees.

We all have our favored cold weather drinks. A lot of Kentuckians prefer some type of bourbon, mixed or straight. We like to make mulled cider by adding sliced apples, oranges, lemons, limes, and cinnamon while it warms on low for hours. You can even add a little rum or bourbon, if you prefer. Coffees and cocoas are also favored, as one can go traditional or throw in unique flavors like peppermint.

2. Spring.

Though the summer just ended, many of us eagerly anticipate the return of spring and warmer temperatures. Winters in Kentucky are beautiful when it snows, but the rain just creates mud without the beautiful burst of spring flower colors.

1. Heading south.

Some Kentuckians do not even stay here during the winter. Instead, they pack up some luggage and head toward the sunshine, be it Florida or some other warm state. This is my preferred method of dealing with winter.

It's unfair to say for sure that all Kentuckians have these 10 thoughts. There are those among us who actually enjoy the cold for various reasons. Mother Nature takes a nap, as do many of her creations. We never know for sure what kind of winter we'll get. It could be frigid ice and snow, or chilly, damp rain consistently. What are your thoughts as the chill takes the air and the cold rain falls? Tell us in the comments below!