The Nordic Secret to Winter: Why There is No Bad Weather
- Growing Up Nordic
- Dec 8, 2025
- 2 min read
Updated: Jan 22
There is a common misconception that Nordic families are naturally immune to the cold. The truth is simpler: they have systems in place that make the cold manageable, and even magical. The philosophy of friluftsliv (open-air living) dictates that time spent outdoors is essential for wellbeing, regardless of the thermometer.
However, getting small children out the door in freezing temperatures can feel like a battle. Here is the blueprint for shifting the mindset from "surviving" winter to embracing it.
The Gear: Cotton Kills, Wool Works
The difference between a miserable child and a happy explorer is almost always the base layer.
Base Layer: Wool or thermal synthetic. Never cotton. Cotton absorbs sweat and holds it against the skin, making the child cold and clammy.
Mid Layer: Fleece or a chunky wool sweater to trap heat.
Outer Layer: A windproof and waterproof shell. In the Nordics, the "overall" (snowsuit) is preferred over separates because it prevents snow from entering at the waist.
Extremities: Cold hands end playtime. Invest in high-quality, waterproof mittens.
Micro-Adventures: The Art of the Small Walk
Adults often think an "outdoor activity" needs to be a hike or a trip to a ski slope. For a child, the adventure is in the details.
The Lantern Walk: In the depths of winter (Mørketid), the sun may set by 3:00 PM. Instead of staying inside, bring a lantern or headlamp. The familiar neighborhood looks completely different in the beam of a flashlight.
The Fika Break: Bring a thermos of warm tea or hot chocolate. Stopping to sit on a log and drink something warm turns a simple walk into a picnic. It serves as a reset button for tired legs.
Tracking: Fresh snow is a storybook. Who walked here? A bird? A rabbit? A dog? Look for tracks and try to follow them.
Overcoming Resistance
It is normal for children to resist the transition from a warm house to the cold air. The key is consistency. If outdoor time is a non-negotiable rhythm of the day—like brushing teeth—the resistance fades. Keep the first outing short. Ten minutes of fresh air is better than zero minutes.
A quiet invitation
To live in closer rhythm with the season, explore our current Seasonal PlayBook.
A collection of low-prep, sensory-rich invitations to play; created to help you pause, connect, and gently inhabit the days, whatever the weather holds.
