12 Easy Ways To Have The Coziest Winter Ever

Winter is coming. Time to get your snuggle on.

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Winter seems to have come early this year, and while there may be some Elsa's out there who thrill at the prospect of freezing temps, most of us are shivering at the thought of another polar vortex. But cold weather doesn't have to be all doom, gloom, and frostbite. Here are twelve easy ways to look and feel merry and bright until springtime comes around.

1. First things first: moisturize, moisturize, moisturize.

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The cold weather is basically like a giant sponge sapping all the moisture out of your poor skin. So do yourself a favor and give those chapped cheeks and knuckles some love! With its intense moisturizing properties, oatmeal is the wunderkind of winter DIY skin care. Try this chamomile mask for your face or this almond rose treatment for your hands; the chamomile is calming, and the rose water will make your house smell like spring.

2. Be prepared. Bring lip balm.

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Your lips bear the brunt of that winter wind, so they need a little extra help to protect them from the elements. Many lip balms come in packs of three or more, so stick one in every bag, coat pocket, etc. so your lips are never left out in the cold. (The same goes for lotion — stick a travel-sized tube in every pocket, and your hands will be so much happier.)

3. Three words: fleece-lined leggings.

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Trust us, your legs will thank you. It's like a permanent hug for your gams. These ones are affordable and feature a comfortable, flattering wide waistband to avoid the awkward link sausage look.

4. Cashmere. All of the cashmere.

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We cannot stress this point enough: Cashmere is the best thing to ever happen to winter. Yes, it can be pricey, but the coziness/warmth factor makes it worth the investment. It comes in socks, it comes in sweaters, it comes in throws -- it even comes in sweatpants.

5. Wear wool socks.

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If you have a New Englander in your life, you've probably heard the saying "There's no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing." When it comes to your feet, this is absolutely true. If you wear cotton socks, you will be cold. Anyone who says differently is selling something (probably cotton socks). Make your toes happy here. (Or, if you're looking for a way to pass those long winter nights, you can make your own.)

6. Invest in boots with good traction.

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There's nothing cute about sliding down an icy sidewalk into a blackened snow bank, so please, invest in a reliable pair of insulated boots with good traction (like these classics). Then ditch the heels or, if your office isn't snow boot friendly, stash a pair of work-appropriate shoes under your desk so you can go from parka to profesh faster than you can say bibbidi-bobbidi-boo.

7. Buy a coat that covers your butt.

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It doesn't matter how much junk you've got in the trunk, it could use a little more padding. And when it comes to coats, down is the way to go in winter territory. Options here.

8. Not just scarves, but colorful scarves.

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The reasons for the scarves are two-fold. One, they keep your neck, and as much of your face as you can bury in them, warm. Two, they add a much-needed pop of color to any dreary winter landscape. Like rose-colored glasses, but snuggly!

9. Give your hands some lovin'.

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Unless you're a magical ice princess, you'll need some gloves to battle the frozen elements. Add these guys to the equation, and it's like having a cozy baby bunny snuggled inside your pocket all day long. Learn how to make them here!

10. Everyone deserves tea (or coffee, hot chocolate, cider, a hot toddy...pick your poison).

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When the going gets frigid, the smart get to warming their bodies inside and out. Buy yourself a thermos (with a screw-top — your hands will thank you), and fill with your beverage of choice! If you're feeling crafty, making your own hot chocolate mix is super easy, and it makes a great gift for your fellow winter survivors.

11. Candles make everything a little brighter.

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Even with the right gear, braving the winter weather can be bleak. So when you finally escape the cold, make sure it's to a place that's bright, cheery, and smells really good. The Paddywax Library collection is both witty and wonderful smelling, and with a little modge podge, some mason jars, and an old book, you can up the literary factor even more with these clever candle holders.

12. Netflix, aka Hibernation Subscription Service

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Sometimes, it's healthy to force yourself to rally, put on real pants, and go socialize with other humans. Sometimes, however, you just need to get your cozy game on. For those moments, there's Netflix.