Have you ever lived somewhere where the temperate can consistently be below freezing and there can be more than a dusting of snow?

1. Buy a warm heavy coat.
2. Buy some boots. A lot of people will say get proper snow boots, but I like just waterproofed work boots with good tread.
3. It's perfectly acceptable to drink Dunk's Iced Coffee when the temperature is 10 degrees and the windchill is making it feel like -10.
4. Layers are your friend.

Edit: If you have a car and you don't know how to to drive in sleet or snow, stay off the fucking road.

Will you have a car? Winter parking here can get interesting. I think it's state law that if you dig out your spot and someone else parks in it you can plant C-4 under their vehicle.

Don’t jog naked in a snowstorm even though the temptation might be strong.

If your place has oil heat, know that you’ll need to keep buying oil to keep the heat running. It can get expensive.

Get thee to Uniqlo. Buy heattech base. Baselayers, coats, gloves, socks.

Get a SAD lamp, even if you deal with cold people regularly have less energy/happy feelings not getting as much sun. If you can’t get outside, get a lamp and use it, like starting now.

One of the big things is just, don't underestimate snow and ice. It can be pretty! The first snowfall is a magical experience and you can make hot chocolate and french toast and whatever and enjoy it. But if you're driving or even walking when there's frozen water around, it will not hesitate to ruin your day.

If you don't have experience driving in snow, wait until the roads are clear and dry. We clean up pretty quick after even a big snow storm, so just stay home for a day or two and wait it out. (Be prepared to do that if necessary, btw.) Even if you do know how to drive in the snow, I would still not go out before the plows have a chance to clean up unless it was an absolute emergency. You do not want to get in the way of a plow; they do not stop and they do not feel remorse.

If you're walking, even in the city, you really need some shoes with decent tread. If you try and walk around with sneakers, you will slip and fall on your ass, you will impact the pavement with more force than you thought was possible, and it will hurt for days, in the best case. Worst case you break one of your favorite bones. Give ice due respect.

Best tip is to come in the summer lol

Don’t just go out and buy a winter coat. You’ll need a jacket, a coat and a “fuck me why did I do this” parka. You’ll want a few varieties of boots from something you might hike in that’s water proof to giant snow boots. You’ll want leggings to wear under your jeans or pants. Even better, fleece lined jeans!

Look for some hiking base layers. Wool undershirts are great, as are wool long underwear though I prefer the leggings.

Hats, gotta have some hats. Warm, thick, wool hats.

Wool socks. Also thick!

Gloves, a regular pair and a “fuck me it’s cold” pair. You can get base layer gloves as well, they work miracles. If your gloves aren’t good enough you stop in every dunks along your way for a regular coffee to hold in your hands.

Here’s why: I’ve been in shorts and a T-shirt in February and I’ve been standing in several feet of snow while it’s below zero. We get such an incredible range of temps from day to day or week to week that you want to be prepared for what’s happening each particular day.

I can from Florida where it usually stayed nice in the winter but you’d get a few days in the 30s or 40s every 10 years or so it got into the 20s and you could wait out the cold stuff. Here you’ll get it all most years.

Last year was predicted to be a bit above average temps for the winter as is this year. It hit 4 degrees F at the airport.

Look at February 23rd and 24th here. That’s what you need to be prepared for.

Oh, one last thing, if you go off the pavement there will be mud. Not sure where exactly you’re staying, but be prepared for some mud when the ground thaws.

Welcome to hell frozen over. I’ll take it every year over Florida summers.

Good jacket, boots and gloves. Long handled scraper if you have a car.

Book a February trip now to someplace warm…

A hood or waterproof hat is a good idea. However, be careful with wool or other warm but non-waterproof clothing. The snow can fall super wet or it may just rain (for days sometimes). If you get everything soaked, it is a problem. You want to make sure your in a position to put your coat back on shortly thereafter if you need to go back outside.

If you have an option drive north to NH or VT during late January/February. Better to grab a local friend who knows how to drive in the winter.

Buy ski pants even if you don’t ski and some good boots.

There will be days in the winter where it’s raining and snowing at the same time with 30 mph winds. You’ll thank me later.

A good thicket jacket, a warm hat and gloves. If you haven’t been up to the White Mountains before, find some time in Jan/Feb to visit even if you don’t ski.

[deleted]

A winter coat that covers your butt!

if you drive, or want to drive outside of the city (perhaps to go skiing, or visit rest of NE), consider getting some winter tires, or at least make sure you have really, really good all-season tires.

I would not come to Boston in the Winter.

Two more things: Vitamin D for the winter can be a game changer

There are lots of drizzly cold days. Get a size-up raincoat you can fita fleece under and some comfy cute rainboots (I like Kamik)

Or just ignore the folks who actually do stay here in the winter and just come here for the summers. Not sure if that’s an option for you. It is brutal here and you can get depressed. What I do if I’m here in the winter is keep my shorts on and sandals. It makes me think about the sunny warmer days elsewhere. You’re a real man (or woman) if you can wear sandals and shovel snow.

• DON'T make eye contact with anyone on the street or on the T.
• DON'T drive in the center lane and try to make a right or left turn.
• DON'T be indecisive at a busy coffee shop (Starbucks/Dunks).
• DON'T walk alone at night.
• DON'T major in a useless degree at a college/university.

Just DON'T!

• DO visit the Boston Public Library.
• DO visit Newbury Street.
• DO visit the Boston Common.
• DO go to a Celtics game.
• DO try and eat at a popular restaurant/bar.

Just DO IT!

Don’t stay in Roxbury.