There’s a famous saying in Denmark that goes: “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing”. Other Northern European countries such as Norway, Sweden, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania share the same mantra, too. Perhaps other parts of the world share this motto, too. Dressing according to one’s climate, in this case, is emphasized as much as not complaining about it. We can layer up when it gets cold or take them off when the sun is out, and we just go on with our daily lives.
Winter in Denmark could be just any other day, only cold, dark, and snowy. This does not hinder Danes to be out and about, though. In fact, one of Denmark’s grand festivals – Wondercool – is held during the coldest time of the year. As a parent, you would also like your kids to go through winter with as much energy and enthusiasm as they do during summertime.
Making the kids embrace the winter season does not only mean dressing up for it but also engaging in activities the whole family can enjoy while holed up in the living room or throwing snowballs in the playground. Winters in Denmark are long and cold (and, very cold) but kids still get enough activities to counter the otherwise potentially dreary period of the year. How do Danish parents make sure their kids protected from the elements and have fun without the sun?
- Winterwear – Kids need the best outerwear they can get since they’re not as used to snow and cold compared to adults. When selecting jackets, snow pants, boots, mittens, and other winter gears, parents look for comfort and room for movement. Like all children around the world, Danish kids like to play outdoors and with other children regardless of the season, that’s why it’s best to invest in good quality season-appropriate clothing to keep them warm and still allow them enough room to move about.
- Winter playland – When they’re all bundled up, there’s no reason not to go out and play, or take a winter holiday trip. Winter doesn’t dampen spirits here! Kids skate on frozen lakes and ice-skating rinks accompanied by adults. Theme parks also house indoor ski slopes, swimming pools, game centers, and other facilities if kids want to be indoors instead. And finally, there’s the good ‘ol snow-throwing and running out in the snow.
- Home sweet home – Winter holidays are spent at home as much as outdoors. When not out and about, Danish kids play computer or electronic games, perhaps more often than in summer. If not building something from Lego blocks or watching TV, children like to play board games with the family. There are online toy stores in Denmark too that offer a variety of selection for parents and kids to choose from. They can also bake pebernødder or peppernuts and play Mus!
Roan Manguera writes about all things Danish for international readers.