How I’m Preparing for my First Winter in Buffalo.

The following post contains affiliate links, which sends me a small percentage of any sales at no cost to you.

It’s happening: my first real winter in Buffalo.

Technically, I’ve lived through winter before — I grew up in Indiana, and even in Austin I experienced the occasional “cold snap” — but this feels different. This is lake-effect snow, a six-month coat season, icy sidewalks, wind off the water kind of winter. And maybe that would terrify some people, but I’m genuinely… excited.

When I moved here in August, I kept telling myself that I wasn’t just preparing for a new city — I was preparing for four full seasons. And now that winter is creeping in, I’ve been doing just that.

Instead of dreading the shorter days and the snow, I’ve gone into full intentional preparation mode — practically, emotionally, and cozily. Here’s how I’m getting ready.

Getting the Winter Gear (and Loving It)

If someone had told me six months ago that I would be excited to purchase electric hand warmers, I wouldn’t have believed them — but here I am. My winter kit so far:

✓ Electric hand warmers (I got the Ocoopa brand)
✓ Strap-on spikes for my shoes (for ice and snow—very Buffalo-core); I got these
✓ My favorite heated throw blanket for the couch
✓ Layers of bedding—including a second comforter ready for when the temps really drop
✓ My beloved heated mattress cover that makes every cold night feel like a luxury hotel

I also bought a towel warmer (possibly the best purchase I’ve ever made??), and I use it every day—from cold mornings to Sunday night self-care routines.

And for Blanche? She has her own heating pad and cozy faux-sherpa blanket… and I’m getting her a self-heating mat for Christmas (don’t tell her).

Let There Be Light (Even When There Isn’t Much)

Buffalo winter means the sun sets very early… like before-you-eat-dinner early. Luckily, my apartment has a ton of windows, which isn’t ideal for insulation—but does make a big difference for my mood.

I also got a “Happy Light” and started taking daily Vitamin D to help boost mood during darker months. I may even invest in a sunrise alarm clock to help lessen those pitch-black mornings (I have a budget version now just to test it out).

Making My Apartment Winter-Ready

I now believe winter-proofing is a love language.

I’ve filled my couch with blankets and quietly built an emergency stash (just in case): water, food, batteries, portable power, the basics. My building historically never loses power—even during record-breaking blizzards—but I like knowing I’m ready if.

Skin, Sleep, Tea, Repeat

Winter isn’t only hard on moods—it’s hard on skin, too.

I’ve stocked my nightstand like it’s a hydration station: hand cream, foot cream, lip mask, body butter, and facial oils. My medicine cabinet is also fully loaded for flu season, just in case (my favorite defense is this throat spray).

I’ve also built a mini nightly ritual:
Hot shower → towel warmer moment → skincare → heated blankets → Liquid IV → sleep.

It feels intentional instead of reactive. It feels like care.

Mentally Preparing (and Actually Looking Forward to It)

Last winter — in Austin — felt dark. Literally, but also emotionally. This year, I’m trying to build something different: not just a season to survive… but a season to remember.

I don’t want to fast-forward through the next four months. I want to notice them.

To help with that, I’ve already made a list of things I want to do this winter:

• Go ice skating (outdoor rink, lights twinkling, full Hallmark moment)
• Try hot toddies and winter ales at local pubs (I’ve already started)
• Visit Canalside for holiday lights and cocoa
• Experience the Bills game and full snow-tailgate atmosphere (you already snoooowww)
• Cook soup, chili, and roast vegetables on Sundays (aka Crockpot Season)
• Walk in the snow — not rush through it

I keep thinking: rest isn’t something winter interrupts — it’s something winter invites.

The Truth Is…

I’m not trying to escape winter—I’m preparing to be in it.

And yes, it’ll be cold.
Yes, it’ll be dark.
But it will also be beautiful.

There will be candlelight on snowy windows.
There will be neighborhood snowmen and twinkle-lit streets.
There will be warm socks, steaming mugs, familiar blankets, and the deep relief of being inside on purpose.

And for the first time in a long time, I am ready for it.

To see more writing from me, be sure to subscribe to The Bitter Lemon by clicking “subscribe” on the right side of your screen. Want even more? Subscribe to my newsletter to get roundups, book recs and lifestyle tips.