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Press and Journal
03-05-2025
- General
- Press and Journal
VE Day: How we marked it in Aberdeen 80 years ago, through smiles and tears
People across the north and north-east of Scotland awoke with a smile on their face on the morning of May 8, 1945. As the Press and Journal reported the news of how Germany had surrendered and the Prime Minister Winston Churchill was poised to address the nation at 3pm, the feeling of exhilaration and relief was overwhelming. However, our headline – which simply read V-Day – reflected the reality that the conflict still wasn't over in many parts of the world and particularly the Far East. A small paragraph on the front page of the edition pointed out: 'The war lasted 2,094 days – 526 days longer than World War I'. But the paper also reported that allied diplomats were continuing their efforts to broker a peace deal with the Japanese, which dragged on until the end of the summer. Understandably, that didn't cast a veil over the celebrations which were held everywhere from Aberdeen and Inverness to Oban and Orkney and across the Mearns, the Western Isles and the Highlands, whether in large communities or tiny hamlets. In Aberdeen, there were street parties throughout the city, while thousands of people flocked to Union Street and the Castlegate. As the late Aberdeen veteran Eric Johnston, who fought on the beaches of Normandy in 1944, recalled: 'There never was a day where so many strangers walked together, sang together, and where everybody shook hands and enjoyed the fact we had won a war which was a just war. 'Many people went to church in the morning and, although it was a Tuesday, the hymns and prayers rang out. I heard from my friends that it was the same all across Scotland. 'Of course, the pubs were open and plenty of folk enjoyed a beer and a dram, but my main memory of that day was of people coming together as one big community.' The festivities were grander in some places than others. With strict rationing still in place, not everywhere could stretch to staging big events, yet there was no shortage of wood for the bonfires which burned effigies of Adolf Hitler as the day progressed. The trams which ran in Aberdeen often resembled something from a Hollywood musical with passengers breaking into spontaneous renditions of songs ranging from The Northern Lights to the National Anthem and We'll Meet Again. VE Day was a public holiday, as indeed was May 9, but, behind the scenes, there were positive developments for those who lived around the coast and, in many cases, had become wearily accustomed to life under blackout regulations. As the P&J reported: 'The Secretary of the Admiralty has announced that lighting restrictions in the coastal areas are no longer necessary for defence purposes and they are now removed for the whole country. 'The news will be hailed with delight in Aberdeen and other north-east areas where the blackout has been in force since the beginning of the war.' It wasn't just adults who were allowed to let their hair down and join the party. Youngsters were given time off to join in the celebrations and enjoyed their real-life experiences as much as their comic strip counterpart, Oor Wullie, who was depicted in rambunctious flag-waving form in The Sunday Post fun section. As the Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire Archives related: 'At last, in May 1945, Germany surrendered to the Allies in Europe and Victory in Europe Day was marked at school with two days of holiday. 'At Inverey School, the headteacher wrote: 'Two days holiday was granted to celebrate the cessation of hostilities. The children made their own bonfire and lit it at night'. 'At Rhynie School, a small committee was appointed to make arrangements for the children. A religious service was held at 2.30pm and, thereafter, the children marched to the Gordon Arms Hotel where they were entertained to tea and games. 'During a fair spell, sports were also held in the pleasure park and money prizes given. The proceedings were brought to a close by the lighting of a bonfire in the evening.' Ena Strachan was one of the pupils who joined her mother, Edie, for the VE revelry. But as she said: 'Some of us were luckier than others, because our family were all together. We felt sorry for the boys and girls whose dads had been killed or were still fighting.' Further along the coast in Moray, it wasn't only Scots who were involved in the festivities. A group of Norwegian and Danish refugees, who had flocked to the Moray Firth when their homelands fell under enemy occupation, settled in Buckie and made such an impact on their new surroundings the town became known as Little Norway. These men and women helped establish a Norwegian Consulate during the conflict, while a Sjomannskirken – a seaman's church – opened in the Main Street in 1942 and King Haakon VII visited Scotland and met his compatriots the following summer. Professor Peter Reid, of Robert Gordon University, investigated the many ties which were forged between the refugees and the locals. He said: 'People from both countries celebrated on May 8 back in 1945 and the links between them have never been forgotten. 'My grandmother married one of the Danish exiles and they went to live in Esbjerg after the war. 'I also noticed that, in Buckie cemetery, there is the grave of a little six-year-old Norwegian girl, Aud Oline Ramstad and, because she was buried near to my own family's graves, I look after it too, tidying it, repairing it, and planting flowers.' Some had mixed emotions. And there's a letter which sums up all the feelings of one north-east couple who were married, but forced to live apart, while Britons celebrated. The correspondence was sent by Mary Ann (Molly) McKenzie from her Aberdeen home on VE Day itself to her husband, Charlie McKenzie, a captain in the Royal Artillery, who was in charge of a group of Russian prisoners of war in Holland. Her words are laced with happiness, but also a sense of frustration that the pair could not be together to enjoy the occasion. And that was allied to a tinge of apprehension lest any harm befell the man she called her 'darling', her 'sweet' and her 'dearest'. The late couple's daughter, Rhona Hunt, spoke about how the letter was precious in capturing the atmosphere as Aberdeen and other cities broke out the bunting. Molly wrote about the scenes she and her family witnessed in the Granite City, both on the streets and at a church service before they went home to listen to a BBC radio broadcast by the Prime Minister, Winston Churchill. She said: 'The whole town has gone gay with decorations and flags. 'When we went off to church, it was grand to see all the flags fluttering and even the trams had flags on them, to say nothing of the children who were wearing a lot of red, white and blue. 'I have never seen so many people in Union Street. It was a moving mass between Market Street and the Castlegate. We took the tram to George Street and when we got to the church at 11, I offered my prayers and thankfulness for your safe deliverance. 'We went up to your mother's after we came back from the church and your Ma gave me a glass of stout and impressed on me it would do no harm. '[In the afternoon] we all gathered for the Prime Minister's speech at 3.00 and I wondered if you were listening to it. It was very impressive, it MUST have been for even Ma made us all stand up in a circle and sing God Save the King. 'We had a bottle of port and we had a toast – first to Charlie, then to sister, Kay, and brother, Bill, and last to those who shall not return [from the war]. 'In my heart, my darling, I have the feeling it won't be very long before you are home. What a glorious feeling, my sweet, to know it is really over.' Amid the exultant scenes which marked VE Day, Scottish troops cherished the end of the war in Europe and the Gordon Highlanders were, as usual, a pivotal force. However, those who could attend ceremonies in Britain on May 8 were all too conscious that so many of their comrades had either fallen in the conflict or remained incarcerated in prisoner of war camps thousands of miles away. Ruth Cox, curator of the Gordon Highlanders Museum in Aberdeen, explained how the regiment reacted as the world was changing around them. She said: 'Victory in Europe was marked by the Gordon Highlanders with celebrations and parades, with the sounds of pipe music and many dinners being held. 'The cessation of hostilities would have been welcome for the PoWs in Europe and North Africa who experienced a wide range of treatment at the hands of their captors. 'By and large, they were treated humanely, as stipulated by the Geneva Convention. 'But the same could not be said of those who were held in the Far East, who continued to suffer as prisoners of war until Japan surrendered in August, 1945. 'During the war, the Gordon Highlanders fought in a conflict that eventually ended in victory, but at the cost of the lives of 2,400 members of the regiment, scattered across three continents, who were killed in action or died of their wounds.' Ultimately, the peace which followed VE Day was a brief chance to toast the outcome. Yet, as an editorial in the Press and Journal on May 9 made clear, it was also a time to remember the immense sacrifices which had been necessary to ensure success. It urged the region to 'honour those who fought for democracy' which had been made by so many. And it spoke of the need for the country to pull together. Eighty years later, that's as relevant as it ever was.
Yahoo
15-04-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Northern Lights to be visible over Sussex tonight says Met Office
Residents across Sussex have a chance at spotting the Northern Lights across the skies this evening. The Met Office says there will be a "Coronal Mass Ejection" tonight, Tuesday, April 15. Aurora Borealis sightings have increased in recent years, with reports suggesting they will be visible again this evening. If you want to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights, here is everything you need to know. Discussing the arrival of the Northern Lights to the UK, the Met Office said: "The aurora is expected to be at normal background levels until the arrival of a Coronal Mass Ejection, most likely later on Tuesday April 15 and continuing into Wednesday, April 16. "This is likely to bring the auroral oval to northern parts of the UK and similar geomagnetic latitudes, with a chance of some visibility towards the northern horizon for much of England. "However, cloud cover over much of the UK will limit aurora viewings. The auroral oval will ease to background levels thereafter." The Northern Lights were visible over Sussex several times last year, making for some great photos from locals. There are a number of good dark sky spots to stargaze, including Camber Sands beach and various spots in the South Downs. The Met Office says it will be cloudy this evening in Southeast England with the chance of further showers or spells of rain. The Northern Lights over West Sussex. A first in the 30yrs I've lived in the UK. Goodnight all. — sophia•of•the•Crows🐦⬛ (@DSEDunn) May 10, 2024 The Royal Museums Greenwich explained: 'Solar storms on our star's surface give out huge clouds of electrically charged particles. These particles can travel millions of miles, and some may eventually collide with the Earth. Recommended reading: How can you take a photo of the Northern Lights? A guide for beginners The Northern Lights dazzle Sussex skygazers Five Sussex spots named among UK's best for stargazing 'Most of these particles are deflected away, but some become captured in the Earth's magnetic field, accelerating down towards the north and south poles into the atmosphere. This is why aurora activity is concentrated at the magnetic poles.' Royal Observatory astronomer, Tom Kerss added: 'These particles then slam into atoms and molecules in the Earth's atmosphere and essentially heat them up. 'We call this physical process 'excitation', but it's very much like heating a gas and making it glow.'
Yahoo
28-02-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
March's Celestial Events: Eclipses, Vanishing Rings And The Best Time For Auroras
March is a turning point for skywatchers and space enthusiasts, ushering in changing seasons and a lineup of impressive astronomical events. From a blood-red lunar eclipse to a rare phenomenon on Saturn, the universe will put on a show this month—if the weather cooperates. On March 20, Earth reaches the equinox, where day and night both last 12 hours. In the Northern Hemisphere, this signals the beginning of spring, as the Southern Hemisphere welcomes fall. This cosmic balancing act happens as Earth's 23.5° tilt positions the planet perfectly in front of the sun. Cultures worldwide have celebrated this moment for centuries, marking it as a time of renewal and transformation. (MORE: Why Meteorologists Say Spring Starts Before The Equinox) Statistically, March offers the year's best chance to see the aurora borealis, partially because the equinox enhances geomagnetic activity during the month. The increased solar wind interaction with Earth's magnetosphere can make auroras more frequent and vibrant. March can also offer slightly milder temperatures and more pleasant weather for skywatching, compared to harsh winter months, assuming clouds don't ruin the show. (MORE: Watch The Northern Lights Shimmer Over Alaska) March 8: Mercury reaches peak visibility just after sunset. The planet is usually elusive, as it gets lost in the sun's glare most days. March 13-14: A total lunar eclipse will set the moon ablaze in a deep red hue for more than an hour, visible across North and South America. March 23: Every 15 years, Earth's view of Saturn aligns edge-on, making the rings seemingly vanish. March 29: A partial solar eclipse takes a cosmic 'bite' out of the sun, though it will only be visible from limited locations. (MORE: Don't Miss March's Total Lunar Eclipse) With so many celestial wonders on display, March is a dream month for skywatchers. Whether you're gazing at a glowing eclipse, chasing the northern lights, or marveling at Saturn's disappearing act, one thing is certain - clear skies will be key! MORE ON Does A Full Moon Control Winter Weather? Check Out These Breathtaking Shots Of Space Space Debris Burns Bright Over Wisconsin
Yahoo
12-02-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Northern Lights could be visible in UK tonight as Met Office name best viewing spots
The Northern Lights are set to be visible in parts of the UK tonight. The Met Office revealed in its space weather forecast that there was a chance of visible aurora in northern parts of Scotland 'and similar geomagnetic latitudes' on Wednesday night and Thursday morning. The forecaster explained: 'Periods of enhanced aurora are possible due to ongoing fast solar winds'. This will bring the colourful solar phenomenon to northern and western Scotland, where clearer skies will allow a better chance to view the Aurora Borealis. Writing on X, the Met Office said: 'Northern regions have further chances to see the aurora over the next few nights. 'Cloudy skies mean limited viewing opportunities for most of us, but with clearer skies in northern and western Scotland, there's a much better chance here.' A graphic on their social media saw strong chances of viewing around 8pm on Wednesday and 3am on Thursday. They were also visible in the Shetlands on Tuesday evening. According to the forecaster, the northern lights are most active during the Equinox and Solstice, around March and April or September and October. The best viewing conditions are when the sky is dark and clear of any clouds, with no light pollution in remote areas, facing the northern horizon. Northern regions have further chances to see the aurora over the next few skies mean limited viewing opportunties for most of us, but with clearer skies in northern and western Scotland, there's a much better chance here 🌕 — Met Office (@metoffice) February 11, 2025 While typically the Northern Lights are most visible in the auroral oval - a ring of light around Iceland and the polar caps, it can on occasion be witnessed in the north of the UK. Predominantly, the Northern Lights are best witnessed in Scotland, North England, North Wales and Northern Ireland. Under more severe space weather conditions, the lights can be seen throughout the UK. In October, the northern lights were visible as far south as Kent and East Anglia. A spokesperson from the Met Office said at the time this was because of 'more space weather events in recent months', including the Northern Lights, as the sun was nearing the peak of its solar cycle.
Buzz Feed
07-02-2025
- Buzz Feed
If You're About To Take A Trip To Somewhere Cold, Here Are 40 Things You May Want To Pack
We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page. Shopping · Waiting around to see The Northern Lights is a bit more pleasant with hand warmers. (Worth it, regardless.) 1. A saline nasal gel in case the cold and wind tend to do a number on your nose and your nostrils could use some relief. One or two drops of this soothing aloe formula will give you some major relief. Promising review:"I don't like to talk about it, but every year, my nose becomes super dry to the point where I sometimes get a bloody nose. I usually use some squeeze saline, but it got so bad this year that I decided to get this gel. A dab on a finger or a swab and my nose is hydrated, moistened, and not dry as a desert. No winter bloody noses! It is very light, is not slimy or like Vaseline, and it does not have any smell." — Catherine Get it from Amazon for $3.62. 2. A USB rechargeable hand warmer I used to keep myself feeling alive while standing outside for hours in the Icelandic February cold with my eyes peeled for The Northern Lights. (And yes, I saw them!) I'd put this hand warmer in many stories this winter and my friend (who reads my stories, s/o to Jen!) bought it to take on aDecember trip to Vienna/Budapest/Prague and it was essential to us staying outside at Christmas markets. So once I got talked into an Iceland trip a few weeks before the travel dates, I shopped my own stories for this little beaut. And I am SO glad that I did. I kept it in my coat pocket the entire trip (basically, we were only indoors to eat and sleep), and it gets very hot, very fast. The only time that I was able to use the highest heat setting (there are three total) for longer than a few minutes was when I stood in the middle of nowhere scanning the sky for The Northern Lights around midnight. It was COLD cold out in the flat lands and far away from buildings and light pollution. But I was determined to see the Aurora dance. (Otherwise, I would've booked a summertime Iceland trip.) I had warm leather gloves with fleece lining that I wore throughout the trip. But I kept my right hand ungloved during periods of time so I could look through my phone's camera app to spot the green in the sky. (The Lights look white at first to the naked eye before your eyes adjust and see it as green. But you can spot them as green immediately through your phone camera.) This small-but-mighty hand warmer kept my fingers operating so once I finally did see the lights, I could photograph them! And it also kept me outside longer instead of taking bus breaks. Whyyyy didn't I buy this earlier? Please learn from my mistake. Psst — you can even use a power bank or your phone to charge it! Promising review:"This hand warmer is amazing! My hands are constantly cold, and I've tried all sorts of products to help keep them warm, but nothing has worked until now. I charge the hand warmer every night with a standard USB charger and the next day, I have hours of warmth. The three temperature settings are very helpful — I use the highest setting when I'm outdoors for long periods of time and the lower settings when I'm indoors (e.g., sitting at my desk or in a cold movie theater). I've already given hand warmers as gifts to several cold-handed friends and family members, and they're loving it as well. I hope Ocoopa comes out with a foot warmer next!" — Riva Kupritz Get it from Amazon for $19.52+ (available in nine colors). 3. Or a rechargeable magnetic phone charger/hand warmer set that'll magnetize together or split up so you can keep the warm concentrated in one spot or split in two. Check out a TikTok of the hand warmer/phone charger in action. It has four warmth settings, so you can pick one that's perfect for the conditions, too! My colleague Emma Lord has and loves these: "I have been using these for two winters now, and once it hits November, I simply never leave the house without them. They heat up instantly, and unlike bulkier hand warmers, slide easily and subtly into any of my jacket pockets. They fit neatly in the palm of my hand, and the warmth radiates and genuinely makes a difference in regulating my entire body (I am a big, BIG baby about the cold). The heat settings are super easy to change, they recharge efficiently within an hour, and I always feel like a handy little wizard when I can pull them out in a pinch if a friend's phone is dying and they need some extra charge to keep it alive. I cannot recommend this enough!" Get it from Amazon for $27.98+ (available in 11 colors). 4. Or a large pack of HotHands hand warmers for a few hours of heat in a pinch. Wouldn't hurt to keep some of these handy! Promising review:"I keep a continual supply of these in my vehicle for several reasons. I drop these in my pockets to warm my hands and body at hockey games, but honestly, any time I spend a great deal of time outside in the winter, I have them just in case. Once they heat up, you can put them in gloves, pockets, or anywhere you need to keep warm (I've put them in my knit hat before). Depending on the temps and where you place them, two to four hours of warmth can last." — Miss Hollis Get a pack of 20 from Amazon for $15.46. These are also available in body warmers and toe warmers on the Hot Hands Amazon storefront! 5. A fanny pack with a ton of storage room inside that has a long enough strap to wear crossbody *or* comfortably fit over outerwear for some hands-free adventures. And in case it looks familiar, TikTokers compare it to the Lulu waist bag. (This was my *only* bag for a February trip to Iceland.) I wear a size L/XL in clothing and sometimes waist bags just don't work out so well for me. With this one, I can confirm that it fit around my waist comfortably without outerwear, across my chest without outerwear, *and* over a thick coat and several layers. The pockets inside are so handy and I even had room to spare throughout my Iceland trip. This was the only purse I brought for the whole trip and it performed its job flawlessly. Just make sure that you zip the zipper ALL the way because the zipper goes down pretty far on the sides for easier access to contents. Having my hands free was wildly convenient for a number of reasons, including crawling around inside of an ice cave and putting out my hands for some extra balance while walking on sheets of ice along cliffs. Oh, and it comes in so so SO many colors. Promising review: "Love this little bag! And the price — you can't beat it." — Jolie Get it from Amazon for $13.98+ (available in 45 styles). 6. A set of Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier packets, because there's nothing like a day spent exploring instead of worrying about hydrating yourself to completely wear you out on your bucket-list vacation. And idk about you, but I have a harder time reminding myself to drink water in freezing temps. These efficiently help keep me hydrated and going. And they're much tastier than electrolyte tablets you dilute in water. Psst — it's also gluten-free, soy-free, and dairy-free! I always ALWAYS pack this stuff for trips. In Aprile, I visited Vegas for ~48 hours for an outdoor music festival. I drank one in the morning before boarding my flight, then once I got checked into my hotel, then the next morning before the music festival where I was outside and guzzling tall boys of beer. And I felt great when I woke up the next day! Drinking Liquid IV also meant I didn't have to guzzle plain water (and then stand in line for the bathroom a ton) to stay hydrated for the 12+-hour festival. Promising review:"This stuff seriously works. Took on a five-day cruise when we had the unlimited drink package, and these Liquid I.V.s saved my life several times. Wouldn't have made it to dinner/gotten off the ship the next morning without them." — Laura Bales Get a pack of 16 from Amazon for $23.45 (also available in sugar-free flavors). I'm also quite partial to the newer grapefruit flavor. 7. Some nourishing Jack Black lip balm you can apply before bed at night on trips. (My friend even became obsessed with it after walking around in brutal wind and horizontal snow in Vienna.) This is totally worth the space in your carry-on's toiletries bag. It's quite emollient and feels like it stays put after you apply — which is probably why it's so effective. I'm normally a matte lipstick kinda gal during the day and stuck to that during my recent cold vacations, so applying this in the morning as soon as I woke up and before I went to bed kept my lips looking and feeling normal. Promising review:"So I have been a loyal Eos fan for quite some time, but you constantly have to reapply, and honestly, my lips are still cracked. I found Jack Black balm from a TikTok video and it has been glorious. I keep reaching for it to reapply and I don't need it. It doesn't feel greasy on my lips but it is a bit sticky? Or waxy. Either way, I don't mind it at all, and it also smells pretty darn good." — Trisha "I love this stuff! I have always had a really hard time with chapped lips, and was getting nowhere with all the others I was trying. This definitely beat the rest in the way it helped with relief." — Stacie Get it from Amazon for $10 (available in six flavors and in packs of three). 8. A pair of fleece-lined joggers might just feel like someone sewed their favorite blanket to the inside of their favorite sweatpants. Reviewers love to wear it while shoveling snow in their driveway or talking the dog outside. Promising review:" 10000000/5 stars!!!!!! I just shoveled our driveway for an hour in 2-degree weather and my legs NEVER got cold. While my hands, face, feet, and arms were were nice and toasty. I am recommending these to everyone!!!" — jc Get it from Amazon for $38.99+ (available in sizes XS–XXL and 11 colors). 9. Bomba Curls Dominican Forbidden Volumizer Oil can help you embrace your natural hair texture and air dry while moisturizing and leaving the most divine scent on your vacation locks. After all, if you're wearing cold-weather accessories, no need spending a ton of time on your hair. Seriously, a bucket hat will be your BFF on a wintry trip. Bomba Curls is a WOC-owned business founded by Lulu Cordero and inspired by her Afro-Dominicana roots. The products are meant to help curly-haired folks naturally boost growth and achieve maximum length retention. This formula is infused with pure coffee seed and castor oil mean to moisturize your hair and scalp, while promoting hair growth and making your strands look glossier. Yep, that's me in awe of merely *existing* in the frigid wonderland of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula in Iceland. Anytime I was outside in Iceland I wore a bucket hat AND had my hood pulled over it. It was that chilly! And don't even get me started on the wind. So I knew that my skin and hair were going to need some major moisture. Enter the Bomba Curls hair oil. I used this as a leave-in treatment and styler on wet hair, and then let my natural hair texture do its thing. It was an excellent call as it helps curls form so beautifully and ended up being especially moisturizing for my post–Blue Lagoon dry hair. (I had to wash my hair FOUR TIMES post-Lagoon because of all the minerals in the water.) In case you're wondering, I also pack this for hot, humid trips when I embrace my natural hair texture. Get it from Bomba Curls for $22. 10. A faux-fur bucket hat that'll yes, keep your noggin nice and toasty. But will also look FASHION for when you go straight from a 12-hour bus tour to dinner at a cute restaurant near your hotel full of nontourists. Amazon Promising review: "Not only is it warm for the winter season but sooooo warm and FASHIONABLE!! I have been wearing this hat everywhere!! It's a bit big but honestly that just makes it more cozy. I love it!!" — Grace Beardsely Get it from Amazon for $16.89+ (available in 11 colors/patterns). 11. Kahi Wrinkle Bounce Hydrating Multi-Balm, a TikTok-famous Korean beauty product combines several products into one skincare step. Reviewers use it on their face, lips, eyes, and neck to help reduce fine lines and make you look all ~glowy~ thanks to ingredients salmon complex and collagen. It'll feel like a total treat on your wintry skin. Amazon, Check out a TikTok of the wrinkle balm in action. Promising review: "Okay! So I was skeptical at first, but honestly this stick is life changing!!! In a matter of minutes, my skin felt hydrated and plumped. After an hour, still hydrated. No greasy after feeling, very light, and you can feel your skin hydrated and absorbing. I love the fact that you can use it on your eyes, lips, and wrinkles!! Game changer for me, will def try the others!" — Kristy "This stuff makes my face feel so soft and has a nice scent. I use it every day and will buy it again when I run out!" — Cyndy1 Get it from Amazon for $22.99+ (available in six styles). 12. Self-heating soothing foot masks made with Epsom salts, lavender, and peppermint for those nights when you REAAAALLY want a foot massage after hiking through all kinds of picturesque European markets on your hunt to eat every sweet treat. Emma Lord/BuzzFeed Check out a TikTok of the foot masks in action. Promising review:"Wow! These are awesome! They feel warm and tingly while they are on. My feet were so soft afterward. I'd buy again!" — Patrick Leary Get a set of three pairs from Amazon for $11.97. 13. Some thermal socks that'll basically feel like your warmest, toastiest blanket is hugging your feet. I wore these on a February trip to Iceland where temps got down to about the 20s F with a wind chill at some points that made it feel close to 0 degrees F. So QUITE cold. And these worked like a charm! Amazon Promising review: "This is my second time buying a pack of these socks for my dad who works outdoors all year long (even in the snow). He was excited to get a new pack of these socks and stated that these socks keep his feet warmer than his other cotton socks. The socks are definitely more expensive than your typical retail cotton socks but worth it if you really need warmer socks!" — Myriah Get three pairs from Amazon for $24.99 (available in three colors and sizes S–XL). 14. Or a pair of Carhartt cold weather boots socks built to wear while working out in the cold. So you KNOW they'll be perfect for skirt and dress ensembles you're wearing to work. Amazon Promising review:"These are possibly the best pair of socks I've ever owned. These socks are very warm. I literally wore them for 48 hours straight on a cold camping trip and my feet were comfy the whole time. Days were about 40 degrees and evenings were about 30 degrees, and all I had on my feet were these socks and some non-insulated hiking boots. It got down to 19 degrees the first night and despite only having a 40-degree rating on my sleeping bag, my feet stayed warm all night long." — Dan C. Get it from Amazon for $15.98+ (available in men's sizes 5–15 and eight colors). 15. Some vacuum storage bags with a slim, manual pump that'll also fit easily into your suitcase. I've used one for a December Prague trip to roll up a puffer coat to fit into a carry-on suitcase because I wanted coat ~options~. For my trip to Iceland, I used one medium bag to pack six pairs of underwear, two pairs of very thick thermal socks, a set of PJs, a sweatshirt, a pair of ski pants, and three shirts. I was able to easily use the pump and pack it in my backpack with me for my trip. And I still had plenty of room put other things in my bag! Promising reviews: "I recently took a trip and only wanted to carry my personal item without having to pay for a carryon or check a bag. I heard about these Space Saver bags from a friend and decided to give them a try. And WOW! I was able to fit 6–7 days' worth of clothing and undergarments in the three smallest bags. They were super easy to use and didn't refill with air after being packed. You just have to make sure you don't over fill them and roll away from the closure. I am very pleased with this purchase and will definitely use them again when traveling." — L. Fowler Get an eight-pack from Amazon for $44.99 (available in more size packs and size bags). There are also roll-up bags made for travel available from this brand. 16. Touch screen–friendly gloves with a woolen look and vegan micro-suede that'll keep you warm but still looking put-together. Oh, and you may have seen them on Shark Tank *or* Oprah's Favorite Things in 2023. Top It Off is a small biz specializing in cold-weather accessories. Promising review: "I don't like to wear my good leather gloves in inclement weather, so I got these, and am so glad I did! They are well made, warm, the touch screen works, and oh so cute! In fact, I got a compliment the very first day I wore them. Since they only come one size fits all, I would say these are about a 7–7.5, which would be a medium-size glove. The only place I don't have a perfect fit is the thumb, which is a tad too long, but I can live with that. I may come back for a second pair in another color, so I will have an extra pair to leave in my glove compartment." — Sunni Get them from Amazon for $24.99 (available in nine styles). 17. Or a pair of sleek touchscreen-friendly gloves if you go for a more casual vibe while you're checking your transportation app to see just how many more minutes you've gotta wait for this bus. Promising review:" I like the knit-type stretchy gloves for light duty, all purpose, daily use in nonarctic temps. These are the perfect gloves for that. The little rubber pattern that helps with grip is a great feature that I've not had on previous gloves like this. The one feature I saw that these gloves were advertised as having was the ability to use them with touchscreens. This was low on my list of needs and if it didn't work, it wouldn't be a deal-breaker for me. When I first put them on, I looked at them and immediately thought there was no way they would be effective at this. I picked up my iPhone and they worked flawlessly. I've since tried them on my iPad and touch screen in my truck and they work just like my bare fingers. If you look at the tips of all the fingers, there's a very slight shade of color difference. Not sure how it it works! I'm going to buy a few more pair so that next year, I'll have backups and even another pair for good measure. I'm also going to buy a few as gifts for Christmas. These are great gloves at a GREAT price!" — Rob Davis Get it from Amazon for $10.99+ (available in sizes XS–XL and 31 colors). 18. A tub of O'Keeffe's hand cream to give your ragged cuticles and dry hands a major overhaul if winter normally leaves your paws looking like you scratched your way out of a coffin. Promising review:" I have suffered from splitting and cracking fingers every fall and winter for years. I tried Eucerin, Lubriderm, and Gold Bond creams, but none seemed to relieve the splitting from reoccurring. I tried O'Keeffe's Working Hand Cream and within 2.5 days, the splitting and cracking were no longer a factor. Since using the cream, I have not suffered any more cracking or splitting. I am on a busy schedule and only use it at night when I go to bed. It says it's non-greasy but you can definitely feel a slick texture on your hands once applied. That's why I use it at night before bed when I don't have to open door knobs, touch smartphones, or shake hands. It has the texture of cake icing, goes on smooth and works into the skin quickly. It has no smell I can detect. I am so glad I found this cream, it has ended years of split and cracked fingers/hands." — T.H. Get it from Amazon for $8.37. 19. Gloves in a Bottle Shielding Lotion will form an invisible layer around your hands to help guard 'em against drying hand-washing and other common irritants. If your hands tend to be on the drier side, it would be a good idea to double up on this AND your actual gloves. One application lasts for around four hours. Promising review: "MIRACLE IN A BOTTLE!!!! This product is absolutely amazing. My husband is a hard-working man. His hands have always been peeling and cracked to the point where they split so badly and bleed, and his hands constantly hurt — to the point where he would always say he just wanted to cut his hand off. His skin would be so rough it would scratch you if he touched you. He's been using this for about three weeks (maybe). And we have seen a drastic change in his skin. His cracks are actually healing. His skin is softer to the touch. This is honestly a lifesaver for him. I am going to continue to buy this product for as long as I possibly can. Thank you so much to this company!" — MjD Get it from Amazon for $21.95. 20. A ~handy~ glove and ice scraper duo perf for your wintry road trip in case you've ever gotten fed up with regular old ice scrapers and just started doing it with their gloved hand. And this might even be warmer with your regular gloves because it's lined with fleece. This cuts to the chase! Amazon Promising review:"Great ice scraper. Don't have to freeze your hand while getting all the ice off." — Dino Get it from Amazon for $13.99 (available in three colors). 21. Or a bottle of windshield de-icer spray that'll slash the amount of manual labor you have to do before your drive. To use, you just brush off any show, spray the de-icer, wait a few minutes, and then turn on the wipers. Amazon Promising review:"We used it during a recent ice storm that hit New England. We had 2–4 inches of ice accumulated. The car was covered with sheets of ice. I could not even use the scraper. Turn the car on, and spray this canister to remove the ice. Removed the ice within five minutes. Ice chunks were falling off the car quickly. Worked wonderful and very easy. I gave this to my friends at college. They also used it during the ice storm and loved it." — CelticsFan Get a bottle from Amazon for $10.20 (also available in multipacks). 22. Sheer black Melanin Fleece Tights that'll look like sheer tights for darker skin tones without the cold biting you. They're made of stretchy, rip-resistant material so they'll move with you whenever you're out and about. Melanin Fleece Tights is a Black-owned small business established in 2023 that specializes in inclusive fleece-lined tights. Promising review: "Took these tights on a trip to Europe where the average temp was in the 40s. These tights kept me so warm for and I loved the flesh tone and how it matched my skin so perfectly. They are very soft and thick. I would buy these tights over and over for the fall and winter!" — Brejhe Halls Get them from Melanin Fleece Tights for $34.95 (originally $59.95; available in women's sizes S–2X and four shades). 23. Plus some fleece-lined tights if you want that sheer look that'll go with your lighter skin tone. There's just something about a sheer tight look! But also something about being able to feel your legs in winter on the walk from your apartment to the subway. Promising review: "Absolutely love these winter leggings. I have been living in them! They are comfy and warm. They do pill in the dryer so I make sure to air dry them. These are thick! They allow my legs stay warm during really cold weather. Even at the temp outside now — 20 degrees Fahrenheit! I am planning to get one more set!" — Ninar Get them from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in two sizes and individually or in pairs of various color combinations). 24. A heated jacket because wrapping yourself up in your Barefoot Dreams blanket sans pants somehow isn't as practical as you'd like. The rechargeable battery provides 10 hours of warmth with three heat settings. Cheers to a verrrry warm coat offsetting chill nipping at your tights-clad knees. Check out a TikTok of the heated jacket in action. Promising review:"I was honestly kind of skeptical about this at first because it took a bit of time to heat up all the way, but once it did I was absolutely in love. It gets so warm and is absolutely perfect. It's very very well made and luxurious feeling. 10/10." — Ezra Adair Get it from Amazon in two styles: $159.99 (available in women's sizes XS–3XL and five colors) and $159.99 (available in men's sizes S–3XL and three colors). 25. Or if you prefer for your arms to have fullll movement, a rechargeable lightweight heated vest you could maybe even layer under a topcoat in an attempt to keep all your limbs warmer. *And* it's machine-washable. Promising review: "Bought this for watching my daughter play winter soccer season in Northern California. It heats up quickly and the battery lasts more than the length of the game. It's been so popular that I've bought more as gifts for family. I bought mine to fit snuggly and closer to my bottom layer and then can put a rain jacket over it if needed." — Liz Get it from Amazon for $149.99 (available in men's sizes S–XXL and tall sizes XL–3X, and five colors). 26. Or if you're looking to upgrade your winter accessories, a heated scarf with a cordless heating pad that lasts up to 12 hours. Promising review: "I love this scarf I wear it every day in the winter. It helps relax my neck and shoulders when I walk my dog. Something about being warm around my neck makes me feel warm all over! I told all my friends and fam to get one. It should be everyone's winter must-have!!" — madcat9078 Get it from Amazon for $79.99 (available in six colors). 27. A portable neck warmer that looks like a set of headphones if just wrapping up with a scarf isn't working like you desire — or you just don't like fabric wrapped around your neck. Promising review: "I like to walk everyday and these are amazing. They look like headphones. They're not small or sleek, but they are comfortable and love that you can adjust the heating element. Definitely would purchase again and as a gift." — Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $37.99. 28. A long quilted puffer with a hood that'll help really protect you from the elements that make you do math to figure out if you can leave the hotel wearing a sleeping bag but *without* wearing pants. Amazon Promising review: "This coat is like wearing a sleeping bag. It came down to the top of my ankle boots. This thing will keep you warm and toasty, and has a lot of room for phones, wallets, and sweaters underneath if you need it. And the olive green hides the dirt really well." — Holly J. Mattson Get it from Amazon for $98.98+ (available in sizes S–XXL and 10 colors). 29. Hunter shearling insoles you can slip into your existing boots to help keep your feet and — therefore — legs toastier. Reviewers say they're especially great for nonwinter shoes like sneakers. Promising review:"Perfect addition to my rain boot! I was battling cold feet on rainy Connecticut days until I came across this product. It makes a world of difference. I'm not a big fan of chunky socks and this eliminates needing wool socks." — Miss Sarah Get them from Amazon for $38+ (available in women's sizes 5–11). 30. A 100% merino wool gaiter to keep your nose and mouth nice and toasty because gold wind gusts have a funny way of getting inside your coat hood while you're walking uphill in the snow to go see Prague Castle. Amazon Minus 33 is a small biz specializing in merino wool products. Promising review: "Wearing this in 30–40 degrees F weather and it keeps my neck, nose and ears warm. I bike daily commuting and with the added windchill of going 20 mph this is a must-have. Very thin but warm." — S. Murray Get it from Amazon for $24.99 (available in 19 colors). 31. A plus-size windproof ski coat will protect you from water when the forecast is changing over the 20 minutes while you keep checking it as you get ready. Amazon Promising review: "Plus-size shopping on Amazon can be fraught, but this fit great and kept me warm in the freezing wind and rain on my Iceland trip. I'm usually in the size 18–22 range and get 2X, but I sized up to 3X so I could fit some bulkier layers under and it worked great. Highly recommend!" — Dana M Fleitman "Warm winter coat. Perfect for cold weather and snow." — Barbara Gurley Get it from Amazon for $87.78+ (available in sizes 1X–5X and eight colors). 32. Fuzzy earmuffs so you can keep your poor lil' ears warm (in a v cute way) without messing up your hairstyle — unlike equally cute winter hats and beanies. Promising review:"These are comfy earmuffs that keep my ears nice and warm during the cold winter days and nights!" — Lee Anne Lause Get them from Amazon for $16.95 (available in five colors). 33. A pair of ankle winter boots because, as you've discovered, wearing thick socks with your rain boots just doesn't cut it. These have anti-slip soles to keep you nice and steady on snow and slick sidewalks that you KNOW should've been salted but weren't. Amazon, Emma Lord/BuzzFeed My colleague Emma Lord loves these: "I only got these a few years ago because it was a Black Friday sale, but now that I've worn them I would have paid full price and then some. They're ridiculously comfortable, keep my feet warm and dry, and I felt very secure walking in them on a day with fresh snow and the day after, when the sidewalks were icy. There was no break-in period, either, which I appreciate because I tend to go on long walks. There are no half sizes and some reviewers suggested leaning toward your lower size if you're usually a half — this was true for me! They run a smidge large." Promising review: "I purchased these to wear while walking my dog 1+ miles daily, and wanted to feel safe walking in the snow and ice. The anti slip tread on these boots did not disappoint. They are sturdy and allow me to walk without any slipping. My feet stay warm while walking through snow and ice sludge in the street." — lovetoshop Get it from Amazon for $35.99+ (available in women's sizes 5–11 and five colors). 34. Or some taller snow boots that still aren't *too* tall to interfere with all your après-ski activities. Promising review: "Nice warm boots for the price. Good on ice, too. Take it from someone who lives in Alaska. These bad boys work." — Nicole DuCharme Get them from Amazon for $51.99 (available in sizes 6–11 and in two colors). 35. A heated car blanket to help supplement whatever your car's vents are putting out — because sometimes that just isn't enough! It plugs into your car and has a 96-inch cord so you can finagle it just how you need it. Amazon Promising review:"This blanket is the best! When I tell you the best, once you have it plugged in your car, it instantly warms your body it heats super fast! I work outside so since it's super cold in the morning, this warms me up when I need it the most!!" — crista Get it from Amazon for $19.95+ (available in seven colors). 36. A chunky cable knit infinity scarf will provide you some versatility because that part where cold air gets you via the neck of your coat is BRUTAL. Promising review: 'Took on a winter trip to Europe. Worked well and kept me warm." — C. Birth Get it from Amazon for $12.99+ (available in 37 colors). 37. A faux-fur headband that'll give après ski even if you're just heading to your in-laws' for the weekend. Promising review:"I absolutely adore this headband. It is soft, warm, and extemely stylish. It goes well with my braids and any winter attire. I highly recommend it." — tenecia abbott Get it from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in eight options, including packs of two). 38. Super-warm, *colorful* fleece-lined tights set to become your second (toasty) skin. Amazon Promising review:"For the last three years, I've been buying two pairs every season. I also buy them as stocking stuffers for girlfriends/nieces. These are awesome, warm, stretchy, do not sag, launder well. They do start pilling after a few months of wear and regular laundry in a washing machine, but I think it's to be expected. I've never had a run in these. When it's cold, I wear them to work almost daily, so if you wear them less frequently, I am sure that for you they'd last longer than one season. Recommended." — andorm Get them from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in one size, seven colors, and a few combo packs). 39. Some super popular high-waisted fleece-lined leggings that come in a variety of styles (even a water-resistant kind!) and lots of colors. So maybe you'll join the 20,000+ 5-star reviewers. Promising review:"I bought these as 'long johns' for a trip to Fairbanks, Alaska. I expected to need at least a pair of real long johns, plus these leggings and insulated pants to stay warm in the sub-zero weather. I was pleasantly surprised by how comfortable I was in just the leggings and a pair of jeans while running around to museums and restaurants. When I added the insulated pants, it was fabulous for standing out in -11F weather to watch the auroras well into the wee hours. Additionally, I wear them around the house in SoCal 'winter"' and don't need to turn the heat on until the sun goes down. I would definitely recommend these leggings to anyone looking for comfort, warmth and style." — Kat Get it from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in women's sizes XS–3X, three styles, and 24 colors). 40. Some fleece-lined "Crash Tight" leggings to get you through all sorts of outdoor workouts and even some cross-country skiing. Title Nine Title Nine is a California-based, woman-run small business established in 1989 that specializes in outdoor apparel. Promising review: "Legit cold killer. I've worn these cross-country skiing on -20-degree days as a base layer and always have the pleasure of sweating. They've been perfect on their own for runs or ice skating on more typically cold (15-degree) days. I get coldest sitting still, however and often wear these as a base layer while writing, and they save the work day!" — Kathryn Get it from Title Nine for $99 (available in women's sizes XS–XL, petite sizes, and five colors). Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.
