Issue 293 - Cold weather, warm habits

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Vocabulary: Winter clothes

Look and listen. Look at these winter clothes. How do you say them in English?

 

 Can you remember? Choose the correct option.

 

 

Cold weather, warm habits

Read the text and listen to the audio. 

Cold weather, warm habits

Winter has arrived in the northern hemisphere, and many people are not happy about it. A recent poll in Britain showed that 44% of people like summer the most. Only 7% said winter is their favourite season. But in many countries, people live with long, cold winters every year—and they learn how to enjoy them. What can we learn from them?

In Sweden, Denmark, and Norway, people use a word called friluftsliv. This means spending time outside to feel good and stay healthy. Even in winter, people in these countries try to go outdoors every day. There is less daylight, so every minute outside helps. Time in the fresh air or a quick walk in the park can make you feel happier and more energetic.

There is also a popular expression: “There’s no bad weather, only the wrong clothing.” Experts say warm, thermal clothes are very important. These clothes keep small pockets of air close to your body, which helps you stay warm. With the right coat, a cold day can feel nice and even refreshing.

But winter is also a time to enjoy being indoors. The Danish idea of hygge means making your home warm and cosy. You can use soft blankets, light candles, drink hot tea or chocolate, read a good book, or eat your favourite comfort food.

Winter does not have to be difficult. If you dress warmly, go outside a little each day, and make your home cosy, you may find that winter can be a season to enjoy.

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Cold weather, warm habits

Read the text and listen to the audio. Then answer the questions in the Comprehension section.   

Cold weather, warm habits

Winter has arrived in the northern hemisphere, and for many people this does not feel like good news. A recent poll showed that Britons’ favourite season is summer, with 44% of the vote. Winter came last with only 7%. But in many parts of the world, long, cold winters are normal—and people learn to enjoy them. So what can we learn from those who handle winter well?

In Sweden, Denmark, and Norway, people use a word called friluftsliv. It means spending time outdoors to improve your wellbeing. Even in winter—when daylight hours are short—Nordic people try to get outside as much as possible. A short walk at lunchtime, a quick breath of fresh air, or a morning stroll can really lift your mood and help your energy.

There is also an old saying that is very popular in these countries: “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only the wrong clothing.” Experts agree that good thermal clothing can make a big difference. Thermal fabrics trap small pockets of warm air close to your skin, helping your body stay warm. With the right coat, a cold day can feel refreshing instead of uncomfortable.

Winter is not only about the outdoors, of course. The Danish idea of hygge—being consciously cosy—has become famous around the world. It means creating a warm and relaxing atmosphere at home. Soft blankets, candles, hot drinks, favourite books, and hearty food can all help you enjoy the season.

Maybe winter doesn’t have to be something we simply survive. If we dress well, go outside when we can, and make our homes warm and welcoming, we might discover that winter has its own special pleasures.

Now answer the questions in the Comprehension section.

Comprehension: Cold weather, warm habits

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Body Language: What we say without words

Read the text and listen to the audio. Then answer the questions in the Comprehension section. 

Cold weather, warm habits

Winter has arrived in the northern hemisphere, and for many people, this is decidedly bad news. A recent poll found that Britons’ favourite season is summer, winning a sunny 44% of the vote—while winter trails glumly in last place with just 7%. But for millions of people around the world, long, cold winters aren’t an inconvenience, they’re something to embrace. So what can we learn from those who thrive through the darkest months? And how might we start enjoying winter just a little more?

For starters, the Swedes, Danes, and Norwegians have a word that captures their philosophy perfectly: friluftsliv. Loosely translated, it means spending time outdoors to improve your wellbeing. Even in winter—especially in winter—Nordic cultures make getting outside a priority. With fewer hours of daylight, they know that every sliver of sunshine counts. A brisk walk at lunchtime, a dawn stroll, or even a quick breath of fresh air can work wonders on mood and energy levels.

They also swear by a proverb worth pinning to your coat rack: “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only the wrong clothing.” Experts emphasise the importance of proper thermal fabrics, which are cleverly designed to trap pockets of air close to the skin, creating an insulating barrier that keeps body heat where it belongs—next to you. The right coat and a woolly hat can transform a dreary, bone-chilling day into something bright and surprisingly enjoyable.

And then there’s the other side of winter: the indoors. The Danish concept of hygge—the now-global trend of being consciously cosy—offers the perfect counterbalance to the cold. Think soft blankets, flickering candles, steaming mugs of tea, well-worn books, and hearty comfort food. It’s not about hibernation; it’s about creating warmth and calm when the world outside is harsh.

Perhaps winter isn’t something to endure but something to approach with intention. Step outside when you can. Bundle up like you mean it. Craft spaces that feel like a hug. Do these small things consistently, and you might just find that winter has more to offer than you thought—maybe even enough to nudge it up your list of favourite seasons.

Now answer the questions in the Comprehension section.

Comprehension: Cold weather, warm habits

Choose the correct option.

Interview: listen to more about the topic

Think about your answers to the following questions. Then listen to somebody answering the same questions. Were your answers similar?  

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