In a four weeks, I am heading on a chilly Netherlands’ winter holiday. And we are excited to spend my first cold Christmas with my family in over 15 years.
In fact, it is my kids first experience of a cold Christmas and of course they are wishing for huge amounts of snow. My son Valentino is visualising belly flopping in the snow. In his shorts, mind you, as soon as he gets off the plane.
The chance that he will be welcomed by grey skies and rain is much higher than seeing snow. We will see. Packing the snow boots either way!
What Do I Bring On My Winter Holiday?
You know by now that I love the layering of winter clothing. So I have been (more than…) happily planning what to bring on our winter holiday.
Only today, I spoke with a client, who is doing a similar trip, who asked about what to pack for a winter holiday so I thought I would share my strategies of organising the right things.
Velvet is a great fabric for winter holidays!
Winter Holiday Packing Tip 1
The last thing you want is having a suitcase full of things you don’t need so it takes a bit of time to figure out the weather during all parts of your winter holiday.
Sydney winter weather is so unlike the Dutch winter. In Sydney, we get away with thin fabrics all year round, we might add a layer too. In Europe it will look like you are dressing for summer in winter and it will simply not keep you warm outside.
Fabrics like velvet, leather, suede, down, corduroy, wool and thick cottons make for warm layers. (probably the last fabrics you think about right now as we end a 31 degree day)
Mind you, inside the houses, cars, buildings, restaurants there is a controlled comfortable heat so no need to wear thermals inside as you will boil. You will still need layers you can add or take off.
A jump suit can be styled in many ways!
Winter Holiday Packing Tip 2
When it is super cold outside and you have spent time sightseeing or in nature, you will get a sudden thawing out process of fingers, toes, nose, cheeks and ears once you are back inside by the fire place. You will get quite rosy and hot. You need layers you can take off.
Speaking from experience, I used to cycle to school in minus degree weather and my ears used to freeze up and thaw out in the warm classroom… ouch. Pack scarves, gloves, ear muffs, warm shoes and an umbrella.
Winter Holiday Packing Tip 3
In my family home, we dress up more than we dress down and I will be bringing my more fancy things. In Australia, I wear thongs and easy clothes for Christmas, back home it is where the black tie dress code applies. So work out what you will be doing on your trip and pack accordingly.
Know your luggage allowance and how much you are prepared to lug around. We are staying put at mum and dad’s with a side trip to London, so we are going to pack what we want.
The airline has given us a 30 kg allowance per person, which is so generous. On this trip I intend to use it all so I have lots of options.
A sparkly top is versatile, great with jeans, black pants or a leather skirt!
Winter Holiday Packing Tip 4
I am not one to do much shopping while on holiday as the overseas clothes are much too thick and I won’t wear it here. So I am not allowing for any room in my suitcase for that. But you might think differently. Take this into account and only buy what you love.
Winter Holiday Packing Tip 5
Start thinking and packing way before your trip. I started 3 weeks ago by laying my suitcase on the spare bed, washing my thick winter jumpers and putting them straight in the suitcase.
I don’t like the last minute rush of packing. I love the pre-fun of getting the most suitable outfits, I love the most, packed. And I get my get my kids to do the same.
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