3 TIPS FOR A PLEASANT CHRISTMAS

CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR IN WESTERN COUNTRIES FALL IN THE WINTER WHICH IS ALSO THE COLDEST AND DARKEST TIME OF THE YEAR. SO HOW CAN VISITORS - WHO MAY NOT BE ACCUSTOMED TO THE COLD AND DARKNESS - QUICKLY ADAPT TO THE WEATHER HERE AND FULLY EXPERIENCE THEIR WINTER HOLIDAY TRIP?

Many people think that to keep themselves warm, they need to wear many layers of clothing. This is absolutely not true. Wearing multiple thick layers of clothing may not make you feel warmer, but will definitely make it more difficult for you to walk. In European countries, especially in Northern Europe, children have learned how to dress smartly in the winter, and this formula only consists of three layers of clothing. The first is an inner thermal shirt, usually made of Merino wool or thin pure wool to keep your body warm, hygroscopic and breathable. This thermal layer is very important, because if you choose an inappropriate fabric that cannot absorb sweat, you will probably catch a cold.

The second layer is usually a pullover, turtleneck, thick sweatshirt, etc. that can be worn over the first layer. Often people in Northern Europe prefer thick wool sweaters, because this material is very warm, soft and comfortable. Especially with 100% authentic fleece (often very expensive), this fabric is selfcleaning from dirt, sweat and odor so you can comfortably wear it for days and still have no problem with your personal hygiene. The outer layer is a winter coat, preferably resistant to water (due to rain and snow melting) and to wind, especially if you intend to travel to natural locations or places famous for strong winds like Iceland. A good inflated winter coat insulates yout body and a (faux) fur hat helps prevent snow from falling into your face.

For pants, you should choose stockings made of felt or have the high DEN (denier - a unit of measure for the linear mass density of fibers). If you intend to watch the northern lights, visit Santa Claus in Lapland, ride reindeer or dog sled, or participate in outdoor activities for a long time, you should choose a pair of stockings of about 200 DEN to ensure a high heat capacity.

A rule of winter dressing is to avoid wearing tight clothing. This principle was observed and learned from the Eskimos by the world famous Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen. While preparing and conducting an expedition from Europe around the North Pole to North America, he had the opportunity to live and interact with the native Eskimos. When observed that they often wore thick coats made of seal skin or fur, Roald Amundsen learned that the air between the layers of fabric acted as an excellent insulation pad. That is also the reason why the Norses prefer to wear loose pants in the winter.

2. MENTALLY PREPARE FOR FLIGHTS

Severe weather is one of the reasons why winter flights often have problems. There are delays due to bad weather or technical problems (the process of defrosting aircraft wings and fuselage with antifreeze before takeoff can take for up to an hour if the weather is too cold), or even cancellations if the bad weather persists. The other reason that makes traveling by plane during winter more difficult is because of the sudden increase in travel demand.

In Europe, starting around December 20, the flow of people into the airports and large stations is increasing, and the closer it gets to Christmas, the more crowded it becomes because everyone wants to be reunited with their families

as soon as possible. This overload often peaks on the day before Christmas, and begin to cool down immediately from December 24, then increase again when people have to return to work.

Therefore, to avoid the hassle of traveling at Christmas, there are two things you need to keep in mind: you should go to the airport early, about 3-4 hours before departure to checkin and baggage drop; and mentally prepare yourself for... waiting to fly! Be sure to bring a good book, some snacks, a phone fully charged to entertain yourself or to contact to others if necessary and a unshakable patience.

In addition, you can also check-in online (if possible) to save time; bring only carry-on baggage; or self-weigh your own checked baggage, label and place it on the conveyor belt.

3. WISELY ORGANIZE THE TIME AND SCHEDULE FOR YOUR TRIP

In winter, the Northern Hemisphere has very short days, and there are a few daylight hours, or even no direct sunlight at all. Recently, Norway had a dark November in which I didn't see the sun in four weeks. The sky was still bright, but the sun was covered by thick gray clouds. On rainy days, the situation got even darker. In particular, the closer it is to the North Pole, the shorter the days become and there is almost no sunlight.

In order to optimize daytime and working capacity, Europe simultaneously changes to winter time on the last Sunday of October each year. Clocks are set back by one hour, helping people make the most of the day time to be able to work more efficiently.

When traveling at this time, in order to take advantage of the daylight hours to sightsee and take photos, you should get up early. The nightfall starts around 4 pm, and the closer it gets to the Winter Solstice, the faster it gets dark. In addition, you should also book tickets for famous attractions in advance and check the opening hours and activities at the attractions you want to visit, because these places often have little changes in the winter time.

Besides, you should also have backup options during the trip.

It is possible that your trip to the outskirts or countryside will be canceled or go wrong due to bad weather; buses or even trains cannot get there; or more simply, it is too cold that you can not go out and stay outside for too long. Then an immediate alternative to kill time is very important.

The easiest way is when the weather is too bad, choose to visit indoor places like museums and galleries, or spend a little at shopping centers that often are having big discounts for the holiday season, go to the bookstores, stop by a coffee shop and enjoy a cozy atmosphere in a strange place. Coffee shops in Europe are often beautifully decorated during the Christmas season, as gorgeous as the advertisements in eye-catching magazines. All these places have free Wifi, so it is even more convenient if you want to stay in and work all day.

There is a Norwegian proverb which says, "There's no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing." Applying this phrase to travel, I would probably tell you that "There's no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable schedule"! And of course it must come with the appropriate clothes and accessories.