12 Necessities To Stock Up On For A Proper Winter Hibernation

For when it gets bear-y cold out there.

When winter hits, humans have it tough.

Bears can hibernate for half a year, and so can queen bees; alligators brummate -- even snails can hibernate for months.

And while we working stiffs don't really get a choice in the matter, we can still enjoy ourselves throughout winter with the proper hibernation strategy -- here's a handy checklist to make sure you have everything you need to survive and #thrive.

1
Colorful Plants
If you think all the pretty plants die off when it gets cold, you're dead wrong (some plants are just harder to kill than others). The African violet is one of the prettiest flowering "indestructible houseplants" we've seen and, even better, it blossoms in the winter when we need it most.
2
Cozy Blankets
Courtesy Pendleton
A well-made wool blanket will get you through many winters, and we love anything by brand who set the standard more than 150 years ago: Pendleton.
3
Sled For Fun Times
Jeff Diener via Getty Images
Grab a sled, like the Flexible Flyer, which isn't too big for your apartment nor too small to fly out from under you at the slightest bump in the snow. Because seasonal depression is real, going outside is more important than ever during the winter season -- Get that vitamin D!
4
Extra Thick Socks
Moretti/Viant via Getty Images
There's something really great about looking at the freezing weather outside when you're in your bedroom wearing super comfortable, thick wool socks. Woolrich and REI have great selections.
5
Wine
Paul Bernhardt via Getty Images
This doesn't really need an explanation, but what if, while everybody's over at your place, a surprise blizzard hits and you have nothing to offer them? Best to have a cellar's worth of wine on hand to keep you and your friends warm and toasted.
6
Some Very Good Books
HPMG
Leave those mass-market cheesy reads at the beach -- winter is for good, serious, cerebral reading. If you need help narrowing it down, we've selected 15 great books that debuted this year that were written by women -- or just read Patti Smith's "M Train" a bunch of times.

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