15 Winter Habits From the 1940s That Will Surprise You

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15 wintertime habits from the ’40s that would never fly today (wealthgang.com)

Chilly Habits: How Folks in the 1940s Braved Winter Without Modern Comforts

Winter in the 1940s wasn’t just about colder temperatures; it was a completely different way of life, packed with routines that would make most of us shiver just thinking about them. From how families navigated their homes to how kids entertained themselves outdoors, cold-weather living back then was a testament to resilience.

These weren’t just odd quirks either. These were everyday norms, shaped by wartime shortages, limited technology, and a whole lot of sheer determination. Looking back at these 15 wintertime habits from the 1940s, you’ll definitely gain a new appreciation for the creature comforts we enjoy today – because these practices certainly wouldn’t fly in the 21st century!

1. Intentional Unheated Bedrooms: Brrr!

That comforting hum of your bedroom heater? Yeah, toss that thought right out the window if you were living in the 1940s.

Many nights meant bundling up and enduring intentionally unheated rooms. Fun?

Not so much. But hey, it probably built character, right?

2. Rocking Metal Ice Grips Everywhere

This one actually sounds a bit more exciting! Imagine ice grips on your shoes, allowing you to strut across icy patches without a care in the world. No more embarrassing spills – just pure, unadulterated winter confidence!

3. Newspaper: The Original Winter Insulation

It’s hard to imagine a time when physical newspapers were delivered, let alone used as clothing insulation. These days, simply getting someone to read an online article for more than a few seconds is a challenge!

4. The One-Room Winter Warmth Plan

And you can bet everyone was vying for a prime spot in that cozy room! Some of us can relate to this, even today, when trying to cut down on those hefty electric bills. Many a New York City apartment has seen its living room become the sole sanctuary from the apartment’s otherwise icy depths.

5. Cooking Over Wood or Coal Stoves

Whipping up winter meals back then meant mastering the art of the wood or coal stove. This wasn’t for the faint of heart, or the lesser-qualified cooks among us!

6. Snowstorms? Still Time for School!

Kids today truly have it easy! The very idea of a snow advisory leading to an actual “snow day” would have been considered blasphemy. Back then, you were lacing up your boots and trudging to school, come what may.

7. Outdoor Refrigeration, Naturally

Many have even practiced this modern-day hack during particularly frigid winters – leaving drinks outside to keep them perfectly chilled. It’s like nature is lending a helping hand to keep your beverages extra refreshing.

8. Drying Clothes by Open Flames

Just be sure you weren’t drying them too close! One can only imagine the number of avoidable fires that must have been sparked by unattended garments near open flames.

9. A Decade-Long Winter Coat Commitment

Winter coats from the 1940s probably became cherished family heirlooms. Good winter coats have always been an investment, so once you got your hands on one, you held onto it for dear life – for years, if not a decade!

10. Walking When Cars Wouldn’t Cooperate

There’s nothing more frustrating than a car refusing to start on a brutally cold winter day. This was an even more prevalent struggle in the 1940s, often leaving folks with no option but to hoof it.

11. Hot Bricks for a Warm Bed

This sounds wild, but apparently, people in the 1940s warmed their beds with hot bricks! Let’s just hope those bricks were given a good wipe-down first.

12. Battling Frozen Outdoor Pumps for Water

While not ideal, having to contend with frozen outdoor pumps for water access was simply a reality of winter in the 40s. When winter calls, you answer!

13. Cracking Windows for “Fresh Air”

For those who love a crisp, wintry breeze, even today, this might resonate. But in the 1940s, keeping windows partially open for fresh air was a widely practiced habit, even in the depths of winter.

14. Frostbite: Just a Minor Annoyance?

This one is a head-scratcher. Treating frostbite as a minor inconvenience seems… ill-advised. If you’ve got frostbite, get yourself to urgent care – or whatever the 1940s equivalent was!

15. The Winter Coat: Everyday Uniform

There’s absolutely nothing wrong with making your winter coat your go-to, everyday uniform when the temperatures plummet. Staying warm is the top priority during those frigid, unforgiving winter months, no matter the decade.