1. Knowing That “Cold” Has Levels
In the Midwest, “cold” is a spectrum. There’s “chilly,” “brisk,” “cold,” “bitter,” and “face-hurts-when-you-breathe.” You learn to tell the difference between 20°F and -5°F just by how your nose feels. And you’ve definitely said, “It’s not that bad out,” while wearing three layers.
To outsiders, it all feels freezing. But Midwesterners develop a sixth sense for temperature. You know when it’s safe to skip gloves—and when it’s time for thermal everything. It’s a finely tuned survival instinct.
2. Keeping a “Car Survival Kit” Year-Round
Midwesterners don’t mess around when it comes to car prep. You’ve got a blanket, extra gloves, a flashlight, snacks, and maybe even kitty litter for traction. It’s not paranoia—it’s experience. Getting stuck in a snowbank is a rite of passage.
This level of readiness might seem extreme elsewhere. But here, it’s just smart. You’ve probably helped someone else with your kit, too. Because in the Midwest, winter is a team sport.
3. Owning More Blankets Than You Have People
Midwestern homes are stocked with blankets like they’re currency. Fleece, flannel, electric—you name it, there’s a stack of them in every room. Guests are offered one before they even sit down. And yes, you have a “good blanket” that no one else is allowed to use.
This isn’t just about comfort—it’s about preparedness. When the wind chill hits -20°F, you want layers on layers. Blankets become armor against the cold. And honestly, they’re part of the decor.
4. Leaving Your Car Running While You’re Not in It
In most places, leaving your car running unattended is a big no-no. But in the Midwest, it’s practically a courtesy. Remote start is a winter MVP, and warming up your car before driving is just common sense. You’ll even see cars idling in parking lots with no one inside—just defrosting in peace.
It’s not about laziness—it’s about survival. No one wants to sit on a frozen seat or scrape ice from the inside of the windshield. And yes, you’ve probably timed your errands so your car stays warm between stops. It’s a winter dance only Midwesterners understand.
5. Measuring Snowfall in “Inches on the Grill”
Forget official forecasts—Midwesterners measure snow by how much piles up on the patio furniture or the hood of the car. If the grill cover disappears, you know it’s serious. And if the snow reaches the mailbox, it’s time to cancel plans. It’s a hyper-local, highly accurate system.
This kind of snow math only makes sense when you’ve lived through it. You know the difference between “dusting,” “plowable,” and “shovel-before-coffee.” And you’ve definitely used a yardstick to check accumulation. It’s not scientific—but it works.
6. Using a Space Heater Like a Pet
Space heaters are treated with reverence in the Midwest. You move them from room to room, angle them just right, and guard them like treasure. You know which outlets can handle them and which ones trip the breaker. And you’ve probably named yours at some point.
They’re not just appliances—they’re companions. When the furnace struggles, the space heater steps up. And yes, you’ve sat directly in front of one like it’s a campfire. It’s the unsung hero of winter.
7. Shoveling Your Driveway More Than Once a Day
In the Midwest, snow doesn’t fall—it accumulates. You might shovel in the morning, again at lunch, and once more before bed. It’s a full-body workout and a neighborhood ritual. And if you’re lucky, a kind neighbor with a snowblower might save you a round.
This kind of repetition only makes sense when you’ve lived it. You know the pain of clearing the driveway—only to have the plow bury it again. And you’ve definitely shoveled in pajamas at least once. It’s just part of the rhythm of winter life.
8. Owning a Snow Brush That’s Basically a Weapon
If you’ve lived through a Midwest winter, you know your snow brush isn’t just a tool—it’s a survival device. It’s got a scraper on one end, a brush on the other, and it lives in your car from October through April. You’ve used it in subzero temps, in the dark, and with frozen fingers. And you’ve probably had to lend it to a panicked out-of-towner more than once.
To outsiders, it looks like overkill. But Midwesterners know that a good snow brush can mean the difference between getting to work and being stuck in your driveway. It’s not glamorous, but it’s essential. And yes, you do have a favorite brand.
9. Celebrating the First Day Above Freezing Like It’s Spring Break
When the thermometer finally hits 35°F, it feels like a miracle. People open windows, ditch coats, and start talking about grilling. You’ll see someone in shorts, guaranteed. It’s not logical—but it’s deeply emotional.
After months of gray skies and frozen sidewalks, a little warmth goes a long way. Midwesterners know how to savor it. That first thaw is a promise that spring will come. And no one appreciates it more than those who’ve earned it.
This post 9 Things That Only Make Sense If You’ve Survived a Midwest Winter was first published on American Charm.
