For those who have not considered it, you can picnic outdoors in New England nearly every day of the year. It may be less enjoyable when there’s a sleet storm or the temperatures fall below 20°F, but anyone having feelings about spending months indoors might want to try new things this year.

In a previous year, I spent December 25th eating Chinese take-out at a table in Goodwin Park. It was unseasonably warm. More and more, that’s the case. Put on some fingerless gloves and be grateful to not be getting attacked by ants and mosquitoes.

Keeping your feet and head warm makes all the difference. Wool socks are worth every penny.

Fill a Thermos with soup or tea and find a sunny spot on a bench or the lawn.

Warm up before and after the picnic lunch with a bit of walking, and don’t plan to sit anywhere nearly as long as you would in warmer weather.