Pros and Cons to Shorter Days in Colorado This Fall and Winter

The days are getting shorter, and it is staying dark longer in the morning and getting darker earlier at night. The good news is that this means the heat is finally going away, but it also means some changes are coming up. You have time until you need to change your clock, but there are some other changes you may need to prepare for. With fall officially here now, and the days shorter, here are the pros and cons of less daylight in Colorado this time of year.

Bedtime For Kids

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One of the worst parts about the long summer days is when you are tired and want your kids to go to bed, but the sun is still up. In the fall and winter, it is much easier to convince them to go to sleep, especially when it gets dark before 6 PM. For any parent of multiple kids, this is a huge pro.

Beware of Wildlife

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One negative of the shorter days is that wildlife is typically more active in the evening and when the sun goes down. For anyone who has had an elk, deer, bear, or other animal run in front of their car at night knows how terrifying it can be. No matter if you are running errands, going home from work, or going to dinner, make sure you are more cautious in the evening and early mornings.

Summer Heat is Gone

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Another pro to the shorter days is that it means less sunlight and typically means less hot days. After this past summer, the cooler temperatures are welcomed. No longer do you have to keep your house closed up with the air conditioner on, and now you can open your windows to cool off the house.

Cold Nights Ahead

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While the days may feel nice, the evenings and mornings will be a bit chillier. This means it is time to keep the shorts away and to start pulling out pants and hoodies at night. The negative is that the days might be warm enough for shorts, but once the sun goes down, you may get chilly without a change of clothes. It can be a confusing time.

Good Cooking

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Many enjoy crockpot dinners, chili, soup, and the type of foods that come with cooler weather. That time is here, and your tummy will be happy to once again be enjoying some of its favorite delights throughout the fall and winter seasons. Watching a movie on a chilly night with something warm to eat is one of the best things in life.

Holiday Season in Colorado

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Shorter days mean the end of summer, and also means the beginning of the holiday season. Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas are all fast approaching, and the shorter days will allow you to enjoy decorations, Christmas lights, and, on one special night, trick-or-treating. It truly is the best time of year.

Driving at Night in Colorado

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Not everyone is a good night driver. Some drivers are sensitive to light, some can't see as well in the dark, and when the days are shorter, it puts more and more drivers on the road when the sun is down. This can make the roads more dangerous and is why it is a good idea to remain cautious at all times and keep your eyes on the road.

Sick Season is Here

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Sadly, less daylight and cooler weather typically means more illnesses. If you have kids, they will likely come up coughing, sneezing, and with some type of illness this time of year. Even if you don't have kids, you are more likely to get sick anytime you leave the home. Make sure to take your vitamins and have your medicine cabinet stocked up for sick season.

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