The winters of 2012-2013 and the 2013-2014 could be particularly frigid, according to some reports. (Here is one I was looking at: http://www.accuweather.com/en/weather-news/combination-of-factors-could-m/36990).
This is also the time of year when many mothers, especially homeschooling mothers, find themselves in the throws of trying to homeschool, bake, cook, craft, make gifts, visit family and travel…and essentially overextend themselves and get sick on top of all the holiday bustle! Many homeschooling mothers I know seem to have long-term health issues that affect their immune systems, which really doesn’t help as well!
One of the first things that I find helpful is to make sure warmth becomes a priority. I love Green Mountain Organics, and I notice they are having a 10 percent off sale on all their warm woolens. http://www.facebook.com/notes/green-mountain-organics/winter-woolen-sale/166623896683512. If you are unfamiliar with the importance of warmth, this back post may be helpful to you: https://theparentingpassageway.com/2009/12/06/warmth-strength-and-freedom-by-mary-kelly-sutton/
Rest is another huge priority; and I think rest extends even past going to bed every night at a decent hour. I think it also requires an overall look at the entire season, and really simplifying the holidays as much as possible. Not overscheduling during the holidays leads to an unhurried and restful state, which in turn leads to better immune functioning and a happier mommy and family. 
I find taking elderberry syrup, a European tradition during the winter months, can also be helpful for some. Here is an article regarding the benefits of elderberry: http://www.livestrong.com/article/131773-what-are-benefits-elderberry-syrup/. Many mothers believe in extra probiotics, vitamin D and bone broths during the winter months as well.
I think understanding the importance and role of fever is important to know. Here is an article regarding childhood fever and its importance: http://www.anthromed.org/Article.aspx?artpk=754. A wonderful chiropractic dad in my homeschooling group wrote this article about fever that I thought was good: http://www.draaronrossi.blogspot.com/search/label/Fever. You may consider having a kit of natural things to do for fevers and illnesses put together and available. This could include whatever you deem comforting and helpful, gathered in one place.
Please share the things you find that fortify you the most during the cold winter months and sometimes hectic holiday seasons. Wishes for best health in these coming months!
Many blessings,
Carrie
The Parenting Passageway 
Don’t forget lots of fruits and vegetables, and go easy on the cookies and candies!
As always Carrie, your post is so timely!!!
Here are some of my favorite health strategies:
– 9 hours of sleep (preferably getting a couple hours before 11)
-coconut water kefir, cultured veggies and extra dosing of probiotic capsules if I feel like something is coming on
– herbal infusions – nettles, oatstraw, red raspberry, hibiscus, rose hips
– light exercise daily – not too strenuous, but just enough to be challenging
– bone broth as you mentioned … just set some out to thaw
– vitamin D, cod liver oil – swapping out with those
– B12
– vitamin C powder mixed into tea if I feel I’ve been exposed to something or something coming on
– local honey and raw honey (which is hard to find that is also local and truly raw, so swapping back and forth with those)
– lots of greens, which is harder with the cold weather, but will have to sit next to the fire and sip the smoothie 🙂 and figure ways to get lots into soups without cooking them to death
My number one “go to” is the sleep. I can conquer anything when I make sleep a priority. Especially getting to sleep earlier. Those hours before 11PM are exponentially more effective and restorative. But that is one of the hardest to always achieve with little ones waking up in the middle of the night or just giving up that “me time” to sleep ….
You give some great advice Carrie. Here is my cure-all elixir: Fill a mug with chicken stock (bone broth), crush in half a garlic clove, add a liberal spoonful of coconut milk and a nice pinch of sea salt. When we are sick I also add crushed red pepper (for respiratory ailments), ginger (for stomach stuff) or lemon (for sore throats).
We also start taking a few more immune boosting supplements from my chiropractor this time of year.
Sleep, wool socks, getting outside everyday and limiting sugar are also things that we do at our house.
Here’s to a healthy winter!
xo,
Sheila
I think everyone has covered everything we do except one thing. My kids and I, all, use a Neti pot each day during this time.