Puppy lab Crate / Walks

Question
Hi two questions,

I keep getting conflicting info on where the crate should be for the first month home.  She is 8 weeks old and we have it in our bedroom.  Our house is small and the place we would normally have it is where our XMas tree is.  Is in our bedroom for the next month fine?

Also when is the dog old enough to go for walks outside in the neighborhood.  We live in Canada and it is getting cold, don't know is she is able to handle both the cold and the walking.

Thank you for your time.

Answer
We leave the puppy downstairs in a crate in the family room where we spend most of our time.  Many people like to have the puppy in their bedroom.  It is easier to settle the puppy down for the night.  It also gives you a better chance to wake up and take it out in the middle of the night before it wets the crate.  At 8 weeks, you may have to do that for the first couple of weeks.  

Yes, go ahead and take it for walks.  Do not go too far, and pick it up and put it under your coat if it gets cold or tired.  It is warmer here, but I plan to take an 8 week old with me to ring bells for the Salvation Army 18 December.  I do have a sweater for it.  We always collect more money when we have a puppy.