A Northerner's Tips for Surviving* Southern Cold & Snow (*Maybe even liking it)

Winter! Cold, snow, sleet and ice (a wintry mix!) are causing havoc in the Eastern part of the country. These things are relative, when it snows 24" and feels like -52 degrees in Grand Forks, North Dakota - that's cold and snowy. And when it snows 5" and feels like 20 degrees in Durham, North Carolina - that's cold and snowy too. But as someone who grew up in the former (well close enough), it is my birhtright to poo-poo the latter.

 Since moving to the South nearly five years ago, I have often been the student, learning how it goes on this side of the Mason Dixon Line. So when the opportunity arises for me to turn teacher, I take it, perhaps a bit too eagerly. Cold weather? Snow? That's my bag baby. So as we walked our dogs in the snow this morning, stopping to offer a push to our neighbor trying to free his stuck car with frozen hands and without a clue, I thought of some tips. Here they are, this former Northerner's advice for how to handle, and even dig the Southern cold and snow.

School-bus-stop-ten-degree-below-zero-advice: Wear a hat, scarf, gloves and warm socks. If you take care of those areas, you will be drastically less cold. And if you don all the right winter accessories, the fact that you might not have a super-warm jacket won't be a big deal. Dig out your sweaters, wear that cute peacoat and you'll be just fine. Trust me, that whole "heat escaping from your head" thing is true.

Not-in-school-not-waiting-at-bus-stop-anymore-advice: Wear a hat, scarf, gloves and warm socks. Socks? Get some SmartWool and you'll be golden. Hat, scarf, gloves? Practical yes. But really, look at it as accessorizing. Don't hassle with necklaces, earrings and such because there are hundreds of worthy wamers that will do the trick. Southeastern snow bunny could be a thing.

Go to a dark, cozy dive. Be it a bar, restaurant or coffee shop, dives are best when they provide refuge from the elements. Leave swanky for another time and try the chili. Added bonus: you can leave your hat on. You've probably got hat-head but since it's cute and you're in a dive, no worries, keep it on. My favorite dives you ask? Well as a Durhamite I am partial to The Federal (914 West Main St.) where if there is no chili, the nachos rock, a lot of the beer is local and the carnitas are surpising.

Whether at home or at an aforementioned dive establishment, experiment with hot drinks. Hot cocoa? Yes please. Be it Swiss Miss or some fancy-schmancy concoction with a pinch of bacon or cayenne, throw in some marshmallows and feel like a kid again. Or feel like an adult and experiment with the wonderful world of Irish coffee, Baileys in your cocoa, or hell, quit wondering about the hot toddy and whip one up.

1 tbsp honey
3/4 glass hot tea of choice (preferably something mildly flavored)
2 shots brandy
1-2 slices of lemon

Brew your tea, add the honey, brandy and lemon. Enjoy!

Cuddle. Duh. Person, dog. cat, ferret hot water bottle + blanket + slippers (or those SmartWool socks) + couch + movies is one of the great perks of being snowed in. No snow? Pretend. Get colded-in.

Finally, and this is the toughest but ballsiest, get out in it. Bundle up (layers, layers, layers) and run, walk or bike in it. Ice and such as obvious exceptions, when it's snowy and lovely, and even when it's 15 degrees you can dress for it and sweat in it. I consider this making the cold and snow your bitch. You'll shiver at first, but take a few deep cold-air breaths. Now start moving, notice people looking at you out their windows, from their cars or bus stop sheleters with respect, shed a layer as you get warm (yup. Take that cold snap) and when you're finished, you will feel like one million crisp dollars. It somehow makes the snow and cold less imposing. Your cheeks will be the greatest no-blush-needed rosy red and you will have earned a hot shower, a hot drink and dinner in that cozy dive.

PS. You can take or leave all this sage advice, stay inside for a few days and curse the weather because it will be 50 degrees in no time.

*Ifs, Ands, Buts

First, serious cold is well, serious. I will make light and poke fun at the thin-skinned, but what Northerners know first and foremost is to respect the weather. Don't drive if you don't have to, drive slowly when you do. Know your limits, know how to protect yoruself and know the signs of frostbite or hypothermia. Be hearty, but be reverent.

Second, remember that while you have fun with the wintry mix, there are people who don't have that luxury. Consider dontating new or kindly used coats, hats, gloves and scarves to your local shelters - Here in the Triangle? These are a few places that will gladly accept donations, Urban Ministries Durham, Durham Rescue Mission or Raleigh Rescue Mission among others. Be hearty and be humble.

Hooray Winter!