Winter in Virginia is a magical time, make no mistake. It’s time for family and friends. Holidays and decorations. Giving and receiving. And most importantly, eggnog. But winter doesn’t come without its challenges, of course. So here are just a few of the things that you might have on your mind as winter rapidly approaches.

If you’ve spent enough winters in Virginia, you’ve thought at least a few of these things. But I’m sure you all have some other great things to add to the list, too. We would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!

Lisa Moffatt / flickr

Don’t give in. That snow will be gone soon and you’ll be glad for those flip flops when it hits 70 degrees 2 days later. Once the feeling returns to your toes, that is.

Aaron Webb / flickr

Yup. This is really happening, folks.

Freaktography / flickr

See how THEY like it.

midnightcomm / flickr

[First cold day hits] “Ok, but next year, I’m definitely not turing it on before Thanksgiving…”

Matthew Simoneau / flickr

Then it snows and THIS happens.

Guy Montag / flickr

I’ve always wondered. Do we actually consume MORE bread and milk during snowstorms or are we just afraid we’re going to suddenly start craving French Toast?

rbasselote / flickr

Joe Loong / flickr

Dennis Yang / flickr

(Please see “Sleds” above.) Buy the snow shovel now. You’ll thank me later. The same principle can be applied to snow boots and salt for the sidewalks.

Susan Lueck / flickr

As long as it’s in a winter-themed glass, it counts as a winter activity. At least, I’m pretty sure that’s the rule.

Sebastian Fuss / flickr

Don’t be ashamed. We all have moments of weakness. It’s not a sign of your love of or loyalty to Virginia.

Bob Mical / flickr

Besides, the backroads are just a whole lot prettier.

Stéphanie Kilgast / flickr

That’s the spirit, you holiday optimist, you!

Kenneth Paige / flickr

Ok, that’s a little more like it.

Aurelijus Valeiša / flickr

Now you’re talking my language. Oh, look! Wine.

sharyn morrow / flickr

I am always the most optimistic about my summer diet in the winter.

Thomas Cizauskas / flickr

HAHAHA…I’m just kidding. No one says that. EVER.

Virginia Arboretum / flickr

We can make jokes about how it snows one day and is 70 degrees the next or complain about the icy roads or even wish for spring. But when the first snow falls and we stop to look around, we realize just how lucky we are to be right where are at that moment.

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