North Carolina has officially experienced its first snowfall of the season, and even if you didn’t get to see the flakes…you’ve more than likely had a few bitterly cold days that make you say, “Ok, it’s officially winter.” While everyone has their season of choice, North Carolina winters aren’t that terrible. Sure, it’s pitch black by 6 p.m. and maybe we all have a case of the winter blues from time to time, but as someone who has survived over 20 North Carolina winters, I can say it’s not that bad. It’s really quite fun if you just follow these 12 suggestions. By Emory Rakestraw