As a college student and life-long North Dakota winter survivor, the months from November to February are not unfamiliar to me and they definitely are not my favorite. Although it takes me twenty extra minutes to drive anywhere, it's dark most hours of the day, and the air hurts my face while I walk between classes. I still think there are a few positives to look forward too during these extra cold winter months. Whether that is spending endless hours watching Netflix with some of my favorite people, or simply avoiding going outside at all costs, winter can be a very enjoyable time of the year. I spend most of my in winter months celebrating the holidays and avoiding the cold. Plus, the cold winter days only seem to drag on and on when you only think about the negative!

1. Winter Break

The weeks between Halloween and Finals are absolute hell for a majority of college students. Each week comes with more tests, papers, and projects due. The last four weeks of the semester put you under so much stress about deadlines, you count down the days until you are done with your last final. Winter break is when I can enjoy my time without endless due dates and stresses of college. A majority of my days off from work are spent sleeping, watching entire seasons of American Horror Story, and eating twice as many calories as I should. The three weeks slip by and you are back to your life as a college student.

2. Christmas Decorating

Growing up, decorating the house for Christmas was one of my favorite times. My whole family always had extremely busy schedules, so decorating the tree and setting up all the Christmas stuff was one of the few times all the kids where together (and got along). Even as an adult, I extremely excited to decorate for Christmas. To me, nothing beats the smell of the tree after you pull it out of the box; or laughing as you pull out the ornaments you made during your 3^rd grade holiday party.

3. Peppermint Coffees

I am a coffee fanatic, and peppermint mochas are my soul food. Nothing warms my heart more then the smells of my favorite coffee on a snowy December morning. Add a little peppermint flavor and whip cream, and my day has started on the right note.

4. Candy Canes

They are my favorite winter candy. I can buy an assortment of candy flavors to satisfy any of my cravings. As a child, if we were behaving that day, mom would let you pick a candy cane off the Christmas tree as a reward. I only wish you could find them year around, but anytime I walk into Walmart or Target and see them on sale I know I have to buy a few boxes.

5. Wearing Comfy Shoes All the Time

Living in North Dakota, there is typically a never ending supply of snow. So on most winter days, my footwear options are either my fur boots or my moccasins. They are easy to get on and off. Both keep my feet extra warm during my long walks on campus and can be worn with almost every outfit. On extra cold days, I can also wear fuzzy socks for added warmth.

Disclaimer: the fur used in these footwear options are artificial.

6. I Can Be Extra Lazy

With the cold, comes endless hours spend cuddling up with a blanket and a warm cup of coffee. Most of us spend a majority of our days indoors. For me, the thought of making it outside chills me to the bone, and I find multiple excuses to stay inside before I make a trip outdoors. Also, when the coldest weeks of the season hit, you usually find me alternating between two or three outfits to really conserve my warmth.

7. The Holidays

The best time of the year! Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years are always spent with my closest family and friends as we celebrate the end of another fantastic year. I come from a huge family, so the holidays are always spent talking with relatives about how our lives are progressing. Endless laughs and food fill my heart with joy during the holidays. I always love hearing about the great things happening in the lives of the people I care for the most. It's great to be with my entire family at once since it happens only on a rare occasion. Plus, you can not beat the unlimited supply of home cooked meals. Especially the pie!

8. Sweater Weather

I always find an excuse to wear a sweater. They keep me extra warm and comfy during the cold months. These are also the days I avoid walking past the bookstore. I avoid shopping in general. Otherwise, I would spend all my money on scarves and cute sweaters and that would make me completely broke.

9. Hot Tea or Coffee with Any Meal

When studying in the Union or simply watching Netflix in bed, you will probably find me curled up with a blanket with a nice hot cup of coffee in my hand. The first few sips of hot cup of cup is much needed during those North Dakota blizzards. I would much rather be drinking an iced coffee or a strawberry banana smoothie. However, when I make an adventure out in the cold, I would rather not freeze from the inside out.

10. Bonfires

One of the best ways to spend time with good company. You can share laughs with family or friends while all huddled around a fire. The smell that lingers the next few days is a bonus. Its also there to remind you of the great memories made. Oh yeah, and s’mores of course!

Winter is not the best most days, I will definitely agree with that. However, winter doesn't last forever. I hope you have a few positive experiences to look forward to during the last few winter months, and as always, bundle up out there.