Many look forward to the changing of seasons each year because of the different weather, fashion, and food that it brings. However, the season does not always go as we may expect.  I am sure you can identify with the following expectation vs. realities that come with the approaching winter season!

1. Snow

Expectation: Winter snow, especially the first snow of the year, will be perfect. Around a foot of snow will fall on a Friday night, last through the weekend and cause school to be closed on Monday. This is not just any snow, but the perfect consistency for making snow cream, snowballs, snowmen and sledding.

Reality: A good inch of ice accumulates on the road overnight when 6-7 inches of snow was forecasted. Sound familiar? Not only is there a lack of the fluffy white stuff, but dangerous road conditions. Also, the landscape is not coated in white and picture perfect as it is with snow.

2. Bonfires

Expectation: There is nothing quite like standing around a fire with friends on a cold winter night. The perfect size fire keeps you warm but does not burn your face. Also, what is a bonfire without s’mores? Graham crackers, campfire size marshmallows and Hershey’s chocolate are in excess and everyone is enjoying making s’mores.

Reality: The fire is either not impressive and leaves you freezing or ginormous and burns your eyebrows off. Either of these situations make it very difficult to make s’mores and be comfortable. After leaving the bonfire, your clothes smell strongly of smoke and it takes about two washes to rid the smell. Was it worth it?

3. Clothes

Expectation: Many look forward to the changing seasons because of the new fashions they bring. Winter, for girls at least, implies sweaters, scarves, hats, and lots of layering. Not only can you look cute and fashionable with blanket scarves and knit sweaters, but you will be kept warm. Also, many highly anticipate boot season. Riding boots, UGG boots, bean boots, Combat boots, booties and the newest trend, Over-the-knee boots, can be seen all through the halls in the winter.

Reality: Because it is so cold outside, you layer up almost to the point of looking like the Michelin tire man. That is all fine and dandy until you walk into your first class only to realize that the heat is pumping. Then you have to take off all of your layers and put them back on whenever you change classes. In general, winter makes it extremely difficult to choose an outfit in the mornings.

4. Hot chocolate

Expectation: Creamy, rich and delicious, there is nothing like hot chocolate as a winter refreshment. Pour it in the perfect mug, use whip cream and sprinkle chocolate chips on top for an insta-worthy picture. Not only does it taste good, but will no doubt warm you up when you are cold from the winter weather.

Reality: The hot chocolate made at home is watery and lacking the rich chocolate flavor that you were expecting. Without fail, you burn your mouth when taking the first sip of the drink that you believe is sufficiently cooled. After that awful feeling, you lose all desire to finish your drink and it all goes down the drain, literally.

5. Baking

Expectation: In the cold winter weather, there is nothing quite like a house warm with the smells of baked goods in the oven. Brownies, cookies, cake, cupcakes, you name it and there is a recipe that is perfect for the winter. If you bake, people are sure to appear in the kitchen, itching for the oven timer to beep.

Reality: During the cold winter weather, everyone basically goes into hibernation. Baking becomes too difficult of a task and requires a large amount of effort when you could be watching Netflix. Also, with your history of Pinterest fails, you have no faith in yourself to complete a delicious recipe, not to mention an edible recipe!

6. Ski/Snowboard trip

Expectation: With many ski-resorts in the mountains of North Carolina and surrounding states in the Blue Ridge area, there are many opportunities to take trips with family and friends. With a few long weekends and holidays in winter, there are plenty of days where school is out giving perfect chance for travel. Skiing or snowboarding, whatever you prefer, are both extremely enjoyable and not difficult to learn.

Reality: Planning a trip alone is often stressful, but it is especially so when renting ski-gear is involved. Also, if you are accident prone, then the vacation at the ski resort could quickly turn into a stay at the emergency room. Broken limbs and concussions are highly likely and will add more to the cost of the already expensive vacation!