A Winter Question for You

We are a little more than a week into November and there have already been many signs of winter in the U.S.  Although the winter solstice is still six weeks away (December 21st at 5:12 a.m. CST), meteorologists and many of us have our own "definition" of when winter starts. It's something I've personally been interested in for some time, and now I am working on a project that requires us to "define" winter. Your answers might help us shape some of this research

This question is open to all - those in warmer climates where winter is the season that isn't spring and summer, and those colder climates where winters can be brutal at times.

So, what defines the start of winter for you?

Post your responses here (preferred), or you can email me at hberg74@gmail.com.It would be very helpful if you would tell us what state you are from.  After a period of time I will compile the results and present them in a future blog post along with a scientific perspective on the seasons.  I think the results will be very interesting.

I look forward to hearing from you!