Unwritten Winter Rules Every Rockford Resident Just Knows

If you've lived in Rockford for more than one winter, you already know there are rules.  They're not posted anywhere.  Nobody sits down to explain them.  You just... learn.  And if you break one, you best believe other locals will give you the worst side eye you've ever seen.

I'm just going to get right into it because it's a lot.

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Unwritten Winter Rules Every Rockford Resident Just Knows

Rule #1: the first snowfall must be posted to Facebook.  Pictures.  Videos.  "It's finally snowing!" posts.  By the third snowfall?  Silence.  The first?  We've completely moved on from happiness to dreading even going outside.

Rule #2: You have to wish for a white Christmas!  We all romanticize a snowfall on the big day, but most of the time it doesn't happen.  This year?  There's a slight chance it might actually pull through!

Rule #3: Layers matter more than fashion.  This is actually the best time of year to also grow out your hair because we all look terrible.  But seriously, bundle up.  Layers are important.  And yes, it is completely acceptable to wear sweats over jeans, two pairs of socks, and carry a blanket around.  NOBODY IS JUDGING!

Rule #4: You either drive in the snow or you don't.  If you're flying past people on icy roads like it's summer, you're insane.  Very unhinged behavior.  If you're going 10 miles per hour with hazards on, you need to just stay home.  Please.

This isn't a rule, but more of a lifestyle during these cold months: EVERYONE IS ALWAYS TIRED.  The sun sets at 4:30pm for goodness sake.  Why wouldn't we want to go to sleep right when we get off work?!

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All I'm saying is that if you live in Rockford, and you've been here for a significant amount of time, you know why all the above are important to follow!