As December gives way to January, the threat of a dusting of snow becomes so real you can almost taste it. We've never seen a white Christmas, but we hope and pray for a white NFL playoff weekend. The schools remind students and teachers of their weather policies and procedures. Mysteriously enough the bread shelves and milk freezers become sparingly bare when the temps drop into the forties. The salt trucks are out and about even though it's 45 degrees and was 60 degrees two days prior.

All this combined can only mean one thing... the ever so great and miraculous Tennessee Snowpocalypse. It is as rare an occurrence in the South as a BCS National Championship in the North. So before you make fun, please understand.. we do take these snows very seriously. But just in case you aren't accustomed to a Tennessee snow, here are ten signs you are sure to see whether we get half an inch or four.

PS-- If you start to see any of these signs, run for the hills.. The great snow is coming!

1. Hit the grocery stores!

Seriously if any of the local weather stations start to call for even a dusting, don't bother going to Kroger, unless you have a couple hours to spare. We need milk, bread, cheese, eggs, Cheez-its, marshmallows.. you know all the essentials of life! We probably won't be able to leave the house for at least a couple of weeks, so stock up!

2. Wearing pajamas inside out, flushing ice cubes down the toilet, snow dance.. The list goes on.

In Tennessee these occurrences are so rare that we believe that God and Mother Nature need a little help from us, the fine folks of Tennessee. So we break out our magical rituals to help them right along. And if we score that ever-so coveted snow day, it was most definitely because of us and those ice cubes we flushed down the toilet.

3. Quick, close the schools!

If there is even a snowflake spotted, the superintendents are ready to step in and rescue the numerous lives of the students and teachers of the county from the ever so threatening White Plague. No school today, Snowbird! Plus who can concentrate on equations when it's snowing outside?

4. Mismatched Snow Clothes

Here in Tennessee we are all about piecing together the warmest makeshift snowsuit possible. We drag out the long johns, with some fleece leggings, and then our biggest pair of pants possible. Wear three shirts and a hoodie (none in the same color because that would be absurd). Grab a scarf and toboggan; oh and you can't forget the gloves and coat.. It is truly a fashion statement (one of many colors and pounds).

5. Take a Picture in the Snow (even if that's the only reason you go out)..

The annual snow pic is a must. I mean Instagram and Facebook would be completely and totally deprived if they didn't get to see you and your thirty seconds of snow adventures. Complete that post with a "Snowtally" perfect caption, and you have preserved the great snow of the year.

6. Snow Cream

Possibly the greatest blessing of any snow is homemade snowcream, which is soooo much better than your regular ice cream.. All you need is 5-6 cups of snow, 1 cup of milk, 1/2 cup of sugar, and 1 tsp of vanilla extract! (Just visit Pinterest if you wanna get fancy)!

7. Hot Chocolate

One can simply not have a snow day without hot chocolate! Don't forget to add extra marshmallows! Not to mention, it goes great with your snow cream.

8. Movie Marathon

After you are all played and posted out, you can find us Tennesseans curled up on our couches watching the latest movie marathons on Freeform and Netflix.

9. Do NOT get out on the Roads.

I repeat, do not get out on the roads.. unless you are going to the cousins' to sled or anywhere other than work.

10. Bank on another snow day tomorrow!

Do absolutely nothing productive all day long because chances are it's not going anywhere! And if by chance it does, we will proceed with extreme caution. So just don't bother setting that alarm or doing any homework or anything of that nature. A Tennessee snow is a miraculously unexpected holiday, so just enjoy!