Although winter doesn’t officially start until Dec. 21, as soon as people start writing December on the top of their notebook or catch a glimpse of it on their lock screen, they are dead set in winter mode. Puffy jackets, snow boots, holiday films, and comfort food are a go once midnight strikes on Dec. 1. For many, winter brings Christmas cookies and morning cups of tea. For others, it is steaming bowls of homemade stew that kick off the cold weather.