Yea, the southern winter ain't so bad, its worse up north.

Tbh, this fear of winter is not something I have encountered much, then again perhaps its part of the small town behavior.

I will admit that it was incredibly depressing living out in "proper" rural Sweden for a while, when it started to get dark and cold. So I get that bit I guess. That sucked.

Well, it ain't so bad if you got a fireplace, some good books and full pantry, hehe. But more serious yea the winter is the time were people seems to be more willing to stay home rather than venture out much.

Hopefully you find the city winter life to be better and miss the modern new year celebrations xD.