With finals coming up and all the work I still have to do for my classes, I have not had time to enjoy the Christmas season so far, or really enjoy anything in general. So I thought I would take a little break from my work and reflect on some things that make happy this time of the year (and also get me in the spirit of Christmas.)

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1. Cookies

Most of the time my family and I spend a lot of time making and decorating cookies. We did this a lot when I was younger and now that I have so much schoolwork to do I don’t have as much time to decorate and make cookies. As such, just the thought of cookies brings me such nostalgia. I remember all the great times my family and I have had together over the years. Whenever I see or smell cookies around this time of year, I feel really happy.

2. Candles

This is kinda self-explanatory but candles that smell like Christmas help me get into the Christmas spirit. They also make me happy because I am in the Christmas spirit and my room smells like it. (My favorite is Bath and Body Works' Winter Candy Apple.)

3. Christmas trees

Again, this is self-explanatory. My family and I use an artificial Christmas tree so one weekend in December, we spend the day decorating the tree and essentially the whole house. So when I start seeing Christmas trees, I'm happy because I know my family and I will be putting ours up soon.

4. Christmas music

I mean, who doesn't get happy when they jam out to Christmas music, whether it's with friends, family, or just alone in your room. My personal favorite is Christmas Wrapping by Waitresses.

5. Candy Canes

I just love candy canes. There are so many good flavors; how can you eat one and not be happy when you just had a nice little treat.

6. Christmas Movies

This is an essential around Christmas time. You can't go through a whole Christmas happily and not watch one Christmas movie. For recommendations of Christmas movies to watch, click here.

7. Wrapping Paper

Not the most ordinary thing to be happy about but I like it. It's so festive and interesting designs. And it also reminds me of giving presents and how happy everyone gets when exchanging presents.

8. Hot Chocolate

Hot chocolate is always just a blessing in itself. But I just love it so I needed to include it. Also around this time, peppermint hot chocolate is out in most stores and it is one of my favorites. Again hot chocolate brings back a sense of nostalgia because I remember playing in the snow and coming back in to drink hot chocolate. I miss those days.

9. 'Twas The Night Before Christmas

I love this poem, especially because it became a tradition in my house that right before bed, my family and I will all gather around and read it aloud. I love this because I get to be surrounded by my family and read a pretty cool poem.

10. Winter Break

Yes, I know this is completely different from the rest of the list but I needed to add it because it is something I cherish each year. I get to have free time and not worry about school. Also, I am able to sleep in!

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Well those are just a few of my favorite things for this time of year that help me get in the Christmas spirit and make me happy. Let me know what are some things you enjoy about Christmas in the comments below.