Each season has its own distinct qualities that makes it unique and stand out among the rest. Following the pumpkin-oriented essence of autumn comes the peppermint aroma of winter, and with that comes a plethora of characteristics that make us look forward to December and the months following it. Here are 15 reasons to love the winter season.

1. Snow Days Off

It’s not atypical to get frustrated with snow, but how could you hate it when it gets you days off from school? We’ve all looked forward to snow days as kids, and even as college students pray that the flurry outside will reward us with a day off from classes, a potential that no other season holds.

2. Hot Drinks

A hot chocolate, coffee, or tea can never satisfy more than it does in the midst of cold weather, especially snow. These drinks genuinely do give you something to look forward to in order to help warm up.

3. Playing in the Snow

Snow angels, building a snowman, snow fights—you name it, it’s always sure to be a good time.

4. Fuzzy Socks

It’s too warm in the spring and summer, yet not cold enough in the fall, and so wintertime is the best time to rock your fuzzy socks. They warm your body along with your soul, and the funky colors they come in always add a cool dazzle to your outfit.

5. Cuddling

Wintertime is prime time for cuddling. You benefit from the body heat of someone around you in addition to cozying up.

6. Dark Nail Colors

The colder the weather gets, the darker our nail polish shades become as well. As much as we love the bright colors we rock when the weather’s nice out, we can’t deny our excitement for the return of darker nail colors such as Wicked and Berry Hard.

7. The Beauty of Snow Covering Nature

Nature takes on a whole new level of beauty when snow surrounds it. Although we lose sight of grass for while, especially up in Binghamton, there’s an undeniable magnificence to the sight of trees being outlined by a layer of snow.

8. Bundling Up

Layers upon layers of clothing can be annoying or overwhelming for some, but I personally love the tangy feeling of being buried underneath. The coziness is real.

9. Christmas/Hanukkah Time

Christmas and Hanukkah come at the end of December, and along with them comes the holiday spirit (as well as holiday sales). The music, enthusiasm, and kinship that accompany them almost never fails to instill us with a warm feeling at this cold time of year.

10. Red Starbucks Cups

I may be the only one who genuinely looks forward to the maroon red Starbucks holiday cups that appear in December, but I can’t imagine I am. Seriously, doesn’t everyone enjoy their drink more?

11. Fireplaces

Sitting by the fireplace with the people you love on a cold winter day almost makes you forget about the temperature (not only because the fire heat warms you up). I have always loved the point of the year where my parents started turning on the fireplace again, and am always sad to see the tendency fade as spring approaches.

12. Traveling

Even though the cold has its benefits, ‘tis the season where people often choose to get away and take a break to somewhere warm for a bit. It gives us something to look forward to!

13. Ice Skating/Skiing/Snowboarding

With the snow comes availability of several different activities, and so we’ve finally got something to do with our friends that doesn’t require going out to eat. You can spend the day at the rink, organize a ski trip, or snowboard in your own backyard.

14. Hats

It’s the time of year to rock your favorite beanie or any other hat you own. It keeps your head warm, hair out of your face, and most importantly, covers those bad hair days.

15. Cozy Slumbers

Is it even possible to argue that you get your best nights of sleep in the summer, spring, or fall? Sleeping is never more comfortable, cozy, or relaxing than it is in the winter when you bundle your body with the blanket in order to warm yourself up.

There’s so much more to love, and here we are now in the midst of winter when we can take advantage of it all. Enjoy this season and all it has to offer!