I get it. You love Christmas. The traditions, spending time with your family, the presents, the food, watching Grandma Rosie fall asleep in a chair after one too many glasses of eggnog; it's all great, but it is nowhere near as good as the day that commemorates the birth of these United States of America. Here are your 12 reasons why Independence Day > the "greatest" time of year.

1. There is no dramatic build-up.

The day after Halloween, you turn on the radio and are immediately blasted with renditions of "Jingle Bells" and "Baby, It's Cold Outside." You'll hear these songs everyday for approximately the next two month until you want to gouge out your eardrums. The day after Memorial Day, you turn on the radio and hear the usual blend of pop and rock. No "My Country Tis of Thee" or "You're a Grand Ole Flag." No mad holiday sales, lines to see Santa, or cards to send out. No cookies. Only minimal decorations. The 4th stays on the 4th while Christmas takes up over a month of preparation, excitation, and exploitation.

2. You don't have to lie to children.

Sorry, kids. Santa isn't real. You know what is real? On July 4, 1776, the United States of America adapted the Declaration of Independence which led to the Revolutionary War and the formation of this great country. #truestory

3. The food is easier to prepare.

Hamburgers, hot dogs, and potato salad. Your dinner awaits you.

4. No family gatherings necessary.

So maybe you do visit Auntie Karen and the cousins on the 4th, but I can assure you that the trip is much less anxiety-ridden than when you visit her in the dead of winter for Christmas Eve supper.

5. The color scheme is much easier to work with.

Red and green may be complementary colors, but you can only get away with that red and green striped sweater for one month of the year. Your blue jeans, white t-shirt, and red sneakers last you season-round.

6. Fireworks

'Nuff said.

7. There is no pressure for the holiday to go well.

Burned the hot dogs? Ran out of ice? Missed the fireworks? No worries. It's only the 4th of July.

8. Inclement weather? No problem.

Oh no, it's raining. Luckily, the worst that can happens is that you have to move the burgers inside and the fireworks get rescheduled. Cousin Jim doesn't get stranded at the airport because of three feet or show and Uncle Jack's car doesn't get caught in a snow drift.

9. Inclusivity.

Not American? Not a problem. You get a day off and a chance to see what happens in the Land of the Free, Home of the Brave on America's birthday. This Fall Out Boy song is more relevant than ever.

10. No post-holiday slump.

No build-up=no letdown. Since you haven't been stuffing your face with cookies for the past month, you don't feel the need to hit the gym. You don't have to send thank-you notes, take down decorations, or return the ugly sweater your well-intentioned mother bought for you. You can carry on with your summer for another month and a half until school rolls around.

11. #murrica.

This is the day to be as ironically (or unironically) patriotic as you want. Break out your red, white, and blue cutoffs. Paint the flag on your face. Snapchat that bald eagle. Instagram that parade. Light 50 sparklers at once. Christmas is celebrated all around the world. The 4th of July is our holiday so be as obnoxious as you want as you celebrate your First Amendment rights and mandated income tax.