Thanksgiving has passed and we're all hoping the enormous amounts of turkey, stuffing and mashed potatoes we ate on Thursday don't explode out of our stomach. The only other thing that could possibly be on our minds now are the holidays after Thanksgiving. The holidays are the best time of the year and here's a few reasons why...

1. The Food

Whether it's Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah or New Year's, there is always a ton of food sitting out on the table. You wake up and you can already smell delicious turkey your mom has been cooking since 7:00 a.m. When you go downstairs, your eyes don't leave those white, fluffy mashed potatoes you can't wait to devour. Don't forget the apple pie your grandma spent all day preparing! Of course, we all eat too much, but that's just part of the holidays.

2. Spending time with Family

During the holidays, it's common for out-of-state relatives to come together and enjoy the holidays. It's a great time to visit with family you don't get to regularly see. It's a time to be thankful and enjoy the moments you get with the people who love you the most.

3. Spending time with Friends

For a lot of college students, you probably haven't seen your hometown friends in a few months, and the excitement of seeing them for the first time in a while is building. Even for kids and adults, spending the break with friends is something to take your mind off the busy lives you have. Live it up with the friends you have because sooner or later, the holiday break will end and it will be back to those busy days.

4. Presents

With Christmas and Hanukkah come presents! We all love running down Christmas morning to see what is under the Christmas tree, or getting a present each night of Hanukkah. Receiving new gifts is exciting because come on, who doesn't love to get new stuff? This also means pulling out that money you have been saving to spend it on presents for your loved ones as well. You give and you get!

5. A New Year

When the holidays roll around, this means the year is almost over and the New Year is soon arriving. It'll soon be fireworks, champagne and loud countdowns. There are parties all over the country full of loud, obnoxious New Years Eve toys, but that's the fun of it all! You get to wear 2017 glasses and hats that say 2017!

The holidays are a time everyone can look forward too! They are filled with love, joy and excitement. Spend your time with your family and friends and enjoy every minute!