The holiday season is approaching (cue the jingle bells.) As each year passes, the more I yearn to be a child again. I miss making a "Christmas list" weeks before December and placing it inside my decorative stocking for when Santa visits my home. Not only am I reminded of how excited I was for Christmas (and still am), I realize how much I underappreciated Thanksgiving as a child. As soon as Halloween is over, stores go right to Black Friday and selling Christmas decor- just like my childhood mindset. I skipped over Thanksgiving and regret doing so.

As each year passes, I am closer to "adulthood." However, I realize now that I will choose Thanksgiving over any other holiday. I know what you're thinking- and no, it's not because of the plethora of pumpkin and apple pies I will be consuming. It is what and who that will be surrounding that food.

I am thankful for a lot this year. I know I don't say it or admit it enough, but I am thankful. Never have I been more appreciative of the people who I am surrounded by and eternally grateful for their existence.

Here's a list of things I am especially thankful for this Thanksgiving, and you should be too.

1. College

I am thankful for the freedom to express myself and experience growth in all areas of life. College allows me to find people that I want to be around and become the person I want to be. It's so easy to get caught up in the stress of midterms and finals, but the opportunities and possibilities that going to college has provided me so far gives me so much joy.

2. Home

Orlando is home to me. Hearing this word brings a flood of memories. Home to me is comfort and happiness, all wrapped up. It's a place I took for granted as a child, but now cherish each time I am home from college.

3. Family

I say family collectively because I have a large extended family. Thank you to my parents and brother who came to visit me just to grab lunch because I don't have the time to drive home. There is no way I would have been able to have anything without you. Thank you to my aunts and cousins who will answer my phone calls and will always tell me the truth when I don't necessarily want it.

4. Friends

I'm thankful for my friends always being there and everywhere else we travel to. For being the laughter, support and motivation so that we all make it through each semester. Thank you for being my support system that I never thought I needed. I can't imagine my life without knowing y'all.

5. Food

I am very thankful for the copious amounts of home cooked meals my mom will make, and the leftovers that I get to take back to my apartment!