The holidays are back again -- joy to the world! It's the time of the year where we realize what’s most important. These days are filled with family, friends, and best of all, food. As a college student, the days leading us to break slowly but surely steal our sanity and sleep. But finally we get there, walk out of our last final with middle fingers in the air, hug our friends goodbye, and head home.

As we get older, the days seem to fly by us whether we like it or not. Holidays are no different, waking up at sunrise on Christmas, decorating the tree, snowball fights, and sledding. They all seem ages away for me. I groan if I’m waken before 11 a.m. on Christmas. My mom has to pay me to decorate the tree. My brothers would probably love to nail me with a snowball these days, and honestly, I’d probably crack a sled if I dropped my ass on one. It’s sad, but it’s one of those things you don’t notice until it’s too late.

This is a big year for me as I'm graduating college. When did that happen?! Having no idea where I'll be next year is terrifying. Now’s the time, more than ever to count your blessings and kiss the ground you walk on because time is just going to keep getting faster. Before you know it, you’re a mother of three, driving some sort of minivan type car. Barf. So I thought I’d take some time before it’s too late to say thank you for things that I should have, I will have to, and will someday forget to.

1. To my best friends

You should be thanking me for bringing so much laughter to your life, right? No. I should be thanking you for being the best part of my days. For endless years of crying over ex-boyfriends, bitchy girls, and sleepless nights. Thank you for being my ride after too much Svedka, opening your closets for me, and teaching a girl with two brothers how to not be a girl with two brothers. It really is true what they say, boys come and go but friends are forever. And to have you all for that long would be a blessing. My thank you’s are endless and I hope I never have to lose any of you.

2. My cousins

My sisters. For always, always being right about my boyfriends, clothes, and hair. Endless laughs around the kitchen table at family parties and deciding who Grandma liked better. I didn’t get blessed to have sisters, but I was blessed to have you girls. Thank you for teaching me how to drive, dream, and drink (not at the same time, of course). And, thank you for always answering my phone calls whether at noon or three in the morning. But mostly, thank you for always being on my side.

3. The boys: retired and in-play now

For all the guys who have ever stepped foot into my whirlwind of a life, I could never regret a moment spent with any of you. Thank you for putting up with me and for the most part, taking the blame for whatever happened between us guilty or not. For the sad soul that has put up with me for the time being, no amount of thank you’s would suffice for loving me endlessly and effortlessly. For always putting my well being before yours, feeding me, farting with me, and believing in me, I am immensely grateful. I’m happiest when I’m with you.

4. My roommate

Aw man, I could go on for hours. Thank you for taking care of me on levels that weren’t on the lease, the delicious dinners, closest raids, movie nights, midnight runs for tacos. And, for putting my best interest before your own on a regular basis, even if it means hating everyone I do for no reason. But most of all, for dealing with me, especially during my long, seemingly endless weeks of physics, biology, and chemistry.

5. To my parents

I know I’m not a ray of sunshine...ever. Being away at school is surely a treat in some way for you guys, but I would be nowhere without you two. Mom, thank you for working endlessly and tirelessly at the hospital all my life until you couldn’t do it anymore. I always crucified you for missing a basketball game or being late to pick me up from dance, but you were working to give me a better future and that’s exactly what I got. It’s not your fault I never learned to do my own hair or dress like a girl my age because I learned to along the way. I learned how to be independent and that’s something no one can take from me. Dad, thank you for being my number one supporter on every front. You always gave it to me straight whether I liked it or not... And still do. Thank you for sending me a dozen roses for my birthday and Valentine's Day, always. And thank you for the Dairy Queen when my first boyfriend made me cry. I would be nothing without your drive and humor, Mom, and your honesty and heart, Dad.

Saying thank you is an easy concept, but it can easily slip anyone's mind. With the holidays in full swing make sure you remember where you came from, where you're going and the people who helped along the way. Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy New Years and any other holiday you and your special ones celebrate. One last thank you to everyone reading this!