It's December. Christmas is coming, the temperature is continuously dropping, and the semester is slowly, but surely, closing in on us. The "happiest time of the year," as they say.

But why is it the happiest time of the year? As a kid, Christmas was all about Santa Clause, cookies, gifts, and magic. At 19 years old, it's quite difficult to get into the holiday spirit when the first thing on my mind for the next two weeks will be finals.

Though there are still many of us (all of us) who continue to look forward to all of the gifts we'll be opening on Christmas Day, the sleep we'll be catching up on, and the freedom from a single assignment, here are some other things to be grateful for this winter break.

1. Real food.

Try and tell me college hasn't made you appreciate every single home-cooked meal your mother has ever made. Whether she finessed a sandwich or prepared spaghetti and meatballs, it's still better than relying on Cosi for a decent meal.

2. Your car.

Living in the suburbs of central New Jersey, my car is my key to freedom. There are times when I would hop in my car and go for a drive just to clear my head. The closest things I have to that now are my walks to classes. Not to mention, having a car meant having destinations other than class, the Tech, and the TUF.

3. Your bed.

You really don't realize what you have until it's gone. Until the night of August 24th, I spent the last 19 years of my life sleeping in a queen-sized bed. I am now limited to a Twin XL that creaks with even the slightest movement.

4. High school friends.

I know there are a handful of people who want to forget high school even happened. But I, for one, thrived in high school. I made some of my closest and best friends in those four years, and the thought of being reunited with them in less than two weeks makes me want to plan our next Apps trip ASAP. It's important to spread your wings in college, but even more important to not forget where you came from.

5. Alone time.

Finding comfort in your own presence is actually essential to achieving happiness. Yes, it's great spending every waking moment with people to help aliviate the stress factors of college, but in reality, it's important to be ok with spending time alone. It allows us to a time to recuperate for the next burst of energy.

6. Your family.

Being away from my small little town for as long as I have been is something that took some getting used to. For some, the thought of being around family brings dread and annoyance. But instead, this holiday season, I urge you to reconnect and appreciate every single thing your family does for you. When my mom begs me to watch Home Alone with her, there won't be slight hesitation, for sure.

It really is the coming of age that makes you appreciate the small things in life. As I spent the last 16 weeks about 60 miles from everything I've ever known, it allowed me some time to be grateful for these assets. Though the holidays are a great time to get some hot new stuff, it's also a time to sit back and realize just how blessed we are. And it starts with the basics.