As we near the end of the semester, bursting with joy that our horrible stats class is over, we know the holidays are upon us. I thank the holiday gods for all things festive: changing leaves, fall fashion and pumpkin spice lattes. With the joyous season, comes a few of my favorite things (did you happen to hum or sing that part?). I’ve decided to compile a list of the things that make the holiday’s special aka reasons why I love the holidays.

1. Family time.

You might be saying, Tabi, this is an obvious one, but I think we forget how important this is. After months of being apart from your loved ones, you have this amazing free time for family! OK, I get it; you fight with your siblings, your dad gets on your nerves and your family keeps asking about a boyfriend. But, what is the holidays without a little bit of family annoyance? I say family time is an important part of the holiday spirit.

2. Food.

Another obvious, but necessary to mention, one. Nothing says holidays more than some amazing food. Whether that’s your Thanksgiving dinner or your favorite treats to bake, food is a special part of the holidays.

3. Fall/winter fashion.

Maybe it’s because I’m a fashion enthusiast, but this time of year is my favorite for fashion reasons. Layering, plaid, scarves, booties, I cannot get enough of the fabulous things fall and winter fashion have to offer. I embrace the 60 degree weather here, and rock faux fur coats like I’m in NYC.

4. Cookies.

So, there is a particular type of cookie and if you’ve been blessed by having one of these then you know what I’m talking about. Those cookies with the Christmas trees, reindeers or anything holiday related on it? Those are the holiday cookies to die for.

5. Christmas lights.

I love lights. I love them so much, I hope to leave them all year long. In my room, you’ll see lights everywhere. They’re just so pretty and joyful! Don’t you get happy when you look at them? My favorite is when my family and I will pick a day during the holidays to drive by a neighborhood that went all out with their lights. Oh, the glory of lights.

6. Starbucks’ holiday themed drinks.

In spite of the cup dilemma that struck the world in the heart (so ridiculous), Starbucks’ holiday drinks are amazing. Flavors from caramel and chestnut to gingerbread and eggnog, hit the tastebuds in just the right way when you’re snuggled up in a scarf, fighting the winter cold.

7. Gifts.

Who doesn’t love giving and receiving gifts? I don’t think I need to explain this any further.

8. Holiday movies.

Snuggling up in a blanket, with a cup of hot cocoa in hand, watching "Home Alone" sounds amazing, right? All holiday movies have a cheer that is undeniably the reason we love staying inside.

Did I just make you crave the holidays? Don’t worry, finals will be over before you know it and then it’s just around the corner. Whether your list is identical to mine or has a few other traditions on them, we can all agree that the holidays bring out the best in people. I hope that our love for our families extend to strangers on the streets and our hearts open up a bit more during this holiday season.