As cliché as it may sound, there is definitely something special about the holiday season. Whether it be the anticipation of the first snow fall, the excitement of seeing all the lights and decorations or simply just enjoying time with family, the holiday season has a significant and endearing vibe to it. Summer is without a doubt a top contender in the competition for best seasons, as are fall and spring, but the following reasons will exhibit the true importance of the holiday season.
1. Christmas Music
Your favorite playlist on your phone is your Christmas Music playlist and you know it. There is nothing more exciting than the moment that it is socially acceptable to crank up the volume on that Michael Bublé Christmas album you've been waiting to bring back. Or maybe you're more of the type to light a Bath and Bodyworks Christmas candle and listen to Sinatra as you sip on some eggnog. Whether it be Bublé or Sinatra, or even Mariah, Bieber, or Snoop, you cannot go wrong.
2. Beans, Greens, Potatoes....You Name It
The meals you have during the holidays are unlike any meal you have throughout the year. Thanksgiving dinner is something you mentally, and physically, need to prepare for because you know that the comatose state you are going to be in afterward will be dangerous. Yeah, throughout the year you may have some mashed potatoes and gravy, maybe some turkey here or there, a casserole or two, but when it's all on your plate at the same time for one meal, game over.
3. Family
Holiday time is for family time and that just might be the best part. If you are a college student coming home for breaks, reconnecting with siblings and cousins is like hanging out with old friends who haven't gotten on your nerves yet. If you are a parent awaiting the arrival of your college student, you have been missing the opportunity to coddle and nurture your sweet baby. All around, everyone is stoked to see each other and they're all having a great time reminiscing on old times, playing a few games, and yelling at the results of the Apple Cup as a family.
4. It's Lit
There is nothing more exciting than walking the streets of downtown, or even your own neighborhood, and seeing every house strung with beautiful lights. Seeing Christmas trees lit and sparkling from windows, the inflatable Santa Claus' on rooftops giving a comforting smile, or even the occasional inappropriately placed reindeer in front lawns, all part of a tradition specified for the holiday season. The community all gathers for the big tree lighting in town and gets excited for the countdown to their favorite winter holidays, it's like one big party all season long.
5. SNOW!
Looking out the window to witness the first few snowflakes of the season brings out the inner 6-year-old in all of us. We get excited about the school closures even if we don't go to school, just because we know the feeling of getting to play in snow all day as opposed to sitting in a classroom. Getting to break out the scarves and hats and gloves is a thrill for every fashionista. Throwing that first snowball of the season is the best feeling for people of all ages. Building snowmen with dad is a memory that lasts a lifetime. Spending 35 minutes taking off all of your layers before you can finally enter the house is tedious, but so worth it.
6. Movies
The stereotypical image of winter is to be cuddled up on the couch with flannel blankets, a nice warm fire to contrast with the cold weather outside, and to sip on hot chocolate as you enjoy some traditional Christmas classics. The truth of the matter is, this is exactly what winter is all about. Watching Christmas Vacation in reindeer jammies is a nation-wide tradition. There is nothing like a classic Santa Claus saves the day, happy ending film to get you excited and hopeful for your own Christmas miracles.
7. Being Busy, but the Fun Busy
The holidays are all about hustle and bustle. You run from town to town to visit every relative you've ever met, or haven't met, and they interview you on everything going on, or not going on, in your life. This may sound overwhelming, but it's all part of the fun because every family member pushes delicious meals your way and there's no way you can deny that. Also, holiday shopping is the BEST. Whether you're that guy waiting outside of Bestbuy for three days to snag some great Black Friday deals, or you're that girl who has procrastinated until Christmas Eve to finish holiday shopping, running from store to store is an adventure. You can never say you're bored because that just means you've forgotten at least one gift.
8. Santa Claus is Coming To Town
Okay, okay, okay, we've been humble enough. We've mentioned the importance of family and food, but everyone knows that they are truly a 5-year-old at heart that is waiting to open those presents. Presents are so much fun. Whether you're opening up something you've been asking for forever, or you're giving someone something that they've been asking for forever, happiness is in the air. There is no better feeling than coming across that one perfect gift for someone you love and watching them open it and get really excited about it. You could ace every final in every rocket science class and giving the best present will still be a more satisfying feeling.
9. HAPPY NEW YEAR!
The holiday season wraps up in the best way, with a new year. A fresh start, a chance to put away all the stress and struggles from the previous year, and an exciting anticipation for what will happen in the upcoming year. New Years Eve parties are full of fun and sparkles. You get the chance to surround yourself with friends and family as you say goodbye to 2016 and ring in the new year together. And what better way to get excited about a new year than watching the ball drop with America's sweetheart, Ryan Seacrest.
