It's almost Thanksgiving, which means it's the start of the most wonderful time of the year. School is winding down, the weather is getting colder, and everyone is getting happier. Here's to the beginning of the best time of year, and the things you have to look forward to.
1. Thanksgiving food. The food never ends, and it's finally time to stuff your face and not feel too bad about it afterward. Turkey, stuffing, rolls, mashed potatoes and gravy, cranberry juice... it's all there. And it's OK to go back for seconds, and thirds, and fourths. Thanksgiving meals are clearly the best meals you eat all year. After you're done, all you want to do is fall over and sleep.
2. Black Friday shopping. The concept is insane, especially after eating ten pounds of food, but it's worth it. Hitting the mall at 4 A.M. never felt so good. The craze, the discounts, and the commotion never ends on Black Friday. When else can you get a 80 percent discount?
3. The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Who knew balloons were so entertaining? Here's your chance to see every Disney channel star you forgot about sing about the holidays. Watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is a tradition, and cannot be missed. Stay tuned until the very end when Santa Claus makes an appearance.
4. Christmas Decorations. Everything looks better with Christmas lights. Suddenly driving outside past dozens of houses is actually fun. Christmas lights make it finally feel like Christmas, and the sooner they're out the better. The best houses are the ones that have the inflatables out in the front yard. They do Christmas the right way.
5. Sledding. One of the best wintertime activities. No matter how old you are, it's still fun. The biggest challenge is making your way up the hill afterwards, but it's still worth it.
6. Playing in the snow. It's time to get your snowsuit on. Making snow angels, having snowball fights, building snowmen, or just sitting in the snow and eating it, it's all part of the joy of wintertime.
7. Christmas movies. "Home Alone," "A Christmas Story," "How the Grinch Stole Christmas," "The Santa Clause," "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation," "It's a Wonderful Life," "Miracle on 34th Street," and "Frosty the Snowman" are some of the best. It's time to cuddle up by the fire and watch some of these Christmas classics.
8. Christmas tree decorating. It's always fun to rediscover your favorite ornaments. Although it might take hours, decorating the Christmas tree is one of the best traditions. It makes the house feel instantly festive.
9. Christmas music. Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby sums up the best Christmas music. It's OK to start listening to Christmas music before Thanksgiving, I promise. Something about Christmas music is calming and comforting. It's a must that it's playing nonstop in the house during the holidays.
