I've always loved Christmas more than any other holiday. When I was younger, I admit, I found so much joy in snooping around the house looking for the presents that my parents had hidden. Granted, I wasn't exactly supposed to be finding them, and I didn't always find what I was looking for. Christmas was so mindless, so simple, and so exciting for a select number of reasons, but as I grew older I started finding happiness in so much more.

Over the past few years, I've begun to recognize my complete adoration for my friends and family. Back in middle school, I'd be aching to get out of the house during family parties to go hang out with my friends. These days, I love staying in and catching up with my relatives, and hearing about how they've been. I've realized that these are the people who have been there with me from the beginning, and who will be with me until the very end.

I love the music, the movies, the decorations, and the pure joy that is clearly just radiating from everyone around me. One of my favorite things to do during the Christmas season is go to the mall. I love the mall during Christmas time. There is always so much going on around the holiday season and the hustle and bustle gets me super excited.

There's something about the holidays that makes me feel closer to my friends, too. I don't give them enough credit for all that they have done for me. I wouldn't be the person I am today without them and I hope that they know that. Christmas is a time for spreading love, joy, and happiness. Spend time with family and friends, and tell them how much they mean to you.