Christmas is soon upon us, and people are now starting to get into the holiday spirit, but this year I'm gonna hug my friends and family a little tighter. It's so easy for people to get caught up in everyday activities, but when we are with the ones we love, we aren't spending genuine time together. This year I have noticed that we lose those who are closest to us, and we take that time for granted. My hope is that instead of being on social media and always being on our phones, that we will socialize. Now I know some of you are a little worried this holiday season as we get together with our families, we don't always get along especially when it comes to politics. Hopefully you'll be able to put aside your differences and focus on the time and precious things in life. No matter my families views when it comes to politics, it doesn't change how much I care and love them.

I hope your home is filled with holiday cheer this Christmas season. Young or old, I hope there's lots of baking and dancing to your favorite Christmas music. My favorite is making sugar cookies, and using the cute cookie cutters. This year I even plan on doing some gingerbread cookies, and not a usual holiday pick, some molasses cookies. Although I won't be with my Dad on Christmas morning like I usually am, I still plan on making his famous sausage balls. They are amazing! As it starts to get colder, I'll find myself opening up the box of hot chocolate mix, and just might make a pot from scratch this year. Although baking and cooking can get overwhelming, especially during the holidays I don't mind it one bit. Bring on the baking!

This year I'm no longer living with my mom, and instead living with my grandmother. We might create some new holiday traditions. I can't wait to see what's in store. This is my first adult Christmas, and it's not the same as when we were kids. As an adult, you don't get the endless amounts of presents, and instead get a handful of presents. Don't get me wrong, it's not about receiving but instead about giving. With being a college student, I'm all for the gift cards to go eat with, if you are like me then you like free food. Make sure to bundle up this winter, and stay warm so you won't miss out on all the fun times. The joy it brings to me as I get down all my winter things, such as beanies, scarves, and gloves. Oh, I can't wait to accessorize.

I'm sure all of you won't forget to watch some Christmas favorites like "A Christmas Story" and have the amount of laughs I have every time I watch this great movie. "Fra-gee-lay, it must be Italian." Maybe watch all of the "Home Alone" movies, because Kevin always cracks me up! "Merry Christmas ya Filthy Animal!". Oh, and you have to watch "The Santa Clause", because Charlie's "He is Santa, and you killed him" makes you laugh. Of course there are movies that are just as great like "Miracle on 34th Street", "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation", "Christmas Classics", and "Christmas with the Kranks". I hope everyone of you bundle up this holiday season, and spend a little more time with your loved ones. Merry Christmas and happy holidays!