Look, I love Christmas as much as the next person. It's (if you'll pardon the cliché) the most wonderful time of the year. I get to spend the holiday with my family, singing carols, baking, giving each other gifts, and participating in wacky traditions (like playing badminton on Christmas Eve). So yes, I understand why you're ready for it to be December already. I had that mindset as a kid.

But please, don't trample Thanksgiving in your rush to get to the winter holidays. The older I've gotten, the more I've come to realize how much it means to me. Thanksgiving isn't just some sappy holiday about being grateful or a day to praise or condemn America's history. It's a time of rest, a time where we can sit back and remember what we have that makes all of our hard work worth it.

We've all got our fair share of problems; finals, papers, tuition, work, and even family disagreements (especially after the past election). But I'd like to think we all have something that makes the hassle worth it. I mean, look at the original pilgrims (flaws and all). They were starving and freezing to death before the Native Americans took them in. I'm not trying to undermine your problems in anyway, but I think they may have had it slightly worse. And even after all of their suffering, they still found the time to give thanks for the bonds that had been formed with their saviors. (Okay, granted, the pilgrims did also give the Native Americans diseases, but I'm trying to be positive, okay?)

Personally, the number one thing that makes all of my failures, shortcomings, and dilemmas worth it is my family. I know it's sappy, but as a girl who grew up in four different cities, there aren't a lot of constants in my life. Dreams change and friends lose touch, but my family has always been there for me, even when some of them are over four thousand miles away. I've been blessed with close siblings and loving, godly parents, none of whom I thank enough.

And this year, I've gotten to see my family grow. In May, my brother married Amy, my new sister-in-law . . . and she's amazing. She's smart, sweet, and is willing to put up with the craziness of the Wiersema family (she's even gotten used to making moose calls during dessert). I'll get to see her soon, along with all of my siblings except Anna, who's currently in north Africa (but we're totally video-chatting anyway). I can't wait.

There might be something else you're thankful for this year. Maybe it's an opportunity you were given, or a friend you made. Whatever or whomever it is that is driving you forward, cherish that thing or person (and if it's the latter, tell them how much they mean to you). I think that's what Thanksgiving is really about; not glossing over all the bad things that happened over the past year, but remembering the silver linings.

That's why we need this holiday, and that's why you shouldn't skip it. So please, don't put up your trees and your lights until at least Black Friday, and don't think of Thanksgiving as just an excuse to pig out and watch TV (although I will admit that's always fun).

And in honor of having a grateful spirit, here's a list of five things I'm thankful for this year:

1. My brother getting married to the love of his life

2. God providing the right financial aid for me to attend Asbury University

3. Making new friends at college

4. Getting to go to New York over the summer to receive a Scholastic Art and Writing Award in Science Fiction at Carnegie Hall

5. And, as always, family.

Your list probably isn't the same as mine, and that's okay. Whatever it is that has made the past year meaningful, thank God for it.

P.S. #6 will always be homemade mashed potatoes.