Halloween was fun and everything, but November is here which marks the start of the best time of the year, the holiday season! The following is a list of things I know I am looking forward to doing and finishing out 2015 to start a brand new year!
Thanksgiving (November 26)
Ah, Thanksgiving. A day full of football, floats, and food. While starving yourself to have maximum room for stuffing as much food in your face as possible, you distract your hunger with the Macy's Day Parade and football! All of this years favorite characters made into massive floats and marched down the streets of New York. Thousands of people, crowded together in the cold to celebrate the holidays and the family or friends that surround you. It's the day where your juice cleanse goes out the window to make room for turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberries, pies, and all the other food your family likes to include. Silverware hitting plates, glasses clinking, and the laughter of your loved ones around you. I'm drooling just thinking about it.
Black Friday (November 27)
Shopping addiction goes is in full swing on November 27. Those boots you've been dying for, all the clothes you wish you had, it all feels so obtainable. But then your wallets empty and you cry in the pile of things that you bought that you probably don't need, if you were smart enough there are some presents for your family/friends in the mix too.
Cyber Monday (November 30)
If you have money left over from Black Friday, it's time for Cyber Monday to indulge yourself in the soul-lifting thing we call online shopping. And when the rush is over, you wait a few days for your early Christmas of boxes galore. Score!
Hanukkah (December 7 - December 14)
I didn't grow up Jewish, but I did grow up around a lot of awesome Jewish friends. I got to experience some delicious meals, play dreidel and light the menorah. I'm not an expert, but from the little I have experienced, a week of presents sounds awesome!
Christmas Eve (December 24)
Baking cookies for Santa. Maybe another big holiday meal. Ugly Christmas Sweaters. Gingerbread houses. Candy canes. Christmas lights. Need I say more?
Christmas Day (December 25)
Santa came to town and you tear open boxes full of goodies. It's a high we feel once a year. Watching the faces of your loved ones when they open a gift they'be been dying for. More food. More family.
New Years Eve (December 31)
Kissing your champagne bottle at midnight because #RelationshipGoals.
New Years Day (January 1)
Time to get on those New Years Resolutions after getting over your hangover. Hit the gym. Work harder. It's a new year! The possibilities are endless.
Another extremely important part of the holiday season is the recognition that not everybody can celebrate the way they wish they could. I am grateful I grew up privileged and with a family who had the means to have enough money to put food on the table and presents under the tree. The holiday season should also be about giving back. While it might not seem like much, even donating one toy or a can of food can make all the difference for a family who doesn't have it as lucky as I did. Volunteer at a soup kitchen. Invite someone you know is struggling to Thanksgiving dinner. Do at least one thing for somebody who needs it. The holiday season is so much fun for some, but for others it is lonely and financially burdening. Happy holidays and happy giving!
