I used to not be such a ‘Scrooge’ about the holidays. I loved decorating the Christmas tree, watching classic holiday movies, sitting by the fire, and spending time with my family. But that was then.

Nowadays the holidays just seem to bring more stress.

I’m home from college, where everyday I’ve got something planned, scheduled, or due. My ideal winter break would be staying in bed as much as possible, possibly to beat the world record of how many consecutive hours a human can nap. (All I want for Christmas is some sleep, people.)

So why are some of us so stressed out?

Money

It doesn’t grow on trees. Gifts are expensive, and when you have a long list of loved ones to buy presents for when you’re a struggling college student, shopping can be a bit more overwhelming than usual. If I could, I’d buy everything at the top of my friends’ and family members’ wish lists and donate money every time I see a Salvation Army donation spot. Can Santa please bring me a job this Christmas?

Family

Don’t get me wrong, I love my family. But when several strong personalities are staying in the same house and sharing every waking minute together over the holidays, tensions start to rise. Fights break out, people get aggravated with one another, someone at some point gets their feelings hurt. Sometimes it’s okay to want to be alone, or at least with a very small group.

Traveling

Delayed flights, long road trips, and weather-induced traffic all equally contribute to the hell that is traveling over the holidays. It’s pretty much the busiest time of the year, so putting a cranky redhead (me) in the midst of all of the hustle and bustle isn’t good for anyone involved. Let’s just spare the drama and leave me to hibernate in my warm and cozy bed.

But you know, even with all of the stress and anxiety that goes along with the holiday season, I can’t deny that every year I feel even more thankful than the last.

I’m thankful that I have any money at all to buy gifts with.

I'm thankful to have people close to me in my life that I love so much.

I’m thankful that I have such a cool and large family to spend the holidays with.

I’m thankful that I have the opportunity to travel wherever I need or want to go for winter break to see the people I love.

I'm thankful for every meal that I eat and every warm bed that I sleep in.

At the end of the day, no matter how stressed out the holidays make you feel, remember that you’re loved and fortunate.

Happy holidays everyone.