The holiday season isn’t for everyone... I have to admit, though, I love Christmas. There are so many reasons to enjoy these few weeks of winter because we all are going to hate the ones to follow. Until the 60-degree weather shines through the clouds, once again.

I know, not everyone celebrates Christmas, but I do—so (drumroll please) here’s why I love it so much.

1. The Carols

No, I don’t go caroling. Although I did one year for French club and just muttered the words for the three houses that answered their doors. Anyway, I love Christmas music. I love to listen to Mariah Carey’s “Santa Baby” and Zooey Deschanel’s “Baby It’s Cold Outside.” Playing “Little Drummer Boy” on the piano for my mom while a "Home for The Holidays" Yankee candle burns. This only happens in December. Blaring "All I Want For Christmas" and belting the notes without a care goes without saying when everyone can hardly contain their excitement as Christmas day creeps closer. Even my dad manages to get into the spirit. Who can resist?

2. The Tree

Even though I threw a fit when my parents broke it to me that we were going artificial and demanded pine scented candles to be posted in every room throughout the house, I still love our tree. I love the simple white lights and the maroon bulbous ornaments with the tiny homemade popsicle stick snowflakes from my childhood that hang surrounded by rafia. The skirt filled with presents patiently waiting to opened on that faithful morning still makes me anxious. Lastly, the gold star atop the tree is most certainly a sight to see (clever, right?)

3. Cookies

Cut-outs! Fudge! Molasses! Thumbprint! Oh, the lovely mess all moms, dads, sons, daughters, and grandparents love to make. Decorating Christmas cookies is a no-fail way to gain part of your holiday weight. Frosting, hershey kisses, sprinkles, more chocolate, and of course, breaking half the cookies you try to decorate is the perfect way to start out the season.

4. Gifts

Many people have different definition of the concept of “presents.” Me? Of course, I love presents, who doesn’t? Granted, the meaning of it goes much deeper than that. Presents are the opportunity during Christmas to really show the people you love just how much they mean to you (not by the number of zeroes on the price tag). Getting a meaningful gift can light up someone’s entire soul. It doesn’t even have to be bought, it can be made or it can be a promise. A present can be anything you want it to be, that’s what makes the holiday season so special.

5. Decorations

Some people go all out with the décor, including extravagant blow ups for the front lawn, an entire replica of Santa’s sleigh, or the classic Clark Griswold light’s that can shine throughout the whole neighborhood. I prefer some simple white icicle lights to line the front porch, a little Christmas tree next to the steps, garland in the entry way, and a wreath to hang on the front door. Inside, I have my advent calendar, candles lit in every room, the tree, and perhaps some mistletoe. My dorm room suffices with little red bows tied to white lights— I’m trying.

6. Children’s Faith

Seeing children’s eyes light up at the mention of Santa Claus, their excitement to hear you read them “How The Grinch Stole Christmas,” the wonder of when he’ll be sliding down the chimney to eat the milk and cookies, and leaving the beloved treasures behind when morning will arrive gives the spirit something to hold on to and a reason to celebrate.

7. Coziness

If you don’t love ABC Family’s "25 Days of Christmas," a cup of hot cocoa, and a big blanket, then I’m afraid you’re beyond anyone’s help to save your holiday spirit. Being cozy with the family watching Clark Griswold save the holidays while snow falls outside the window and you keep warm with some hot chocolate as a fire burns in the fireplace is what I look forward to most of all.

8. Christmas Morning

After the hustle and bustle of the holiday season is finally over, the 25^th has arrived and you race downstairs to see what Santa left, that’s the peak of it all. Nothing beats that morning. Literally, nothing.

9. New Years

When all is said and done, a few short days after celebrating with friends and family from all over—we say goodbye to two-thousand-whatever and welcome in the new year with our resolutions we all hope we’ll remember past mid-January.

I wish everyone a safe and enjoyable holiday season. Cherish your time with loved ones and be grateful for being granted another chance to celebrate these blessed holidays. Merry Christmas to all and to all…you get the point.