It all started my Freshman year, living in a dorm with three other random girls, uncertain of what type of relationships I would create with them. We got to know each other more and more and our friendships grew stronger as we started bonding with the girls who lived across the hall from us. By the end of that year, we had formed a group of friends that had varying personalities and backgrounds. Everyone added a unique aspect to our newfound group and no one was afraid to be their true selves. Now that it has been a little more than a year of knowing one another, no longer living right across the hall, we make the best of the moments we have when all of us are together. Recently, we had a Secret Santa gift exchange which had an abundance of laughter, hot chocolate, and impromptu photoshoots. These are the people that are my make my home away from home so sweet.

A string of lights illuminated the edges of the grass outside in the backyard, what did that mean, mini photoshoots of course! These two pictured above are roomies this year and are both nursing majors. They are the sweetest individuals who would do absolutely anything for anyone. That's why we love them so much!

I absolutely love this picture, she is the raddest gal out there and I am lucky enough to call her my friend. Our Secret Santa turned more into a gift exchange since we all knew who brought what bag, which in many ways made it that much more special. In this case, she received a pair of fuzzy socks, with ALOE! I think every girl has a weak spot for fuzzy socks, especially during the holidays.

As an RA this year, her time is precious, with meetings and a busy schedule on top of academics being able to hang out with her is always great! This is the person who is the "mom" of the group, and not in a lame way, it's actually in the exact opposite. Our group would be completely lost with the one who organizes and has everything together.

These two are peas in a pod. They're roommates, both from Idaho, and can make anyone laugh, practically soul sisters. If anyone ever needs a helping hand or someone to laugh with or to have a serious conversation with, these are the ones who are there by my side. They never fail to make our group smile.

A Cali native and a crazy blonde never fail to keep the conversations going. Whether it be going to the grocery store or going to a party, it is always fun being around these two. Need fashion advice? Go to them. Shopping buddy? Go with them. Need someone to hype you up? Yep, you guessed it, go to one of them!

Her ugly Christmas sweater consisted of silver and black sequins. When you brush them down it shows the word "nice", while on the other hand going upward it creates the word "naughty". Obviously the Ugly Christmas Sweater Award goings to this girl. With a reserved, quiet first impression of her, I quickly learned this is not the case. Sarcasm is her middle name.

As the host of our Secret Santa, she provided us with a plentiful amount of hot chocolate, mini pizzas, and yard games. The most beloved thing about her is her laugh. It can be summed up in one word: CONTAGIOUS! You could have no idea what the conversation was about but if she laughs there's no doubt you'll start laughing as well.

Finally, me. I am the one who is so thankful for all of these ladies. They are the ones who I now consider family. I tell dad jokes and bring my camera just about everywhere so I will never miss out and capture moments such as these.

If you've read this far, one, thank you and, two, you might be wondering why any of this matters? I took these pictures and wrote this post to remind you to appreciate those around you, especially during the Christmas season. If the people around you are not making you a better person or surrounding you with friendship and love, they are not worth your time. I am lucky enough to know an amazing group of girls that I would do anything for. College is a funny place where complete strangers turn into lifelong friends.