We’ve barely gotten out of our Halloween candy-coma and I’m already begging to put up my Christmas Tree.

As a kid the holidays meant food, family, and presents. As a college student the holidays means the greatest gift of all, rest.

It’s been one of those weeks, the kind that has the most amazing highs and the most crumbling lows all packed into 7 days. We’re half way through the semester; the stress of classes and exams on top of trying to do life in general is in full swing. The world is spinning, and it’s not slowing down for anyone. In the midst of all this the only thing I want to do is curl up with my favorite fuzzy socks and blanket with a fire roaring and cold weather knocking at my front door.

If the sleigh bells aren’t ringing within the next week I will gladly drive to hobby lobby and purchase an excess of them because it’s about time to spread some holiday cheer. Granted Sleigh bells never really ring where I’m from, the beginning of November has arrived and our desert town is still pushing 90 degrees.

There is a fair share of Scrooge’s out there who are completely appalled at the thought of me starting to play Christmas music on November 1^st, but why wouldn’t I be excited for two months filled with celebrating the birth of my Savior and the love of family and friends? I think of the holidays and I can’t help but smile, anticipating the sound of my little cousins running around the house, my uncles yelling over a football game, my aunts laughing in the dinning room, and the inevitable family drama that happens every holiday season is something that I cherish now more than ever.

My impatient heart is longing for sweater weather, family, giving thanks, and just plain giving.

The world is about to collectively spread joy, isn’t that amazing? People are about to willingly make an effort to give more and love more, no matter what they believe in. This joy, it’s contagious, and the world is about to become infected.

“For unto you is born this day in the City of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:11.

There it is, the greatest joy of all, the center of my holiday season shenanigans. You see I will gladly immerse myself in a Hallmark Holiday season, but my joy comes from celebrating a birth that changed the world.

A season fully focused on faith and family, with some milk and cookies thrown in the mix. This is why I can’t wait to play my Christmas music loud and proud the first chance I get.

The countdown to the most wonderful time of the year has begun, so jump on the bandwagon. The world is about to become a lot more merry and bright and I for one could not be more excited.