Sister: a female friend or protector. We as people are not always good at being grateful. We fly through our busy days, forgetting to say thank you to the barista or failing to call back a relative who left us a message days ago. Papers are due, deadlines are approaching, and we just keep going and going, sometimes letting important "thank you's" slip through the cracks.

Fortunately, this time of year is a little different. The holidays tend to be a time of reflection on the things that matter most in this world. What I value most are the relationships I build with others. Now, this article could have been written about any number of significant people who have touched my life, but today I'm writing about sisters.

I believe we are blessed with a number of sisters throughout our lives. Maybe they're biological, maybe they're not. As we enter this holiday season, I find myself appreciating a lot of the sisters in my life. I could never make a list that would do my sisters justice, but here is an ever so brief "thank you" to all that they have done. Sisters, thank you for...

1. Telling it like it is

Thanks for telling me those shoes did not work or that I needed to shower or that hot pink wasn't my color. I appreciate it all.

2. Doing nothing with me

Couch. Netflix. Food. Done.

3. Doing everything with me

From the nights where we're out until 2 a.m. to the times I want to go grab Chinese in our pajamas, thank you for being up for anything.

4. Being my biggest fan

I am well aware that I don't deserve unconditional support in everything I do, but thank you for giving it to me anyway.

5. Not needing words to communicate

Enough said.

6. Being crazy with me

It doesn't matter if we look insane as long as we look insane together.

7. Making the tough moments easier

Somehow you make those miserable moments bearable.

8. Having high expectations for me

You have always seen potential in me and don't let me forget it.

9. Listening to me

It may not seem important, but just being there to listen to me vent is something I appreciate more than you know.

10. Making my problems yours

It is so comforting knowing that whatever problem I face, I won't be facing it alone.

11. Standing up for me

When I'm not strong enough to do it for myself, you're there to do it for me.

Again, I know this list is not complete. It would be impossible to thank my sisters, biological and otherwise, for every single thing they do. Let's just cover our bases and say thank you for simply existing.