The holiday season comes in all shapes and sizes for many of us. There are so many things going on this time of year — parties, exams, family get togethers, fundraisers — you name it. There are so many things going on in our lives that it may become hard for us to stop and realize just how thankful we are. Now I cannot speak for everything on this list, because some of these things do not apply to everyone. However, the next time you get frustrated or angry from the holidays, refer to this list to ease that stress.

Things to be thankful for…

1. A healthy body

Isn’t walking around in the mall for hours looking for presents just exhausting? How many times have you complained that your feet hurt from shopping, or how frustrated you are that you have to go out and shop? Never mind this nonsense, we should be thankful for the ability to do just that. The human body is amazing in its own self. You are able to exercise as you please, have conversations on the phone, drive yourself places, breathe with ease and participate in endless activities. We must be thankful and fortunate to have a healthy working body because there are others out there during this holiday season that may not even have the ability to drive themselves to the store to buy a present for their loved ones like we can.

2. Money to buy presents

Whether it's a small or large amount, I bet you are spending at least a little bit of money on presents this year. We should stay humble for the money we have to spend on gifts for our loved ones.

3. Family to spend the holidays with

They are annoying, they ask you questions you do not necessarily wish to answer, and they can be so embarrassing. But could you ever imagine spending the holidays without them? (Don’t answer that!) The holidays would be lonely and boring without your brother’s joke gifts and your family gatherings.

4. Exams to study for

Now I know this sounds crazy, but have you ever realized how thankful you are to have tests to study for? You have the ability to learn and obtain new information. You have the ability to attend school and to get a degree that will further you to find a job and make your own money someday.

5. Snow!

Snow makes everything beautiful, and brings about some of the best sports alive (in my opinion!). Even if it is miserable to shovel and causes you to have to wear multiple layers, it is something to be thankful for. Waking up on Christmas morning to a layer of snow outside is one of the most heartwarming feelings in the world. And you cannot forget that snow gives you the ability to go skiing, snowboarding and sledding.

6. Food

We have access to food! Many of us have homes to return to stocked with many options of food to eat. Be thankful for your ability to have access to food any time of the day.

7. Friends to miss

No matter if we are at home or away for the holidays. I bet there are people we miss and we wish we could spend the holiday season with. This is something to be extremely thankful for. It means that we have good friends that we love and cherish, which is something better than any gift we could receive.