It's the most wonderful time of the year!

The holidays are finally here and after this whirlwind of a year, it's safe to say that we could all use a reminder of what life is really about: family and feasts.

Let's not deny that food is as important as family on these occasions.

It can be so easy to forget how blessed we are as we face chaos, ranting Facebook posts, absurd and enviable displays of wealth from celebrities, jealousy invoking Instagram/Instafit posts, and in general, life. It seems perfect that Thanksgiving kicks off the season of giving with the season of thanks, a way to jumpstart our minds into remembering what matters. A way to put us in the best mindset we can be in.

This season, let's give thanks.

Let's give thanks for family. Be it by blood or by choice, this season, above all, we must embrace and cherish those who we call home. Those we call love. We must remind them what they mean to us, thank them for what they have done for us and simply appreciate their part in our lives.

While family may be far, in this modern day of technology, we can also give thanks for the ability to reach these people no matter the distance. From a phone call to a Facebook direct message (please, thank you) and to a skype session, most of us have so many ways to connect with our loved ones. If you think about that, how different that is from even fifteen years ago, it's amazing.

Let's give thanks for the right to voice our thoughts. Despite who may disagree with them, despite what arguments they may cause, we must be thankful to live in a time and place that allows conversation, that fosters a diversity of views and discussion of ideas.

Let's give thanks to opportunity. As many of my friends prepare to head abroad next semester, I can't help but think of all of the chances I, and others, have had, that so many others do not get. They vary, but if you think about your life, it's easy to find something that you had the opportunity to do, witness, or see, that is special or important. A vacation to a unique place, or a vacation to any place, with friends or family. A chance to study abroad. The opportunity to internship with an interesting company, or a company that brings you out of your comfort level, or a company that will push you further in your future. The opportunity to try a new job, to receive a raise, to advance forward. The chance to move away from home, regardless of how scary, and experience a different life than you have known. The chance to hold a newborn baby, witness a toddler's first steps, see a child smile with sheer joy. The opportunity to talk to your grandparents. The list could go on, but there are so many little things that we let be overshadowed by extravagant ventures.

Let's give thanks to our health, and to the health of those we love. This is another gift that we often overlook, as when you have it, you don't think about it. It comes in many forms, but to be physically and mentally healthy is extraordinary. To know that you will make it is incredible.

Let's give thanks to our bodies, for pushing us through. For helping us to run, to think, to dance, and to be here.

Let's give thanks to the pie we're preparing to eat. I know, I know, the entire Thanksgiving feast is delicious, but, as someone who does not necessarily love all of the main foods of thanksgiving, let's not forget the main show, the MVP, dessert. Pumpkin, pecan -- we love you.

Let's give thanks to ourselves. Let us be thankful for what we have accomplished this year, big and small. For our educational feats, our career successes.

Let's be thankful for love, joy, and happiness: the most cliche, but crucial and amazing feelings of the season.

Let's be thankful for online shopping, fluffy blankets, and plush robes. Let's be thankful for unlimited access to Christmas movies, mugs of coffee, and college basketball.

Let's give thanks to horrible dad jokes, to embarrassing parental bragging about the slightly impressive thing you did. We hate them, but we know we must love them.

Let's give thanks to the never-ending amount of hugs and greetings that we are about to give. At the time, we're all thinking, how much more can I really give? Let's not forget how fortunate we are to have so many people to love and celebrate this season.

Above all, let's be thankful for the abundance of wine that will get us through every uncomfortable, or comfortable, holiday event.

Happy Holidays to all!