"Ya'll, Halloween is on Tuesday that's crazy I can't believe Christmas starts on Wednesday."

Hands down my favorite tweet of the week. Well, everyone, it is officially the most wonderful time of the year! (I know that sounded cheesy, but come on it's Christmas time.) I always feel bad for Thanksgiving because don't get me wrong, a day full of sweatpants and an excuse to eat all the great food your mom only makes once a year... it's a good day. But once November hits it really is just all about Christmas. I live in what one may consider a prison cell (sorry Burke West but these dorms really are so small) but now that it's November my little home is completely decked out in all things Christmas and will most likely stay that way until February.

In the midst of all the decorating, present buying, Christmas sweater wearin' parties we can't forget the reason for the season. When I sit down and think about it, it's crazy to me that we were all loved so much by Jesus Christ that he died for us. He died for us. We are forgiven because of Him, we are worthy, we are loved, and we are given an awesome season to rejoice in Him for it. My faith is a super important aspect of my life and going into the holiday season I hope all of you will be reminded of the real reason why we celebrate. "Jesus was God's gift to the world, not just for Christmas but for every single day- your whole life through- and even beyond for all eternity."

Wow. Eternity. We think our life here on earth is so long and drawn out but really this is nothing compared to eternity, this is a little pit stop on the way to the rest of your beautiful life with our Savior.

My family has certain Christmas traditions that have not changed for as long as I can remember. On Christmas Eve, we sit in the living room as a family (my dad, mom, brother and dog of course) and open our presents to each other. This is one of my favorite parts because my dad and I always surprise my mom with something huge because she is so selfless and literally never gets anything for herself, the look on her face is priceless and so heartwarming. That night we go to the Christmas Eve service at our church and it is really something; its silent. The lights are low. We all have candles and at the end, we stand and blow them out and it goes dark for a few seconds.

I think sometimes silence speaks louder than words ever will. During that half hour of listening to the gospel music you have so much time to really reflect and rejoice why we're here and how much we are loved. It's a special moment. Once we get home, we put on our best Christmas pajamas and watch National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, the best movie ever as my dad would say. Then, comes Christmas morning..the best day of the year. I'm 18 and my brother is 16 and I still go wake him up at the crack of dawn to run downstairs and see what "Santa" brought us.

My mom always has our presents laying out as she did when we were little and really thought it was Santa bringing them. (Spoiler alert: I'm sorry if anyone reading this still believed in Santa but I mean, if you do, you're probably too young to be on social media.) I love my families Christmas traditions and I love how much my parents have taught my brother and I what the real meaning of Christmas is, so that I can share that same message with all of you.

I hope this holiday season fills you with happiness, laughter, a few presents, but mostly reflecting on the real reason for the season.