Yes, I know Thanksgiving is this week. However, this article is dedicated to all the Christmas fanatics (points at self) who need more than three weeks of holiday cheer in the year. So instead of closing this window, let me try to show you a glimpse into the mind of someone who is overly passionate about Christmas (and maybe convince you to love it more, too). Here are 12 reasons to love Christmas:

1. Christmas foods

From cutout cookies to eggnog to gingerbread houses galore. There isn’t a Christmas food that fails to warm your heart and make you smile.

2. Christmas cards

Christmas cards contain one of two things: adorable babies and puppies or awkward and cheesy family portraits. Either is a win-win, I think.

3. Christmas decorations

Lights, stockings, garland, the list goes on. Not to mention — drumroll, please — the tree! At my house, the entire day after Thanksgiving is set aside to deck the halls and trim the tree.

4. Christmas carols

While I understand people’s issue with carols before Thanksgiving, you only get to listen to these songs for three weeks out of the year before it becomes socially unacceptable. Very few songs exist that everyone can sing along with no matter how old you are.

5. Christmas movie

Some of my favorite movies have to be Christmas movies. This could be because of the memories I have associated with them, but Disney’s 25 Days of Christmas and Hallmark’s Countdown to Christmas can’t be beat.

6. Holiday parties

This is gives everyone you know and excuse to get together, which becomes increasingly harder as people get older and busier.

7. Getting gifts

Who doesn’t love getting free stuff?? Isn’t that what college students live for?

8. Giving gifts

I like giving gifts even more than getting gifts. Being a gift perfectionist, I love seeing the look on people’s faces when they open their presents up.

9. Snow

What could be better than a day of building snowmen, throwing snowballs (which quickly turns into a game of King of the Hill), and sledding all topped off with a cherry in the form of hot chocolate and a fire inside? The answer? Nothing.

10. Vacation

Whether you’re in high school or college, you know you always countdown the days until you’re off from school. Don’t deny it.

11. Family

After being away from family for most of the year because of school, I cherish these moments with them at home. It’s a no-judgement zone. Plus, my parents always cook the best dinners (caf food ain’t got nothing on them).

12. Jesus

He is the whole reason we celebrate Christmas. Who could’ve ever imagined that a little baby in a manger could change the world so profoundly that we still celebrate His coming thousands of years later? Wow. I can never feel anything but gratitude on Christmas because of this.