The holiday season is truly the best time of the year. Everyone seems to be happier, children seem to smile more, and the overall mood of everyone seems to be jollier. When you drive down the street, the lights twinkle on the sides of houses, the snow on houses and yards shimmer in the light, and the giant inflatable Santa's and snowmen in the neighbors front yards always put a smile on your face.

Everyone has those special things they look forward to around Christmas time. Those things make you smile just thinking about them and leave you with a warm feeling inside. Here are some of my top ten BEST parts about Christmas:

1. The Cookies.

During the holidays, there is a lot of good food. Christmas cookies, however, are definitely up there in best foods of Christmas time. Whether it's sugar cookies shaped like Christmas trees, homemade chocolate chip cookies, or a special kind your mom or aunt only make around the holidays, there is something about Christmas time that makes these cookies taste amazing.

2. Christmas Dinner.

In my family, prime rib is the big Christmas meal. No matter what you have, whether it's ham, lasagna, turkey, or whatever, this is one of the best meals you have all year. The mashed potatoes, rolls, corn, and casserole, all add to this amazing meal and definitely is something I look forward to every year.

3. The Lights.

There is something about driving down the street during Christmas time that instantly makes you smile. Seeing all the lights light up all the houses is so beautiful and always fun to see.

4. My Birthday.

I'm a December baby so I definitely look forward to Christmas time. So many people ask me if I hate having my birthday so close to Christmas, but let me tell you, I love it! During my birthday month (yes I have a birthday month), I get to enjoy beautifully decorated houses, great food, and get to spend so much time with my family. What else could you ask for on your birthday?

5. Christmas Movies.

Elf, The Grinch, Home Alone, Christmas with the Cranks, Rudolph, and The Year Without a Santa Claus. The list goes on and on with the best Christmas movies to watch. No matter which movie is your favorite, these movies always make you the happiest.

6. Being With My Family.

Being able to share funny stories and spend time with your family is always something I look forward to.

7. Christmas Music.

In my family, my mom and brother start listening to Christmas music basically the day after Halloween. Christmas music is just so fun to listen to. You only get to listen to this kind of music once a year so when Christmas music starts playing, it instantly makes everyone excited.

8. Decorating the Christmas Tree.

Playing Christmas music, eating some cookies, and decorating the tree. Whether its real or fake, being with your family decorating that tree is such a blast and putting up certain ornaments brings back so many memories that are always fun to talk about.

9. Christmas Cards.

Christmas cards are such a blast to get in the mail. You get to see how much everyone has grown up in a year and are just so cute to get. At my house, we have a whole wall designated for these cards so everyone else can enjoy them too!

10. The Overall Holliday Spirit.

The music, the food, the movies and the decorations put everyone in the Christmas mood. It is such a fun environment to be in and it makes Christmas such a blast.

Everyone loves Christmas. No matter what your age is, it has always been something everyone looks forward to, and always will!