In elementary school, we write about this subject every year. As children, we write about presents and treats, and what Santa may bring us early Christmas day. We track him all night and we are good all year to ensure our security on the nice list. But what is Christmas really about?

Christmas is a time of year the spirit of giving surrounds us. The time of year every home twinkles brightly with the freshly chopped Virginia pine carried all the way down the mountain a couple days ago, now tucked nicely in a corner with beautiful decor on every branch and presents surrounding the base. Also, the time of year people are frantically running around chasing expectations that will hopefully be held to the standards come Christmas morning. Christmas is a joyful time of year that reaches everyone differently. Everyone celebrates in different ways and enjoys different traditions amongst their friend and families and many that we all share in common.

But why is Christmas such a special time for me?

Christmas is my favorite time of year. It's so exciting it starts months in advance! (To some peoples dismay) To me, Christmas is many things. It's the joy you see flashing across your aunts face turning bright red as children zoom across the kitchen partnered with huge smiles when loved ones come bursting through the door bearing presents, laughter, and happiness. It's the smiles and serenity you see expressed on everyone's faces staring down at their mountainous filled plates, patiently waiting (or some not so patiently waiting) to fill their empty bellies with Christmas ham and holiday dishes.

Christmas joy is the warmth your heart feels when your friends and family open their presents to find what they have been waiting for all year but held off on buying it themselves. It's the endless Christmas movies you see scrolling across your television all season long to get you in the spirit to welcome Saint Nick and the cheer he brings. It's the cheerful Santas waving at you from your neighbor's yard and their lights strung from every gutter twinkling in the night. It's the cold nights you spend warming up by the fire, popping popcorn and talking about years past, planning to make new memories with the people you hold so dear. It's such a wonderful time.

Christmas is the most exciting time because it's filled with sweet treats, wonderful people, and a joyful feeling you can't match on a Tuesday morning in March. It's the happiest time of the season and helps lift our spirits for the upcoming year and what's to come. It's the time to open your hearts and fill your belly with warm cocoa and ham because nothing beats a fire, warm cocoa, and the funny Christmas movie airing on Freeform tonight. Whether you're celebrating alone or with too many heads to count, the Christmas spirit will find you even if you pout.