December 1st. The day where it's finally 100% acceptable to jam to Christmas music while wearing your new festive holiday socks and feasting off of stocking candy. If you're not a total Grinch, the month of December probably holds a special place in your heart. The holidays are right around the corner and that puts (mostly) everyone in a great mood. After all, it is the most wonderful time of the year, right? If you know me, you know December means more to me than just the holiday festivities and traditions; it's my (beloved) birthday month. Yes, I said birthday month. For those of us who love birthdays, it's only fair to make a month long celebration out of it. Here are some of my absolute favorite things that make my birthday nothing shy of the best day (or week...or month...) ever.

1. The excitement.

2. Spending my birthday with friends.

My birthday wouldn't be as fun without the ones who support my love for it, right!?

3. The extra birthday attention.

I can only hope this is how I'll be awoken on my birthday someday. Who doesn't love the extra attention their birthday attracts?

4. The lack of shame.

If you don't share a similar liking for birthdays, I feel bad for you. But I won't apologize for loving mine.

5. Birthday dinners.

Dinner always tastes better when it's free or it's your birthday dinner (or both...). Plus it's most likely followed by a free dessert, so that's pretty cool.

6. The birthday celebrations.

What Phoebe said. Birthday celebrations are the absolute best.

7. The cake (and maybe ice cream, too).

Cookie cake, chocolate cake, vanilla cake...I don't mind! Cake has got to be one of the best things about birthdays. Especially when it's topped with ice cream.

8. Birthday Parties.

What could be better than when you realize your birthday falls on a weekend this year?

9. Presents (!!!)

If you say you don't like presents, you're probably lying. Presents are great. Especially when you're a poor college student.

10. Taking a million and one pictures.

Ordering those giant number balloons just for a cute picture? Check. Color coordinating your friend group's outfits when you leave to go out for the night? Check. The cute Instagram pictures are worth the hassle.

11. Receiving handwritten birthday cards.

Call me crazy, but I actually do like to read the messages written to me by friends and family within birthday cards. The cash is just an added bonus!