When Thanksgiving rolled around and I rushed to put up Christmas lights, many people cast a judgmental eye towards me. I get it; I wasn't trying to rush a holiday or discount the feelings of thankfulness that happened on that Thursday. In fact, I am one to speak out against the commercialized Christmas season and would shame anyone that only values the season as the best time to shop. This year, at least in my life, Christmas served a more important purpose.

I think everyone felt that November was hard. People on both sides of the political isle felt they were being ostracized. No one wanted to talk about politics because many people felt like they had nothing to say. Many people were angered with the protests on the legal, environmental, and social issues regarding the North Dakota Access Pipeline. The temperature began to drop and we were left thoroughly unprepared.

But once Thanksgiving ended, it seemed the world breathed a sign of relief. People began to be just a little bit happier. The air smelled of cookies and hot chocolate. The breeze carried the tune of "Home Alone's" version of "White Christmas." My friends broke out their fuzzy socks and ugly sweaters. Meanwhile, our inboxes became annoyingly crammed with holiday coupons that we all took advantage of a little too much. We became a little more bubbly, walking with a spring in our steps. I cut my finger wrapping presents but was excited to show my battle scars.

Then the first snowfall came. Despite the frigid weather, we ran outside and caught snowflakes with our tongues. We started snowball fights and sloshed through dorm halls. It was as if we had never seen anything fall from the sky before.

This Christmas feels like a rejuvenation. It feels as if someone came up to us and said, "Hey, how about a hug and warm cookie?" and we took them and curled up with our blankets to watch "Elf." This was all part of the remedy we needed. We grew nostalgic and longed to snuggle next to our best friends and parents.

So this December, Christmas is especially important. It is a time to revitalize our personal relationships and hope in humanity. We can finally feel united around one common good. So this holiday season, put your reindeer socks on and dance around the living room. Stuff those stockings a little more than last year. And we especially need to remember those who are less fortunate than us. Maybe they can't go home for Christmas or don't have anyone bringing them a secret Santa gift. Maybe they can't use their hand anymore because frostbite has already got to it.

In the words of a famous song, "We need a little Christmas" this holiday season, remember who you love and why you love them; show them this in anyway you can and you will surely "have yourself a Merry Christmas this year."