I know we're still in the middle of winter where the days are short and dark and the nights are below freezing. While the winter is fun and exciting, especially with the ever-prevalent hope of a possible snow day, a little bit of seasonal depression might be kicking in for some of us. That is what inspired me to take a step back from the cold and reminisce about what makes the summer the most special time of the year.

1. There is no school

This means no responsibilities no waking up early, no homework, no classes and no studying. These past few summers, I've had to work, which in some way still requires getting up early and having responsibilities. But, come on, summer jobs are nothing like the real world, or the strict school calendar.

2. The days are SO much longer

I can't wait for when it isn't dark at 5:30 and the day feels like it's over even before it really begins. In the summer, getting dinner at 7 p.m. and driving to the beach to watch the sunset seems like the perfect plan. Waiting to eat dinner in the winter until 7 p.m. is the WORST because it's already been dark for close to two hours and my internal clock gets so thrown off.

3. No makeup

There's something that happens when you're tan and happy, the need for makeup goes completely out the window. Either you're going to the beach later that day, or you just don't even think of it because your skin is finally clearing up from the dryness of the dark winter days.

4. Bathing suit and shorts—NO COAT

Not being able to walk outside without bundling up in a coat, hat, gloves, scarf, two pairs of pants, and snow boots is getting a little old. In just a few months, we'll be sweating in just shorts and a tank top, and I cannot wait.

5. Better vibes

For whatever reason, everyone is genuinely more kind and happy in the summer.

6. Bonfires with best friends

This is something my friend group executes perfectly and it is the best because I grew up around fires every Sunday in the summer and a week-long vacation where every night was closed around a bonfire.

7. Driving with all the windows down

Coming home from the beach or work with all the windows down, but the AC still blaring— I don't really know what it is but it's amazing.

8. Laying on top of the covers

Even though you're only wearing an oversized T-shirt and the AC is on, for whatever reason, there's just no way u can stay under the covers. You'll probably wake up in an hour sweating profusely but, still, there is something amazing about this.

9. Vacations

Whether it's a mid-day road trip with no destination or week-long trips to the beach, everything is just so much more fun and enjoyable.

10. Staying up and waking up late

In the wise words of Luke Bryan, "Sunrise, sunburn, sunset. Repeat."