The holidays are a time when people are nicer, the weather is colder, and the decorations are brighter. No matter where you're from, Christmastime is filled with endless shopping, the smell of cookies baking, and the hope for a bit of snow to fall before the 25th. I can't argue that Christmas is, without a doubt, the best time of the year no matter where you are, but for those of us who live in Westchester County, Christmas is especially amazing.

1. We live so close to New York City.

Anyone who lives in Westchester County prides themselves on the fact that we are basically born and bred native New Yorkers. Being just a short train ride away from the most amazing city in the world will bring you face to face with endless Christmas magic. From the huge tree in Rockefeller Center to ice skating in Bryant Park, there is no shortage of holiday activities. It's a favorite pastime to go shopping at the various holiday pop up markets and to walk around the city to see the window decorations. Nothing beats a Christmas season in New York City.

2. The Westchester Mall.

With an endless number of presents to buy, you can't find any place better to do your shopping than at The Westchester. Home to some of the classiest and most expensive stores, there's no excuse for not finding the perfect present. Don't have that much money to spend? Not to worry! Bath & Body Works, Victoria's Secret, Abercrombie, and Sephora are only a few of the more affordable stores that you can visit.

3. Endless sledding options.

Every town in Westchester has amazing hills that turn into the perfect snowy terrain for a good day of sledding. As soon as the first snow sticks, golf clubs and parks are taken over by children in colorful coats with their sleds in hand. You'll be sure to get tired after walking up these hills a handful of times. Even though the thrill only lasts for 20 seconds, sledding down the biggest hill you can find is always a challenge that is never passed up.

4. The house decorations.

Families in Westchester get really competitive when it comes to lighting up their houses during this special season. On any given night you can spot families driving around to look at the beautiful decorations. Everyone knows that one house in their town that has the best and the brightest lights. It wouldn't be Christmas in one of the richest counties in the nation without families spending thousands of dollars to light up their house!

5. Santa's Mailbox.

In towns across Westchester these red "Letters to Santa" pop up in early December. Kids of all ages are encouraged to write their letters to Santa and drop them in this special express postal services that delivers them right to the North Pole. If you're lucky and really good, you might even get a handwritten letter back from the jolly man himself!

6. The Nutcracker.

Can't make it to NYC to see this most well-known show? The Westchester Ballet Company puts on an amazing showing of The Nutcracker every year. It's definitely a must-see, and kids of all ages will love it too!

7. Playland Ice Rink.

Everyone's heard of Playland, the amusement park that's located in Rye, NY. Even though the loved park is closed during the winter, their amazing ice skating rink is still open! It's a great winter activity to do with your family and is only a short drive away! This rink is home to many great hockey teams, and when the full size rink is not being used for practice, it's open to the public.

8. Snow.

Westchester County is home to some of the prettiest towns in the nation. Add a beautiful layer of white, fluffy snow and you have a winter wonderland. A snowy day here gives everyone an excuse to go out and play, or to stay inside with your family in front of a fire with hot chocolate in hand.

9. "Cutting" Down Your Christmas Tree

Even before Thanksgiving, you start to see numerous pop-up Christmas tree shops appear. It's always a tradition to go to one of these places with your family and pick the best tree you can find. These trees were always pre-cut, but there was a certain satisfaction to seeing your tree be wrapped in that plastic netting and hoisted onto the roof of your mom's Subaru.

10. Christmas Parties at the Club.

Westchester County is filled with different country clubs that always throw amazing Christmas parties. From Winged Foot to Apawamis, to Willow Ridge, no club passed up the opportunity to spread some holiday cheer. It didn't matter if you weren't a member of one yourself. You had enough friends who belonged that you were almost always invited to tag along.

Need more reasons? Take a trip to Westchester County this Christmas to see what all the hype is about. You won't be disappointed. There's a reason why we called it the "Bestchester!"