Everyone has a favorite holiday. Christmas, the Fourth of July, Halloween, you name it. Don't get me wrong, I love all of these days too, but my most favorite holiday of them all is Thanksgiving, hands down. Here's why:

1. FOOD

First and foremost, I love Thanksgiving because it is the one day of the year that everyone has an excuse to indulge in an unhealthy amount of delicious home-cooked meals. This may be a biased opinion, but I have some of the best cooks in my family and I love getting to eat everyone's wonderful food!

2. Family Time

Thanksgiving is about more than just the food, though. I love sitting around a big table with the people I love most, and just reflecting on the precious time I have with them. I know I should be thankful for my family everyday and not just on Thanksgiving, but on this day, I'm just a little bit more thankful.

3. Dressing Cute Just to Sit Around the House

I am a huge girl, so naturally, I love getting to dress up and look cute. What's even better than that is the fact that I can look cute and not have to do anything but eat and hang out with my favorite people. I love any excuse to get dressed up, really.

4. Games

Every year for as long as I can remember, I have played some type of game on Thanksgiving. Whether I was playing 31 at my great-grandma's or playing Monopoly with my boyfriend and bribing my mom to play too, I have never been bored on Thanksgiving. I love that my family knows how to have fun.

5. It Means Christmas is Getting Close

Thanksgiving is like a milestone in the countdown to Christmas! Once Thanksgiving is over, it means there are only a few short weeks left until Christmas (and my birthday) and who doesn't love Christmas?! Usually after Thanksgiving, my family puts our Christmas tree up and there are few things I love more than decorating for Christmas.

6. The Pie

I don't know about other people, but my family does not mess around when it comes to desert. One of the best parts about Thanksgiving is getting to eat awesome food, take a nap and then waking up ready for pie!

7. The Leftovers

After Thanksgiving, you have leftovers for days, which means less dishes that have to be done, and less cooking for mom! Now that I am in college, I know I will be extremely thankful for the leftovers this year because that means I get home-cooked meals even when I'm not home!

8. Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

Since I was a little kid, I have always loved the parade. Now even though I am older, it is still a tradition that I keep alive!

9. The National Dog Show

Tell me: who doesn't love watching all the cute dogs prance around on T.V. on Thanksgiving? I know I do.

10. Time to Reflect on What You're Really Thankful For

I know I should be thankful every day of the year, not just on Thanksgiving. On this day when you're surrounded with friends and family that you love, good food, and a roof over your head, it is easier to think about all the privileges you have that other people might not.

So on this holiday, I hope you take the time to reflect on the things you're grateful for and spend time with the people you love the most.