Andy Williams was right when he graced our radios with “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” creating the most accurate song to listen to during all of December. While the holiday season can seem like a stressful time period, it can also be a day filled with memories that will last a lifetime. Whether it is the food, presents, decorations, or just the entire day of Christmas, this is why Christmas is the best holiday there is.

You’re surrounded by friends and family.
Being with friends and family during the holidays creates memories for years to come. Being with loved ones during the holiday is something not everyone can do. Some people who live in other parts of the world do not have the ability to see their family as often as once a year. Flights can be expensive, transportation schedules can get canceled, and weather can be a factor to alterations. But for those who are able to spend time with their loved ones, it is a magical time filled with love and laughter. Friends who are no different than family can be just as big of a part to the holiday celebrations.

Decorations.
Whether it is the classic nutcracker, pillows and blankets that are Christmas themed, or any type of signs, statues, figures, nativity scenes, etc. this can make a house look like a home. The color green and red can make a room pop with hints of gold and sparkling white. The festive decorations can make a room stand out and make just about anyone and everyone smile.

Lights.
Christmas lights are a major key to decorating and the one decoration that highlights the outside of the house. Although they are a pain in the butt to put up and take down, they can make a house look so much more festive, and give people a reason to drive around and stare at lights.

The Tree.
Speaking of decorating and lights, the tree is the mothership of decorations. The lights and ornaments that highlight the presents under the tree can be one of the most fun-filled parts of decorating. The ornaments can symbolize a plethora of different memories of places where you collected them along the way. Ornaments can be a collection that grows each year and creates stories to tell for years to come.

Baking cookies.
Baking cookies during the holiday season is great because there are many different cookies to bake. Christmas tree, snowmen, gingerbread men, ornament shaped, plain old sugar cookies, and so much more. Aside from cookies, there’s fruit cake to make (not my personal favorite) and just about any and all sorts of baked goods. Don’t forget about gingerbread houses that pair great with hot chocolate or apple cider.

There’s an entire genre of movies and music.
Christmas movies can be a tradition within itself. There are so many classic movies out there that we all look forward to watching during “ABC Family’s 25 Days of Christmas.” Or should I say “Freeform” now… If your childhood didn’t consist of watching “A Christmas Story,” “Miracle on 34^th Street,” or “It’s a Wonderful Life,” then your childhood was not filled with Christmas joy. But if you were lucky enough to watch these movies, you know just about every classic Christmas song from “Jingle Bells,” to “Baby, It’s Cold Outside.”

Mariah Carey and Michael Buble come out of hibernation.
Speaking of great music, Mariah Carey came out with “All Want for Christmas Is You,” in 1994. It’s still a big hit in 2016 that everyone still knows all the words to. Michael Buble’s Christmas Album is one of the most successful Christmas albums of all time. When the holiday season hits, the two artists come out for all to hear and sing along to.

You have an excuse to wear an Ugly Christmas sweater.
Ugly Christmas sweater parties are some of the greatest parties to go to. It gives you an excuse to whip out your Grandma’s sweater she knitted in the 80’s and rock it at a cookie decorating party where you drink way too much eggnog or hot chocolate with Bailey’s cream.

Eggnog.
Speaking of eggnog. The food gods created this wonderful drink that only comes out during the holidays and is filled with absolute yummy goodness. Whether you drink it in a latte, or just drink it plain, this wonderful yummy treat can go great with booze or by itself. Side note: NEVER, ever trust anyone that says they dislike eggnog. There’s something incredibly wrong with them.

Santa.
Ahh, the jolly old plump man with a white beard. Kris Kringle, St. Nicholas, whatever you may call him, is the man that filled our childhood. The idea of Santa starts at a young age where your parents tell you he delivers presents to all the boys and girls around the world overnight. He has help from his reindeer who flies him in his sleigh, and it is his elves that make all of our presents up at the North Pole where he and Mrs. Claus reside. As a child believing in this story can be the highlight of Christmas. When you finally find out the truth it can be the most heart-wrenching, childhood crushing news you’ll ever find out. But when you have children of your own the cycle of faith recreates itself when you can reenact leaving milk and cookies for Santa.

It’s not just a day, but rather a season.
Unlike all the other holidays Christmas has something so unique to it. Sure, for Halloween we prepare for a month of what costume we want. But Christmas is an entire season that everyone can come together. As you pass strangers on the street there is something much more uplifting about them. They now take a moment to stop and smile at you and spread Christmas joy. People are so much more giving because they want to give back to everyone to ensure that everyone feels loved and okay during the holiday season. It’s a beautiful time for all to come together.

As Christmas is coming around the corner it is important to remember the simple beauty of Christmas. Whether it is the gift of giving or the simplicity of baking cookies with loved ones, Christmas is a time for all to come together and celebrate this beautiful time of year.