With the year winding down and finals starting up, it’s important to remember to celebrate the little things. 2016 has been an eventful year full of everything from Harambe memes and big political movements. Whether you think this year has been particularly good or bad, take some time to celebrate this winter and enjoy yourself. It’s almost 2017!

1. Smells A Lot Like Christmas

All the holiday flavors and scents are out in your favorite stores. Pumpkin Spice hasn’t left us yet, but Gingerbread is also creeping up the ranks. Now that it’s December, you can look forward to the smell of pine trees and snow. One of the things that makes December what it is, is the smells. It wouldn’t feel like the holidays if we didn’t have cinnamon and peppermint.

2. School's (Almost) Out

If that’s not something to celebrate, I don’t know what is. For all the students who are currently stressing themselves out over final exams and ten-page papers, the end is near. In just a few short weeks, the fall semester will be over and you’ll be on you way back home. We’ve all reached our breaking points and now it’s time for us to recuperate with some home-cooked food and plenty of mom and dad hugs.

3. The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Now that Thanksgiving’s out of the way, we can finally start getting ready for the holiday we’ve (I’ve) been waiting for - Christmas! Start breaking out the ornaments and Christmas classics because preparing for the holidays is half the fun. The radio stations are playing all the old favorites. Christmas movies are on repeat. Decorations are everywhere, just waiting to be appreciated. There’s something inherently joyful about the holidays and spending time with those you love.

4. Sweater Weather

December is the time for boots, leggings, and sweaters. Bundling up is a key element of the winter season. Now that it’s finally cold outside, we can start drinking hot chocolate and sitting in front of a fireplace. Winter is the perfect time of the year for a solo edition of Netflix-and-chill. Just grab a blanket, pick your poison (be it Stranger Things or Shameless), and cuddle up with your favorite pillow/blanket combo. Getting nice and toasty when it’s cold outside is a great way to enjoy the wintery weather.

5. New Year’s is Right Around the Corner

2017 is approaching fast. December is our last month before we embark on a brand new year. This is our chance to look back on this year and remember our favorite moments. There are only few weeks left in 2016 so we’ve got to do our best to make it count. Hug your friends extra hard, kiss your puppies, and celebrate making it through another year.