To be honest, one of my favorite parts about going to college in Virginia is that it's still socially acceptable to say "Merry Christmas" and "Happy Holidays" around this time of year -- which just happens to be my favorite. Why?

1. Everyone seems just a little brighter.

The cold may be setting in, but everyone seems warmer and everyone's smiles seem a little more welcoming.

2. Christmas music can put anyone in a better mood.

Even with finals and schoolwork and stress over traveling and holiday shopping, the Christmas music playing everywhere has to make you smile. By now, you probably can't help but sing along to Mariah Carey in your head, if not out loud: "I don't want a lot for Christmas, there's just one thing I need..."

3. There's are Christmas movies perfect for any night, and they're always playing.

Sure, some of them may be corny (cough, cough, Hallmark), but some are more touching. There's classic humor in " Home Alone" or "Elf," or for the sentimental types, there's "It's a Wonderful Life" and "Miracle on 34th Street." For the chick-flick lovers, ABC Family (now called Freeform?) usually has some great rom-coms like "Holiday in Handcuffs" or "Snowglobe."

4. Shopping is more fun.

So I might be too old to take pictures with Santa, but seeing him around still makes me happy. And I love all of the festive store displays -- they make buying gifts for people more fun. The lines and traffic might be a pain, but all the deals and offers that come out for Christmastime are kind of worth it.

5. You get an excuse to talk to people you haven't in a while.

Christmastime is the perfect time to get back in touch with extended family, old classmates and former friends -- with a Christmas card, short text or Facebook message, or even a Snapchat. It's the thought that counts, right? And sometimes it can be just the conversation starter you need to reach out to people you used to be close to.

6. Christmas Break means no classes, and no homework.

Unlike Thanksgiving Break, which is really just a teaser for Christmas break, you have no classes -- and no homework to do. Grades come out and you're either happy or disappointed, but aside from that, as college students we get to live in a (temporary) state of bliss and nothing to do all day but lounge around, wake up late, and binge-watch as many TV shows as we want without negative consequences.

7. Spending time with family reminds you that "you is smart, you is kind, and you is important" -- even after being away at college for a while makes you think otherwise.

Family is the best support network most of us have, and getting to see them after a few months really is the best gift of all. Nothing compares to sitting around the dinner table together, sharing stories while driving around in the car, and going new places, making new memories. Although as college kids we like to think we've flown out of the nest completely, being with family recharges us like nothing else can.