Ah, it’s that wonderful time of year again. The end of the semester is nearing (good luck my dears), the temperatures are dropping, and the leaves are almost gone. But the holidays are quickly approaching or have already passed. Here’s why I love this time of year.

1. Thanksgiving

Mm, yummy. Thanksgiving is the day my family gets together and eats a ridiculous amount of food. It’s a time of laughter and catching up, and even though my Thanksgivings are usually spent with at least three or four small children (yikes), it’s all worth it. I hope your Thanksgivings were just as awesome!

2. Black Friday

I know some of you are probably deathly afraid of Black Friday shopping, but it’s never bad when my mom and I go out. She and her mom used to go, and once I was old enough, I joined them. My mom and I have been going out every year for about 10 years now. It’s a girl’s day, just the two of us, where we shop all day for our loved ones and catch up with each other. It’s lots of fun, and I wouldn’t trade it for the world.

3. The Weather

I know what you’re thinking—ew, the weather sucks. But it’s such good cuddling weather! Think about it: days are getting darker and colder, the wind is blowing and whistling, with the last few leaves skittering across the ground. Rain (or maybe sleet) is pattering against the windows. It’s a perfect night for a fire, some hot chocolate, a book or a movie, and cuddles…with a fuzzy creature or your SO.

4. The Food

I know I mentioned Thanksgiving already, but the food in general is awesome. Everything smells like cinnamon and marshmallows or mint and pine…mm, there’s so much food around and it’s all sweet and good and filling…this is not going to help the diet I may (or may not) have tried starting..

5. The Music

Guys, it’s almost Christmas. I love Christmas music. We only hear it once a year and it’s all about snow and love and cuddles and snowball fights, and it’s fantastic. Most of it is bright and cheery, full of jingle bells, sleigh rides, and Jack Frost nipping at your nose. There’s just something magical about the music, and I am so excited for it.

6. Christmas

Speaking of which. Who doesn’t love Christmas? The garlands, the lights, and snow—which hopefully will actually show up this year—are all so pretty. The presents are also awesome. I love getting presents, but I also love giving them. I love finding the perfect gift for someone and then watching their face light up when I give it to them. Happy Gifting!

7. Family

I know this isn’t true for everyone, but for me, this part is the best. I love seeing my family and getting caught up with everyone and hearing stories. Days full of food, fires, laughter and after-dinner conversations. There’s nothing like it in the world, and even though my family drives me crazy sometimes, there’s isn’t anything or anyone who could replace them.

It’s the most wonderful time of they year, even though it’s also the craziest time of year. But I love it, and I can’t wait to spend it with the people I love most.