Ahh the most wonderful time of the year. I know you may be thinking, it's not even December, what are you doing writing an article about Christmas? But hey, if you're anything like me, Christmas spirit starts the second Thanksgiving ends (in the wise words of my friend, Thanksgiving is just Christmas foreplay). Here are some of the things I look forward to every year around the holidays:

1. Decor.

Colored lights, ornaments, tinsel...there is no denying that Christmas decor is pretty as hell. Ever been to New York City during the holidays? It is a beautiful and magical experience, 10/10 Christmas fanatics would recommend (see image below if you don't believe me).

2. Friend & Family Time.

As cheesy as it sounds, the holidays are truly all about spending time with the people you care for. Christmas always provides a prime opportunity to travel and see extended family you haven't seen in a while - there's absolutely nothing better than hugging someone you've been missing.

3. Gifts.

Whether you prefer giving gifts or receiving gifts (I am personally a fan of both, ha), each end of the deal is heartwarming. There is no better feeling than finding the perfect present for someone and imagining their face when they open the wrapping paper, and on the other end there is nothing better than getting a meaningful gift that shows how well your friend or family member knows you.

4. Festive Food.

Gingerbread, hot chocolate, cookies...need I say more? Although it's a little less exciting when you're old enough to realize that Santa's not shoving himself down a chimney to come try your cookies, baking (and eating) festive food is the absolute best. Treat yourself, calories don't count at Christmas time ;)

5. Music.

I would be lying to your face right now if I said I wasn't blasting Christmas music while writing this very sentence. I would also be lying if I said I haven't been blasting Christmas music since October. Oops. Shoutout to my homies Michael Bublé and Mariah Carey for never failing to bring the spirit and ~festivity~ every year.

6. Movies and TV.

If you ever meet someone who doesn't like Christmas movies, I would recommend not being friends with them (kidding...kinda). But really, there is nothing more joyous and wonderful than a good Christmas movie: I recommend Elf, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer, Charlie Brown Christmas, and of course Frosty the Snowman. And don't even get me started on how much joy holiday themed episodes of TV shows bring me.

7. Tradition.

With every holiday comes unique family tradition, be it elf on the shelf, making gingerbread houses, or using a specific advent calendar to count down the sleeps till Christmas. Traditions are so special, magical, and have the potential to be super-comforting amidst the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. Cherish them and hold on to them!

8. Palpable Love and Spirit

Lastly, Christmas is the absolute best because it brings out the happiness, love, and spirit in everyone. Have you ever seen a sad person in a Santa hat? I didn't think so. Although it's early, I wish a very merry Christmas to everyone reading.