According to the song, Christmas is “the most wonderful time of the year.” I like to think that's true. Like most people, I love this time of the year. Presents are always great, but there are so many other reasons to love the holiday season.

1. The weather

Cold weather is underrated. I love summer as much as the next person, but I love feeling the cold air on my face.

2. The clothes

Because of all that great cold weather, we can wear the clothes that spent half the year in the back of our closets. Scarves, sweaters, coats, boots—you name it, they’re all amazing. During the summer time, I miss layering and creating beautiful outfits. There’s also something amazing about putting your feet in fuzzy boots and a chunky sweater that really puts you in the holiday mood.

3. The holidays

Whether you celebrate Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanza, or another holiday around this time, winter basically wins the holiday game. There’s also a special feeling in the air around these days. And even when the holidays tragically end, you can still look forward to the next winter when they all come back.

4. Break

Since I’ve been a student for my entire life, I’ve always looked forward to December because I knew I’d only be in school for half the month. The other half I usually spend reading, drawing, or catching up on the shows that school forced me to miss, but regardless, winter break is always appreciated.

5. The drinks

Give me a moment here to sound basic. Fall is great and so are its pumpkin spice everythings, but winter season drinks are by far the best. Peppermint mochas and hot chocolates, egg nog, cinnamon spice lattes, etc. are the only reasons I go to coffee shops at all. And peppermint-flavored anything will make my whole day better.

6. Shopping

Shopping is more fun during the winter time. I can’t explain why or how, but it just is. Maybe it’s because of the cuter clothes (see #2) or maybe it’s because most stores have great sales and make you feel like spending $100 just to get free shipping is worth it.

7. Snow days

Being in college is tough since even though we’re outside more than high schoolers, we still don’t get as many snow days. But that just makes me appreciate them more. And the greatest days are the ones where I get a text from school at three in the morning telling me that the university is closed.

8. The darkness

I understand that sounds bleak and depressing, but I’ve never seen darkness as either of those things. To me, darkness is calming and tranquil and helps me unwind. And since it gets darker earlier in the winter time, I have more time to enjoy the nighttime. Plus, the Christmas lights at the beginning of winter bring a beautiful cheer to any cold night.