When we were little, it was easy to get into the Christmas spirit. Our parents encouraged us to make our Christmas lists to mail to Santa—I still remember typing out my wish list, addressing it to Santa, and putting it in our mailbox. But now as adults, it is important to get a little extra Christmas-y during December with new and unique traditions each day because Christmas only comes once a year and can be celebrated—no matter what age one is.

I am so fortunate to have found Caleb, my insanely-Christmas-spirited boyfriend (insanely-spirited in a good way, of course). He reminds me to be a kid again. He has so many traditions with his own family that I admire, and I know that I can’t wait to combine our traditions later in our life together. So, because of this, I would like to share why it’s imperative to be in Christmas spirits: family and happiness.

The Christmas spirit brings families together. Because I am in college, there aren’t many ways to feel the spirit. Of course, my friends and I enjoy buying presents and watching movies, but I don’t get to see my family until after final exams are over. So, when I come home, I am expected to see the Christmas tree up and lit, decorations lining our outside gutters, and a hearty, homemade meal awaiting me. Family brings out the best in me—it shows me warmth and comfort. And during Christmastime, all I want to do is be with them and feel this type of once-a-year love. Family is the key to enjoying Christmas. Find someone you can call family whether it be a mom, a relative, or a friend.

It’s important to celebrate Christmas because it’s hard to be a scrooge. With all the advent calendars, Christmas lights, sing-a-long tunes, hot cocoa, and shopping, how could one be? It takes more effort to hate than to love. To make someone happy, you must be happy. And to do that, you should be with the people you love and do what you love. Make Christmas your Christmas—be happy, eat all you can, make traditions, and wait for Santa Claus.