As my final holiday season before embarking into adulthood approaches, here are ten reasons I hold the holiday season close to my heart.

1. Sledding

It seems like it has been a lifetime since there was a good time to sled, and as the years pass, it would be nice to take a trip back to childhood at least one more time before life as an adult begins.

2. The Seasonal Treats

This is a wonderful time of year to enjoy warm treats such as hot chocolate or vanilla chai! Always be on the lookout for those new concoction flavors they make available for your coffee.

3. Caroling

After Thanksgiving (although nowadays the season is creeping up before) a wonderful collection of Christmas music is released throughout the radio, and it really is the most wonderful time of the year. Go on a joyride with your friends, sing some carols! T’is the season.

4. Movie Nights

Since the sun sets around 4:30 nowadays, the winter season is the perfect time to throw on some classics such as Elf and Home Alone. Huddle up in a blanket and grab some popcorn with your friends and family!

5. The Snow Days

Although we have yet to see any snow, here in New England especially snow is a recurring joy (and nightmare) that is always a pleasure for kids who attend school on a regular basis. It provides an excellent occasion to stay in and enjoy some quality time with your family! (Just be sure to help your parents shovel should they need it).

6. Winter break!

Ah yes, that wonderful week-and-a-half long break that every boy and girl looks forward to. Although Mom and Dad can hardly wait for school to start again, this break is probably the most hyped up of all vacations given to students.

7. Hockey, Hockey, and More Hockey!

Hockey is such a wonderful sport to watch, and if it’s cold enough and you have the skill not to fall, pond hockey with some friends is a blast! (Make sure it’s cold enough, though.)

8. The Abundance of Warmth

Part of the reason the winter is so special is that the cold air means we must bundle up! There’s no better feeling than having bundled up in a warm jacket, scarf, and hat while sipping on some hot cider in the cold air.

9. Shopping

This seems like more of a hassle than something to look forward to. Hopefully the art of giving and receiving holds true, and you receive some awesome presents! If receiving presents isn’t something that always happens for you, then check out Black Friday and Cyber Monday (if you have the patience) for some awesome sales!

10. The Countdown

The countdown to Christmas is honestly more fun that Christmas itself. The pure excitement is one of a kind, a type you’ll only experience every December.

Hopefully you have something special to look forward to this holiday season. Make sure to spend the season with someone close to you. No matter who it is, everyone deserves to enjoy the holiday season with friends and family.