It's easy to get caught up in the excitement of the holidays. To get caught up with family, friends, shopping, and travel. The holidays are the perfect time to reflect on life and to be thankful for everything that we have.Every time I come home, I am greeted with warmth, laughter, joy and love. In the center of it all, stands the two people that hold everyone together- my mom and dad. The people who made me who I am, and helped me achieve everything that I have achieved.

Thank you for making me dream big.

I thank you both for encouraging me to shoot for the stars. You've supported my every dream and always do your best to help me achieve it. Ever since I was younger, you've never let me think that something is impossible, or hard to reach.You've taught me that I can do anything as long as I set my mind to it. You've also told me to have confidence in myself, and to put my heart in everything I do.

Thank you for your never ending support.

Thank you for being my personal cheerleaders. You both celebrate with me whenever I achieve something new, get a good grade, get an internship or do something that scares me. You're there every step of the way, calming me down when I'm freaking out, or bringing me up when I get discouraged. You're the first people I call with good or bad news, no matter what time it is. You both motivate me to do my best, and everything I do is to make you both proud.

Thank you for your positive attitude.

Thank you for seeing the good in everything and everyone. Your positivity has brightened every aspect of my life. You've both met every obstacle with a positive attitude, and you manage to never get discouraged. You encourage me to do the same and to have faith because things will always work out.

Thank you for your kindness and compassion.

Thank you for teaching me to be kind, and to treat people the way I want to be treated. This is perhaps the most important thing you've taught me and I try to live by this every day. I watch you exhibit compassion with everyone that you encounter and I admire how you both put everyone else before yourself, without any complaints. You're happy to do whatever you can for others, especially for our family.

Most of all, thank you for being you. Thank you for being my best friends and biggest fans. I appreciate everything you both do for me and for our family. I couldn't do life without you guys and I'm lucky to have you in my life. Dad- thank you for being my hero. For being there whenever I have a nightmare, whenever I need to fix something, whenever I attempt (and fail) to cook and whenever I need encouraging words. Thanks for being the funniest guy I know, and for always keeping a smile on my face.Mom- thank you for being an amazing role model. You're the woman I aspire to be, and I hope to always make you proud of who I am.