As the holiday season approaches fast, everyone seems to talk about favorite holiday dishes, songs, and traditions. In the spirit of the upcoming holidays, I decided to ask my some people what their favorite part of the holidays were, and what they loved most about this time of year.

"I love the holiday season because it's the only time of year that I get to see my sister." - Lexy, 17

"I love the holidays because it's always fun to exchange gifts and relive old memories." - Danny, 17

"I love the holidays because every year my family goes away for Christmas, usually to somewhere tropical on a cruise. We look forward to the warm weather and just getting to spend quality time with each other. We've been doing it since I can remember and it's such a nice way to truly enjoy the holiday season rather than get wrapped up in the gift giving and all the commotion and truly focus on the meaning of the season!" - Kelly, 20

"I love the holidays because it's the only time that I can really catch a break from school and, usually, work. My mom is a great cook and we usually spend our holidays at home, so I love being able to just really relax and be around my family." - Payton, 21

"I love the holidays because it's the most wonderful time of the year! I know it sounds cliché but it really is. I love the snow, the Christmas trees, the gingerbread houses, and the hot cocoa!! Christmas is truly beautiful." - Yesenia, 18

"The holidays just make me happy. Everything about this time of year is so cheerful and positive like the lights, the colors, [and] the music. Most of all, the holidays bring people together and I think it's always great to be surrounded by people you love." -Madeleine, 17

"What I love most about the holiday season is Christmas movies, hot chocolate, wrapping gifts and decorating the tree with pretty lights, sleeping in late and being with my family. I wait until midnight to open presents with my mom every year & Christmas will always be my favorite [holiday]!" - Kylee, 17

"The holidays are the perfect excuse to go on silly adventures with friends and family. Spontaneous day trips are the best way to spend the holidays and [they] give us something to talk about for many Christmas dinners to come." - Cait, 18

"I love the holidays because of my family traditions. We always get our Christmas tree super early and every year we drive around to different towns to look at Christmas trees at night. We also go on a walk every Christmas afternoon." - Clare, 17

"I love the holidays because I get to cut the Christmas tree every year. So you see this small Asian girl with a giant saw lying on her back hacking at a giant tree. The trick is to make a groove first and make slow and deep cuts. It's tough work but rewarding." - Grace, 16

"I love the holidays because I get to see my grandma." - Lea, 16

"I love the holidays because everyone [in] my family gets together on Christmas Eve to have a special holiday dinner! And normally, we go to my cousin's [house] around 8 and spend time [there]. The next day we all [go back] to my house for Christmas Day!! Two days of joy!" - Kyle, 19

After reading these responses, it got me thinking about what my favorite part of this holiday season is. Every year, my family travels the country to be with us on Christmas Eve. We spend the whole night laughing, eating and singing Christmas carols. And I don't think I love anything more than that atmosphere: Being surrounded by my family on the most festive day of the year, with the scent of peppermint and cocoa floating through my house. I wouldn't trade those Christmas Eve parties for the world.