Ah, December. A month that brings us both joy and forces (many) of us to bundle up in layers of clothing. Putting the latter aside, I composed a list of all the magical things that make December the best month.

50. It's the end of the year.

49. Longer nights = more sleep

48. Two weeks of classes (in college, that is both heaven but also a small cursing due to finals).

47. Knowing that a new year is just four short weeks away.

46. Forever hoping for snow days.

45. Watching your dog get excited for the strange white fluff that is snow before saying nope and dashing back inside the house.

44. Seeing Santa everywhere. (He ain't lying when he says he's watching us everywhere, y'all).

43. Writing a Christmas list and making one for your family and friends.

42. Making your home the literal definition of decking out the halls.

41. Baking so many cookies, especially those with the trees, snowmen and Santa on them.

40. Watching the younger children get excited over presents.

39. Though you may have had a rocky year, the song Silent Night brings you comfort, peace and sense of hope.

38. Gathering for holiday meals with your loved ones.

37. Saturday Night Live's Christmas sketches are more relate-able and realistic now that you're older than you ever could have imagined.

36. Counting down the days until the new season of The Bachelor begins.

35. Making a note on your bucket list to go experience Christmas in New York.

34. Fresh air that just pure every single time you go outside.

33. Sending/Receiving countless Christmas cards.

32. Star Wars [and Rogue One] films coming out during this month over the next several, several years.

31. Breaking out your inner Pinterest crafter for those amazing DIY gifts.

30. Two words : Fuzzy Socks.

29. Those who graduate from college in December (yay! extra present to y'all!)

28. Reminding everyone, most importantly the Scoorages of the world this: "Best way to spread Christmas Cheer is singing loud for all to hear." (Elf, 2003)

27. Having a Home Alone marathon.

26. Reading children's letters to Santa in your local newspaper.

25. Ice skating.

24. Watching every version of The Nutcracker because why not?

23. Ugly Sweater Parties.

22. The fireplace.

21. Candy canes: the definition of being a kid in candy store no matter your age or where you go to.

20. Singing "Rudolph the Red-Nose Reindeer" and actually having your nose turn red due to the cold weather.

19. The food.

18. The music.

17. Breaking out all your scarves, boots, hats, gloves, etc..

16. Sledding.

15. Snowball fights.

14. Making snow angels and building snowmen.

13. Snow Cream.

12. Reading Christmas stories.

11. Hanging the stockings.

10. The movies. (Ahem, ELF is always the answer).

9. Gifts -- family exchange, friends, work, etc.. but also placing them under the tree.

8. Holiday/Family traditions.

7. Hot chocolate. (bonus: mini marshmallows in your hot chocolate.)

6. Singing while setting up the house.

5. The decorations. The lights.

4. The Tree.

3. Snow. SNow. SNOw. SNOW.

2. More time to spend with your family and loved ones.

.. And finally the most important ..

1. CHRISTMAS!