There is nothing like the holidays. With all that is going on around us in this world, it is extremely refreshing to have this season to look forward to. I don’t know about you but I would much rather watch the Grinch on repeat, than see any more negative stories headlining the six o’clock news.

This time of year is supposed to bring out the joy, love, and spirit of a child within all of us, so therefore, I have compiled a list of things to be thankful for and look forward to in thee next following months:

1. Spending quality time with family and friends:

I know that for my family, once Thanksgiving is over, the days to follow consist of the house looking like Christmas central. There are boxes and boxes of decorations waiting to be re-opened and Mariah Carey's "All I Want For Christmas" playing on repeat in the background as the Christmas tree goes up. Everyone is in the spirit and excited for the next holiday to come in a few weeks.

2. The food:

This is the one time of year where I can say that I know my way around the kitchen - it's baking season. It has been a tradition of our for as long as I can remember. My sister and I gather at our aunt's house and bake all day and night, and we bake enough cookies to bring us into January.

3. The gifts:

Especially getting close to Christmas, I know that all of our ears are tuned into anyone saying that they "want" or "need" something. Every year, my mother always says, "It is isn't about the gifts for me. I just want everyone to get along and be happy," and of course, that's never what we're looking to hear. Although we recognize the true meaning of the holiday season, it is very fun buying and wrapping presents for people. It then usually ends being that we have to assume the things our mother wants or needs, and especially the gifts that will make her most happy to open, because with or without us saying anything, she always gets us exactly what we had wanted and beyond.

4. The music:

I feel like it is getting earlier and earlier every year. Holiday music used to go live on the radio the day after Thanksgiving, but now it seems to be much sooner than that in the recent years. Don't get me wrong, I know pretty much every word to every song there is, but Christmas music means December, and December means winter, and when winter arrives, the thought of cold weather makes me shiver (pun intended).

5. The atmosphere:

All baking, shopping, and decorating aside, the holiday season brings out the joy in all of us. I love the feeling of togetherness amongst family, friends, and strangers. There is extra light to brighten up your neighborhood, music to lighten every mood, and being surrounded by good company. This is a time to not only feel thankful for what you have around you, but to also try and put aside any negativity just for a few short, fleeting days out of the year.

Happy Holidays everyone!