For many, December is a month that is anxiously waited upon each year. Before it is even gone, people are already looking forward to enjoying it again next year. I am one of these people. To me, December truly is the greatest time of the year for many reasons.

1. Traditions

December is a month rich with different traditions among families. Whether it be going somewhere special, making holiday cookies, getting a Christmas tree with your family, or anything else in between, it is a time that we all get to do the little things we grew up with and love so dearly.

2. Decorations

Stores, malls, business, and homes are all brightly lit in shining lights and other décor, lighting up towns, with some places like zoos setting up special displays to look at during the month. It is hard to not be happy, when you are surrounded by the beauty of all of it.

3. Giving

From giving gifts to loved ones, to all of the people at Starbucks paying it forward, to people outside grocery stores taking donations to help those less fortunate, December is a time of year that typically puts people in much more pleasant, generous moods. For this month in particular, people go out of their way to make sure that if they can give, they do, brightening the moods of those around them, as well as their own. It feels good to give to others.

4. Movies

The list of quality movies to enjoy during December is quite extensive. There are so many holiday classics, that never seem to get old year in and year out. Elf, Home Alone, The Grinch, it goes on and on.

5. Music

Lets face it, there is nothing quite like jamming out to "Jingle Bells", "Frosty the Snowman", or any of the other countless classics.

6. Holidays

One of the most obvious parts that everyone loves is the holidays associated with December. Christmas, Hanukah, Kwanza, whatever it may be, people look forward in celebrating their holiday, taking part in all of the festivities that go along with it. New Years Eve is also one of these days, which I love, celebrating the end of a year, and looking forward to a new one and a clean slate in the year to come. Whether it was one you wish to forget, or one of the best years of your life, it offers a chance to celebrate. Celebrate getting through the struggles of the previous year, or celebrate all the amazing things you achieved. Either way, it allows proper closure of another year of your life.

December is a time of year truly filled with cheer, in the way that people act towards one another, in the way that our towns and cities are decorated, in the music and movies we listen to and watch, and in the celebrations we take part in. Because of all of these things and more, December is the greatest time of year.