Favorite Parts of the Holiday Season

I love December. Red and green are everywhere, people are excited and cheery, and anticipation is building for this coming Wednesday.

The Christmas season is special to me for so many reasons. If I listed them all, this post would probably wind up being a novel. So, here's my Top Five Christmas Favorites. Or, my favorite parts of the most wonderful time of the year.

5. ALL the Holiday Drinks

I've loved ordering Holiday drinks from Starbucks, Dunkin' Donuts, or just using holiday coffee for my Keurig at home. Favorites: Starbucks' PSL and Chestnut Praline lattes, and Dunkin' Donuts' Salted Caramel hot chocolate.

4. Decorations

Whether I'm in my hometown or at the mall, I love seeing the red and green ribbons, Christmas lights, and everything else that's festive covering the interior or exterior of buildings and shops. And, of course, I love the decorations inside and outside my home. (Not to mention houses near mine do an excellent job at decorating their porches and yards with lights.) :)

3. Parties & Festivals

This season is the season for festivities. From Dirty Santa gift exchanges to family gatherings, I always get so excited for the parties this season. Also, I love the Christmas Carol-themed festival that my hometown puts on every year. My friends and I went this year, and I documented our adventure in this post. Speaking of friends...

2. Seeing Friends and Loved Ones

I usually get to see so many people during the season. Whether friends come up from school, or my family and I go down to see relatives, I love seeing everyone.

I also like to partake in traditions with folks I love, whether it's amazing cinnamon red-hot cider or watching the same Christmas movies we love every year.

1. Giving

Most of all, I love the joy that comes from giving gifts to family and friends this season. I believe giving is better than receiving, and there's nothing quite like sharing happiness with others. Also, I find even more joy in giving others my time. Spending time with people you love - making memories, enjoying the season - is the best.

However, the greatest joy of all comes from celebrating Jesus' birth. I'm so thankful that God sent His Son to us here on Earth to give the gift of salvation to every one of us. Maybe that's why I love giving gifts so much; it's because I'm so thankful for the gift He gave me.

What's your favorite part of this season? :)