A Few of My Favorite [Winter] Things

The one, the only...Cinnamon Red-Hot Apple Cider.

It's December. It doesn't always feel like it where I am (the forecast is a high of 51 degrees and rainy), but it's December, and I love this time of year.

Winter, for me, pretty much begins either on or the day after Thanksgiving, because that's the day the "holiday" season really kicks into high gear. And then, it just gets better: it typically snows in January in Tennessee, not to mention the family birthdays that happen between now and when Spring starts in March.

So, what are my top 5 favorite things this time of year?

1. My family's cinnamon red-hot apple cider. This cider is a longtime tradition, and I get so excited any time it's brought out. Who'd have thunk that apple cider boiled with Cinnamon Red Hots candy could be so amazing?
2. Starbucks' caramel brûlée lattes. Again, another drink, but this drink brings back memories of grabbing coffee with my friends as early as high school, when I really got into coffee in the first place. Also, they put candy pieces on top of the whipped cream. That enough is a selling point for me.
3. Snow. We don't get much snow where I'm from - the most I've ever been in at home is maybe 5-8 inches, tops (I can already hear my Northern readers - but I still love it. Whether I stayed cosy inside and enjoyed the snow from there, or whether I go outside with Dad to try and sled, I adore snow. It's pretty. And it makes me super happy. Not to mention there's an almost magical quality about the way it falls.
4. Christmas music. We always have Christmas music playing somewhere in the house during the Holiday season, whether we're playing it on Spotify or just playing the local radio station that plays it non-stop. It's all great.
5. Spending time with family. Getting to celebrate birthdays with family during winter - along with spending time with family during the holidays - will always be special in my book.

What are your top 5 favorite things this time of year?