It's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas

So I realize that there're only twelve days until Christmas. But I'm really starting to get into the spirit. Christmastime has some really great aspects for everyone, those who celebrate it or not.

1. The music- I get that no one likes department stores playing Christmas music in October, or even early November. But it's the time of the year when most stores actually play quality music. The rest of the year, stores will play either whatever "the kids" are listening to nowadays, or crappy elevator music. There're so many other good genres that could be played that wouldn't offend anyone when not near Christmas, such as jazz, classical, orchestral, etc. But they choose not to. So only during Christmas do I find store music to be acceptable.
2. The movies- Christmas movies are always fantastic. From Home Alone to Miracle on 34th Street, there's a Christmas movie out there for anyone. Even Elf, which I find to be utterly horrifying any other time of the year is tolerable during Christmastime. These movies are heartwarming breaks from our usual dreary lives. They help us remember the spirit of Christmas, or at least that's what they try to do. 
3. The gift giving- I absolutely love it. I get that you kind of have to celebrate Christmas to enjoy this one, but shhhhh. I really enjoy picking out gifts for people. Just thinking that I might've improved their day just a little bit by giving them something just really makes my own day. I like thinking of what they might like and getting it for them. I don't know, it's just fun. 
4. The food- Admit it. The food's probably the best part. The Christmas cookies. The candy canes. The fudge. The holiday themed Starbucks drinks. They're all fantastic. It's the one time of the year when you find yourself searching for excuses to eat. I mean, come on. It's getting cold outside. I could use a little more insulation, right? Totally.    
5. The family- Alright, this one's a bit of a stretch. But there are those lucky few of you out there who only see their family on Christmas and don't have to spend any more of your break with them. But it's always great to see family, whether they annoy you to no end or not. You have to cherish them, because they won't always be with you. So don't take that for granted.
6. The activities- Sledding, skiing, snowboarding, snowball fights, whatever your cup of tea is, they're all great. Sure, it's cold as the Grinch's heart outside, but the time spend with friends or family doing these things are memories that you'll always remember. 
7. The snow- White Christmases are the best. If it doesn't snow for Christmas, it's quite depressing. And it looks like it might not this year, which is too bad. But when it does snow, it's beautiful. Snow falling at night, it's probably one of the prettiest things in this world. Snow also makes all of those awesome activities above possible. So that's another plus. 

So no matter whether or not you celebrate Christmas, consumer Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanza, whatever Islamic holiday is around Christmas this year, or don't celebrate anything at all, there're always benefits to living in the great country we call the United States of America around Christmastime.