Ten things we love about the holiday season
Courtesy of Pixnio, creative comments license.
Jump into the holiday spirit by enjoying these aspects of the winter holiday season.
1. The Christmas Tree
The first step for a lot of people when December begins is getting their Christmas Tree. Bringing it home, cutting the wire and decorating really brings the family together to celebrate. Christmas trees fill the house with the smell of Christmas, starting off the season of joy.
2. Starbucks
With the cold weather comes the holiday drinks that pretty much everyone knows and loves. With flavors like peppermint, gingerbread, chestnut and praline, you can’t go wrong. Just like every year, the Starbucks craze lives on.
3. Hot Chocolate
Even though it never really gets cold in Carlsbad, people still enjoy the delicious chocolate drink. Honestly, if there’s one thing to look forward to during the winter, it’s hot cocoa. Sitting by the fire with your family (or pets) is so much better with a steaming Christmas mug in your hand.
4. Gifts
Presents are a major part of Christmas for a lot of people. Not just receiving them, but giving them. People enjoy shopping for family and friends and wrapping the items in festive paper. The sight of gifts resting under the tree is magical, and opening presents on Christmas morning is one of the best things all year. Although Christmas has gotten very commercial over the years, shopping and gift-giving will always be a part of the season.
5. Christmas Movies
A true Christmas tradition is watching holiday-themed films. Some of the funniest movies are on the Christmas film list. Classics like Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer and A Charlie Brown Christmas are some of the most memorable and nostalgic. Elf, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, A Christmas Story and National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation are family comedy movies that you can’t skip over. Everyone has their personal favorite, and these films make the season extra merry.
6. Food
Everyone loves food, but holiday treats top the rest of the year. The week after Thanksgiving, Trader Joe’s busts out the cookies, cakes and candy for the next month. Not to mention Christmas dinner, even though nothing can top Thanksgiving. Each family does something different with their loved ones, which is what the Holidays are really all about.
7. Christmas Music 
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While the rest of the year is filled with songs of all genres, Christmastime is reserved for old fashioned, classic tunes that almost every popstar has remade. The originals are of course the best, but some more modern songs are catchy too. Artists like Michael Buble, Nat King Cole, Mariah Carey and Pentatonix top the charts around Christmas. “All I Want For Christmas Is You” is the one that everyone knows the words to. Classics include “A Holly Jolly Christmas”, “Baby, It’s Cold Outside”, “White Christmas” and “You’re a Mean One Mr. Grinch”.
8. The Weather
The temperatures don’t drop very low here in San Diego. The average weather all year is about 72 degrees and partly cloudy. In the winter, we get a break from the blistering heat to enjoy the “cold” and the occasional rain. These past few weeks have been surprisingly chilly, and it is expected to rain next week, on Christmas. This means snow for those living in the mountains. Warm clothes and roaring fireplaces help to make Christmas festive.
9. Winter Break
Hands down, the most anticipated time of the first semester is winter break. Two weeks off in December means a lot to students and faculty alike. Everyone needs a break, and this one is very relaxing. No waking up early, going to school or sleep deprivation for two weeks! The best part: no homework.
10. Christmas Eve
After the buildup from December 1st, Christmas Eve is the highlight of the month. The traditions are unique and fun, and everyone has them. Parties spice up the night, and it’s just an all-around great time. There’s really no other night quite like Christmas Eve.
