As if you needed another reason to love the holidays, we're breaking down 40-plus things that put the fattest smiles on our faces this time of year. We're not talking expensive presents, either; it's all about the little things. From mistletoe kisses to caroling, not even Scrooge can deny the power of these feel-good moments. Before it's all over in a flash, soak in every minute!
- Sipping on hot chocolate with marshmallows
- Listening to holiday music on repeat [1]
- Eating out of the popcorn bin
- The comfort of going home
- Snuggling by the fireplace
- Glitter nail polish, glitter pinecones, glitter everything
- Watching little kids open presents
- Baking and decorating cookies
- Decking out the house with holiday decor
- Kissing underneath the mistletoe
- Eggnog!
- Taking flights and road trips to see loved ones
- Eating and drinking till you stuff yourself silly
- Holiday DIY [2] projects
- A Christmas Story and Love Actually movie marathons
- Buying poinsettias from the market
- Giving to charities
- Seeing red cups everywhere
- Family game nights
- The magical twinkling of holiday lights
- Snowball fights
- Drinking mulled wine [3]
- People being nicer, jollier human beings
- Seeing Santa at the mall
- Neighborhood caroling
- Going to holiday parades
- Candy canes
- Meeting his family for the first time
- Sending and receiving handwritten notes
- No work, no school
- Wearing spirited socks
- Pretty gift wrap
- Cooking and having zero leftovers, because it was that good
- Popping Champagne bottles
- Mini Christmas trees
- Making paper snowflakes
- Participating in a white elephant gift [4] exchange
- Giving in to a turkey coma
- Finding the perfect holiday party dress [5]
- Hanging up stockings
- The scent of fir trees
- Not falling while ice skating outdoors
- Going to an ugly-sweater party