there's a reason why people are happier at Christmas. it's magical. everyone takes some time to focus on what matters, whether it be their family or their faith or their cat - you sit and stop for a second, breathing in the cold winter air, and you see the Christmas lights and you know it's going to be ok. there's so much hope and life and peace midst the traffic and the grouchy sales associate and the jingle bells. there's a moment where you let yourself enjoy the music and eat a little more than you should. it's the serenity on Christmas Eve when you sing "Silent Night" with your family, feeling incredibly warm on the inside. it's when you go to sleep and even though you're old enough to know better, the spirit that Santa Clause and the gang embody still makes you excited. 

you're happy, you're fulfilled. you don't need another sweater. you don't need to argue with relatives. you don't need to fret over the last detail. you are filled with hope for the new year and you celebrate because life is good.