9 Reasons The Holidays Are The Best Time Of Year (Slideshow)

Who doesn't love going home for the holidays to visit family? How can you be even a little bit sad when cheesy Christmas specials are on TV and happy holiday songs are blasting from every radio station? Try to keep your mouth from watering as you think of that perfectly roasted turkey and those sugary holiday treats. There's just no denying that this is the best time of the year. Here are some reasons why.

From ice skating to building snowmen to snuggling by the fireplace with a good book while the world outside is snowy and cold, there's something particularly special about participating in these seasonal activities with the backdrop of the holiday season.

There's something magical about picking out something thoughtful for your loved ones and seeing their faces light up with joy as they unwrap your present. But, let's be real... getting new stuff is pretty great, too. And the holidays are a good excuse to buy yourself a little something special — or a couple things.

Whether you're going to an ugly sweater party, the office holiday party, a New Year's rage fest, or your hometown dive bar to meet up with some old friends before Thanksgiving, is there a better time of year to drink? Break out the spicy eggnog and spiked hot chocolate and cheers to a happy holiday! (If you imbibe, though, remember to call Uber.)

Christmas cookies? Yes, please. Thanksgiving Day pies? Pass us a big slice. Build an extra-large gingerbread house, add some extra icing to your cakes, and don't forget to bring a box of chocolates to share. The holidays are filled with sugar, and it's totally OK to forget your diet just this once. It is a special occasion, after all.

Though turkey is available at grocery stores year-round, it really shines during the holidays. Crispy skin and juicy, tender meat make this bird the perfect star of any holiday spread. Just don't forget the gravy; that's what really makes this dish shine.

Whether you're singing about dreidels with your kids, slurring along to "Auld Lang Syne" at midnight, or belting out "All I Want for Christmas Is You" at the top of your lungs, there's no denying the most cheerful and infectious music out there is associated with the holidays. Though some may deride these seasonal songs, they're all secretly rocking out to "Feliz Navidad."

"There's no place like home for the holidays," Perry Como sings in the classic Christmas song of the same title. Even if you live thousands of miles away, the holidays are the one time of year to make the pilgrimage home and get in some much-needed time with your loved ones. And isn't that what it's all about?

Who doesn't love time off from school and work? Holidays equal vacation days. That gives you time to sleep in, have fun with friends and family, and recharge from the rat race. Need we say more?

From old-school specials such as Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and The Year Without a Santa Claus, to family-favorites like Christmas Vacation and whatever version of A Christmas Carol you prefer, everyone has a favorite Christmas special. And seriously, what other time of the year does claymation hit the airwaves?