I'm one of the few people who loathe New Years Eve. I'm not ashamed to say it, I actually hate this holiday. I don't know what it is but I just do not like it, I can't put my finger on it. 

Even though I don't like New Years Eve, I do like the idea of starting over and allowing yourself another 365 days to do something you've never done before. I don't, however, like the idea of waiting till January 1st to do something. If you want to change something, the best time to do it is right now. No excuses.

When it comes to the end of the year I enjoy reflecting on the previous 364 days and seeing how far I've come. 

I think it's safe to say that 2013 was one of the best years of my life. It was difficult at times but it was a big learning year for me, a big adjustment year and a fun year at best.

In my post almost a year to the day, I looked ahead and decided what my goals for 2013 would be. A lot of them were not completed, like getting a tattoo or handling my finances better. Some were definitely achieved like meeting new people and stepping out of my comfort zone.

2013 was ultimately a year of lessons for me:

- You  can't do everything alone and asking for help does mean you're a failure.

- Secrets will not always be secrets but it's okay to try, if it feels right.

- It's okay to be a little selfish sometimes. If you don't look out for yourself, who else will?

- Your plans will not always be executed the way you intended but roll with the punches and all will be okay.

- I'll figure things out, I always do.

There were some highlights of 2013 that truly made this one of the best years yet:

1. Turning 21 years old--is that shallow of me to say? It was such a relief when I got my new license in the mail and didn't have a worry in the world, anymore.

2. Interning at Levo League--my favorite website and a summer internship in Manhattan? What more could've I asked for! It was an amazing experience where I learned more than I ever thought possible.

3. Vice President--being Vice President of my sorority was the greatest thing to happen me in college. It taught me what kind of person I am, what kind of leader I am and showed me how much of a control freak really is. It taught me that you can't do everything alone and if you do your best, you did a good job. Being VP was a wonderful gift and something that made 2013 crazy, exciting and incredibly stressful; I wouldn't change it for a thing. 

4. Senior Year--becoming a senior is what I feared most in 2013. I never wanted it to come and I never want it to end. 

5. Being published in USA Today--I don't know if I ever posted it on here but in July I was published on USA Today College. This was the first time I was published on a large platform and it was truly an eye opening moment. It definitely was a highlight of this year and a journalism milestone for me.

There were so many other things that happened to me in 2013 like interning at CollegeLifestyles, dealing with my anxiety better, a bunch of fun social events and of course, another fabulous year of blogging.

What were your 2013 highlights? What are you hoping for in 2014?

I meant to have this post up yesterday but the day after Christmas got to me. I enjoyed the day sitting on my couch, reading the latest Pretty Little Liars book Deadly(which I'll do a post on later) and eating Christmas dinner leftovers.

This Christmas was surprisingly good. My holidays are always hit or miss but this year was definitely a hit. Christmas Eve was at my house with my mom's family while I spent Christmas day at my aunt's house with my dad's family.

Food was eaten (feast of the 7 fishes for us Italians on the Eve), wine was poured (a lot of Pink Moscato for me) and gifts were unwrapped.

I was really happy as was my family; it was a lot of fun.

The night before Christmas Eve me and my friends went to this neighborhood close by that always goes insane with the Christmas lights. There are competition and they accept donations for children's hospitals. There were people all over, stopping to look at the lights and it put me in the best spirit.

One of the most favorite parts of Christmas is of course the presents you give and receive. This Christmas was a little smaller than usual because well, that's what happens when you get old.

I definitely received some amazing presents and I wanted to share some with you because I couldn't keep them to myself.

Kate Spade Earbuds: My best friend got me these and they are awesome! I've lusted after them for at least a year but always hesitated to purchase them myself. The polka dot design is perfect and they are strong; you could hear what you're listening to perfectly.

Monogrammed Bracelet: Ever since I saw Carly from The College Prepster's bracelet, I knew I needed to have one. My mom ordered this for me from the Etsy shop Nurjewel design. Check them out, they have great stuff for prices that won't break your budget.

Crystal Faye Eat.Blog.Love Mug and Notepad: I've been wanting both of these for months but never made the leap to buy them myself. My mom came through this Christmas and I love both of these gifts so much! Crystal Faye is completely awesome so check out her website!

Rebecca Minkoff Mini M.A.C Crossbody: This was a gift that was a total surprise to me. My grandma and grandpa got it for me and my sister (twins, yay) and I was so extremely excited my family was mocking me all night. I've been wanting a Rebecca Minkoff bag for a year now but never asked for one. Unwrapping my gift and seeing this pretty was completely wonderful. It's a very tiny cross body which isn't that great for every day but perfect for a night out.

Naked 3 Palette: I GOT IT! I GOT IT! I GOT IT! This baby has been sold out everywhere and I was a lucky gal to get one. I don't have any of the Naked Palettes but have wanted since I saw the first one. I'm glad I waited for the third one because the rose gold shades are perfect.

Kate Spade Bag: This is the end all be all. My mom scored this bag on Black Friday and I had to wait till Christmas to get it. It's the perfect work bag for when I enter the "real world" in May but it's also perfect for everyday. I'm so in love with it I could cry.

I know that Christmas isn't all about presents but about friends, family, and Jesus. 

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas holiday and are ready for New Years! What did Santa leave under your trees this year? Let me know in the comments!

PS: Don't forget to enter my HireStyle $40 giftcard giveaway! It ends on Sunday so don't miss out!