Happy Monday, readers!

For this week’s edition of My Monday Musts, I am going to do a throwback to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. The parade is one of my favorite parts about the holiday and something I look forward to every year. In 2009, my mom and I even went to the parade. It was by far one of the most exciting events of my life. Ever since that Thanksgiving, I always dream of going back.

I decided to share with you, readers, my three favorite parts of this year’s parade. Here they are!

1. Duck Dynasty 

Anyone who knows me, knows how in love I am with the A&E Show, “Duck Dynasty.” As I type this, I am even wearing a “Duck Dynasty” sweatshirt. I spent a majority of my Thanksgiving break watching reruns of the show. So when on Thanksgiving Day, it was announced that the Robertson clan was going to be in the parade, I was ecstatic! My love for the parade just skyrocketed when they came on the screen. I only wish they were on there for longer than 5 seconds. Maybe next year, Uncle Si can host because that would make me happy, happy, happy!

2. The “Elf of the Shelf” float

My six year old cousin, Mikey, has an elf on the shelf to look over him this year to report back to Santa that Mikey is being a good boy and belongs on the nice list. Mikey’s elf, named ZipZap, has become a family hit. Everyday we are curious as to where ZipZap was when Mikey woke up. As an only child, I hadn’t really had a connection for “Elf on the Shelf,” since it is a fairly new concept. After learning about it through Mikey, I was so excited to see the “Elf on the Shelf” balloon because I knew he was coming to Mikey’s house that night.

3. Santa

Santaaaaa….I know him! Sorry readers, I just couldn’t resist quoting “Elf” for a second. Ever since that movie came out, I swear I hear that quote in my head, in Buddy’s voice, whenever someone says the word “Santa.” Santa, the traditional end of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, always makes the entire parade. To me, it is a true kickoff to the holiday season (even though my family’s Christmas tree has been up since the Saturday before Thanksgiving). The joy that Santa represents is something that still, and always will be, in my heart.

Now, I have some fun news to share, besides these Monday Musts.

First off, I wrote my first ever guest post on my favorite novel, “The Fault in Our Stars.” Check it out on my fellow Her Campus Blogger Network sister, Kayla’s blog, “Caught Between the Pages.”

Also, readers, make sure to check out the site The Collegiate Standard and use coupon code SAMI10 to receive 10% off! A post on their products will be coming soon, but I just wanted to get this information out to you now – more time to shop til you drop before Christmas!

Now, I have plenty of scheduled posts coming up! While I am in the craziness of finals season, I have plenty of posts written to share with you all to get you in the holiday spirit!

Until then, it’s back to the library, eating M&Ms like it’s my job, to prepare for final papers and exams.

Enjoy your Monday, readers!