We know what you’re thinking: “But isn't this month just about religious holidays?” Never fear! Your friends at Foundation Beyond Belief have put together a list of the Top Ten Secular Things to Love about December in the hopes that you, too, will soon share our joy during this most wonderful time of the year.

10. The Cookies

We truly believe there is a cookie for everyone, and if there was ever a time to discover your new favorite, this is it. Merry sprinkles to all, and to all a good bite!

9. The Activities

If you’re always looking for something to add to your social calendar, December is your month. Even better: there are nonreligious service opportunities everywhere. If you join a Beyond Belief Network team , it's the best of both worlds: new friends and volunteer opportunities all rolled into one!*

8. Catching Up

Many of us spend some time in December catching up: with family, friends, neighbors, pets, sleep, or our favorite podcasts. For some of us, catching up with our own needs allows us to start the new year ready to make a difference in the world.

7. The Sparkle

We may not believe in magic, but we do believe in fun. Even the gaudy decorations have their charm, and seeing everyday surroundings transform during the holiday season brings out the kid in all of us.

6. The Snow

Nothing quite compares to the quiet beauty of the first deep snow. Sure, by the time January rolls around we’re all tired of being frozen, and by March every snowflake brings a very different kind of tear to our eyes, but in December… let it snow!

5. New Year’s Resolutions

We don’t always make resolutions, and we don’t always keep them, but December gets us thinking about how we spent the last twelve months, and how we’d like to spend the next twelve. Acknowledging mistakes is never easy, but the future brings with it the opportunity to learn and grow.

4. Time to Pick a New Calendar

Will it be a wall calendar or page-a-day? Puppies or knock-knock jokes? The options are endless and we are so stoked!

3. The Winter Solstice

Light those Yule logs: on December 21 we celebrate the shortest day of the year and look forward to longer days ahead.

2. The Opportunity to Spend, Spend, Spend!

Nope, not that.

1. The Opportunity to Give Something Meaningful

Yep, that’s more like it. Rather than buying something they may not want, probably don’t need, and definitely don’t have room for, why not make a donation to FBB’s Annual Appeal in their honor and give a gift that really does keep on giving.