Despite the holidays being over, it’s the most wonderful time of the year.

Why? Because the football playoffs start this weekend, and the National Hockey League has hit its mid-point.

I love regular season football, kind of, but there is nothing better than playoff games. Obviously, everyone wants to win, but winning when it means either the next round or going home is so much better. It makes the experience even better.

As a New England Patriots fan, I’m used to winning, especially winning in the playoffs, but it is still so special.

This year, the Patriots have been mediocre at best with an 11-5 record. Calling an 11-5 record mediocre sounds silly, but I’m a little more used to watching a team of higher caliber.

While I’m ready to watch the Patriots head off and make another Super Bowl run, I’m most excited for the Baltimore Ravens and Los Angeles Chargers game this Sunday. I’m hoping the Ravens win, because it gives me the unique opportunity to go toe-to-toe with my husband.

He’s from Maryland and a very large Ravens fan, and since we’ve been together, I can’t remember a time we’ve had this opportunity.

Thankfully, he’s not a hockey fan.

As much as I love football, I love hockey even more. I’m the one ready to glue myself to my television yelling and screaming for my team.

Naturally, I’m a Boston Bruins fan, and I’m hoping this is the point of the season where they really ramp up their skills.

The Bruins are teetering on a wild card spot that I’m nervous they can’t keep, but they just spanked the Chicago Blackhawks in the Winter Classic 4-2. That’s the kind of momentum the team needs to head into the second half of the season.

I think that if they can continue to — to be frank — not suck, they can really make a run at the Stanley Cup.

I’m ready to plant myself on the couch every weekend and watch the Patriots destroy everyone in their path — maybe — and patiently wait for the Bruins to get their act together so I can watch them make a run at the Stanley Cup.