By Jared Fields, Managing Editor

Put Christmas, Fourth of July and the last day of school together and I wouldn’t be as excited as I am for this weekend.

The first weekend of April is the greatest time of the year. The classic Christmastime song, “It’s The Most Wonderful Time of the Year” comes to mind each year at this time.

And if I need to explain, this is the most wonderful time of the year because of college basketball’s Final Four and for baseball’s Opening Day. Throw in April Fool’s and it’s the perfect time.

As somewhat of a sports lover, I think nothing could be better. There is the men’s Final Four, which is enough to be my favorite time of the year on its own. No other sport brings out as much emotion in me as college basketball. At the beginning of March Madness, which coincidentally coincides with Lent, I make deals with myself and God so my favorite and most hated teams advance or lose the way I want. It never works. By now I should have learned better, but I get desperate beginning on Selection Sunday.

Then, as an extra little bonus from the heavens, this weekend is also MLB’s Opening Day. From now until July, I will follow the Texas Rangers and believe they have a shot at a playoff spot. In August, when I realize they’re horrible, football will be starting, so it’s OK. Life is good as long as I have baseball during the summer months to accompany me on many summer evenings and lazy, sleepy afternoons.

Now, April Fool’s Day is a prankster’s favorite day, even if it is on a Sunday. If you have forgotten about April Fool’s, then I’m glad to remind you. Make me proud with your tomfoolery and shenanigans. I will be too busy napping through baseball games to put much effort into pranking innocent people.

I can’t think of a day or weekend any better. Saturday is the emotion of the Final Four. Sunday comes the hilarity of April Fool’s and the laziness of baseball. Then you top it off with the Final Four championship to help make a Monday into a good day.

Add in the spring weather and how great the rain and green grass are, and no one can ever convince me of a better time.