1. Listen to Christmas music

This is one of my favorite things about the season. The music really sets the mood and creates a lot of the magic of Christmas time. Some of my favorites are Michael Buble's Christmas, Leslie Odom jr.'s Simply Christmas, and the classics like Bing Crosby, The Rat Pack, Nat King Cole, and Andy Williams.

2. Go caroling

This is so much fun (even if you can't sing!) and not only brings joy to you, but also the ones listening as well! You can even sing for those in nursing or retirement homes that don't get visiters.

3. Drink hot cocoa or apple cider

I LOVE cocoa and it is so fun to experiment with different toppings and flavors. Here are a few neat ideas to try. Spiced apple cider is so festive and makes the house smell so good.

4. Bake Christmas cookies

For me, Christmas just isn't Christmas until my family and I bake cookies. It's a really fun activity to do with your friends and family and getting to eat the delicious treats doesn't hurt either!

5. Go see Christmas lights

Like music, the lights really set the mood of the holiday. There are not only beautiful neighbor lights to see but a lot of towns have light displays for your viewing pleasure. Going to see lights is one of my families Christmas traditions and I highly recommend iit become one of your's.

6. Watch Christmas movies

There are so many classic Christmas movies to cuddle up on the couch and watch. Some of the 'musts' are White Christmas, Miracle on 34th Street, The Santa Clause, Charlie Brown Christmas, It's a Wonderful Life, Holiday Inn, Elf, and the Home Alone series.

7. Go ice skating

I love going to the Galleria Dallas this time of year with the big Christmas tree in the middle of the rink. Even if you're not a very good skater, it is still such a great time to spend with your friends and family.

8. Decorate your house

Putting up the tree, lighting "Christmas scented" candles, and adding other decorations is a great way to get yourself in the holiday spirit. I like to sit in the living room with the lights off and the Christmas tree lights on. That moment is filled with that "Christmas feeling".

9. Drink a peppermint mocha

Starbucks has so many different specialty, holiday drinks that taste so much like Christmas! Go pick up a Gingerbread latte, peppermint mocha, or eggnog latte!

10. Go Christmas shopping

Giving really is better than getting, especially when you love shopping! This really gets me in the Christmas mood, especially with all the sights, smells, and sounds of the holiday.

11. Volunteer

There are many different ways that you and your family can volunteer this season. You can help process boxes to ship to children around the world with Samaritan's Purse Operation Christmas Child. There are several different processing centers around the country. If you're interested in getting involved, click here for more information.

12. Spend time with your friends and family

This is a given but is so important and is what makes the holidays special.