IT'S THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR! The end of Thanksgiving marks the beginning of the Christmas season. Well, for most people, that is. I've been in the Christmas spirit since the day after Halloween. It's just that it's more acceptable to be in the Christmas spirit now than it was then. But there is so much to do with only a month until the big day. Add the last few weeks of the semester and finals on top of that, and there is only a limited amount of time to prep for Christmas. Here's a guide to help you get everything done:

1. Start with some Christmas music.

You can't prepare for Christmas without being in the spirit for it. And what better way to get in the spirit than by listening to the hits of the holidays? Bonus tip: Kitchen floors make for a great place to dance to Christmas music.

2. Decorate.

This could take some time. But if you're like me then you are not a homeowner who has to decorate an entire front yard, which makes decorating a lot easier. It's also great bonding time with the fam or roommates. Blast that Christmas music and hang up that garland!

3. Watch Christmas movies.

Grab some hot chocolate or some egg nog and watch the classics. "It's A Wonderful Life," "The Santa Clause," "A Christmas Story," "Elf," or one of the many Hallmark Christmas movies. And don't forget about the classic animated specials like "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer," "Frosty the Snowman," or "Santa Clause is Coming to Town."

4. Presents!!!!!

One of my favorite things about Christmas is giving gifts. I love shopping for the people I care about and finding that perfect gift for them. The best place to start is online. You don't have to buy the gifts online, especially if the shipping costs too much, but it's a good place to browse to get an idea. I usually make a list and put down one or two gift ideas and where to buy them. It makes shopping less stressful so I can keep that holiday cheer.

Make sure you get this done earlier enough so you can wrap it all. Nothing is worse than running upstairs five minutes before giving out gifts to wrap everyone's presents.

5. Go see Santa!

You're never too old to tell the big cheese what you want for Christmas and take a nice photo with him.

6. Bake cookies.

I usually do this when I go home because my parents are simply better at baking than I am. But baking Christmas cookies is a must! What else are you going to serve at your Christmas parties?

7. Spend time with your loved ones.

It's important to remember your friends and family during the holidays. Our family parties have always been some of the most fun times during the Christmas season for me. When you're having that kitchen dance party or watching Christmas movies, invite your friends and family to join. The holidays are all about being with the people you care about, so don't lose sight of that.

8. Do a good deed.

While the Christmas season is the best time of year for some people, it can be the loneliest, most stressful, or most difficult time of the year for others. Don't forget to go out of your way to do something nice for others. Whether it's donating gifts or food, volunteering at a soup kitchen, or just trying to make someone smile, you will be making someone else's holiday a little bit happier.

9. Just enjoy yourself.

Don't let the holidays stress you out. They don't call it the most wonderful time of the year for nothing. It can get hectic trying to get everything done for the holiday, saving money for gifts, and actually doing normal day-to-day things like work and school. But try to take the time to listen to a catchy Christmas song, watch your childhood favorite holiday movie, or even just eat a Christmas cookie. This time of year only comes once, so why not enjoy it?