From December 1st through the end of my finals, I couldn’t help but feel indescribably sad. It was Christmas season and I had carols blasting from my laptop wherever I went, but somehow I just couldn’t seem to get into the holiday spirit. Campus felt so devoid of everything I associated with the holidays and it felt strange as the dates drew ever nearer to the 25th. On the plane ride home, I began thinking of what really makes it feel like Christmas

1. Chilly weather (snow is an added bonus)

I spent most of my childhood in Colorado, so it was uncommon to not have a white Christmas. I’d wake up and run to my window to see “Santa’s” boots in the front yard, pressed into the perfect white flakes covering the lawn. I would create giant snowmen and dress them up in red scarves, and I would stand in the bitter cold trying to hear sleigh bells on Christmas Eve. These strong childhood associations still stand out in my mind as markers that the Christmas season is approaching.

2. A decorated tree

There’s something truly magical about sitting in the living room with a warm drink and staring at the twinkling lights of the Christmas tree late at night. After cutting our tree, my parents and I have a tradition of listening to carols and hanging ornaments we can enjoy for the rest of the season. Each ornament has lots of special memories, like the cat and fish I received for one of the first Christmases I can remember, or the little rocking horse I bought in Germany. It’s wonderful to be able to put all those wonderful moments in time together and sit and admire them each night.

3. Lots and lots of baking

Christmas just wouldn’t be the same without the taste of the gingerbread and the smell of vanilla filling the kitchen. I love baking with my mom and have been helping her since I was a small child. We always cook up a huge feast and gorge ourselves on sweets for the week before and after Christmas. From our traditional favorites to new recipes we experiment with during the holidays, it’s always fun to roll out sticky dough with my great aunt’s rolling pin and crush peppermints to decorate the cake.

4. Family time

I’ve been lucky to never spend a Christmas away from home. There’s something magical about coming home to lights illuminating the trees and decorations covering the house, even though I’m far away at college for most of the season now. Spending time with my parents and pets is a fun way to remember many of the values of the Christmas spirit. From playing carols with my dad and walking on the beach with my dog, spending holiday time with my family is familiar and lovely.

5. Tradition

Christmas is steeped in the familiar. It’s different for everyone, but there’s something magical about coming together and recreating beloved memories. I’m grateful for the traditions of my childhood and look forward to creating new ones as I grow older.