While some people say that you have to wait until after Thanksgiving to start celebrating Christmas, I say "one month is not enough to prepare for the best holiday of the year." I need to start getting into the festive spirit as early as possible a.k.a. midnight on November 1st. As a 19-year-old who has spent her fair share of time decking the halls and singing Christmas Carols, I consider myself a bit of an expert on Christmas (Hell, I'm named after a Christmas flower). So, get yourself in a jolly state of mind while I list the reasons to start celebrating Christmas right now:
1. Christmas music.
Don't fight me when I say that Christmas music is the best. When you hear the beginning of "All I Want for Christmas Is You" by Mariah Carey, you know you have to belt out the words. Even if it's August and it comes on your shuffle, you just need to listen to it and be merry for those 4 minutes. So, put on the Christmas station on Pandora and get ready to sing along.
2. Christmas movies.
Christmas movie marathons are the best kind and so many movies can apply. Are you still holding onto that spooky Halloween spirit? You can still watch "The Nightmare Before Christmas." Feeling like channeling your inner child? Put on some animated classics, like "Santa Claus is Comin' To Town" or "Rudolph." Or you could watch my personal favorite, "Elf."
3. Christmas decorations.
You would not throw a birthday party without a cake (or alcohol), so you have got to put up some Christmas decorations to get into the spirit. This is my favorite part of Christmas because everyone decorates differently. Some people love the lights while others love inflatables on their front lawn. Plus, they're just pretty to look at!
Sometimes you'll have to put them up twice if it doesn't work out well the first time, but that just means twice the fun.
4. Christmas shopping.
Christmas sales start early now, even before Black Friday. It's the perfect time to buy others presents or to treat yo self for surviving until the holiday season.
I love to think about the look on my family's faces when I give them their perfectly-chosen gifts (or cash because I couldn't think of the perfect gift).
5. Christmas gifts.
Since it's the end of the semester, money's running low and you're trying to save as much as possible, but once Christmas comes you'll be rolling in the cash, you hope. And while I love giving Christmas gifts, I also love receiving them (and don't lie, you do too!). So, keep your heads up through the rest of the semester until you get to Christmas Day.
6. Christmas food.
You don't have to wait until Christmas to enjoy a Christmas sugar cookie or some Pillsbury cookies with the reindeer on them. You can make them yourself. You'll feel really festive with a full stomach as long as you have an elastic waistband.
7. Christmas drinks.
Whether you prefer a nice mug of hot chocolate or a cup of eggnog, now is the perfect time to give your taste buds the cheery drink they desire.
8. Christmas cheer.
Everyone's happier around Christmas, even the grinches of the world. It's a time of happiness and good tidings. All the stress of finals will melt away while you're online shopping for your family while sipping on hot chocolate with your ugly Christmas sweater.
