It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Christmas is one of the most festive and happiest times of the year, but with finals coming up, it can be hard to find the “Christmas Spirit” in all this stress. While some might find it hard to get in the Christmas spirit this time of year, here are some easy ways to do it.

1. Christmas Music

This is probably the easiest of any others on the list. Anytime I get in the car at least half the radio stations are singing about “Last Christmas” or that “All I want for Christmas is you.” While not everyone enjoys Christmas music, few can deny that it is extremely catchy and even harder to escape. This time of year almost every store in the mall is going to have their favorite rendition of jingle bells blasting through the aisles.

2. Christmas Movies

Another way to get in the Christmas spirit without much effort at all is through movies. With ABC Family’s help, I know that it is trying to go by a different name now, I am choosing to ignore that, there are always movies playing that you can choose from. Whether you enjoy cartoons like Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer or Frosty the Snowman, or you want a more heartwarming classic like It’s a Wonderful Life or A Christmas Carol, ABC Family, or FreeForm, has you covered.

3. Decorating

Who doesn’t love decorating! Especially for Christmas it is a way to make a house, apartment, or even dorm feel more homey and festive. An easy way to do this is to simply string some twinkling lights throughout the room, or if you are more adventurous you could get a small Christmas tree. Whether the tree is real or fake, they both give the room a more Christmas-y feel.

4. Baking

Christmas cookies and gingerbread houses are both good ways to get into the Christmas spirit. Whether it is just plain chocolate chip cookies or extravagant reindeer shaped snicker doodle cookies, all of the warm treats give the same Christmas feel. And nothing says Christmas more than a freshly decorated gingerbread house!

5. Shopping

One of the best parts of the holiday season is handing off thoughtful gifts to those you care most about. While it can be extremely stressful, and the holiday season should not be so commercialized, it is still nice to let people know that you were thinking of them.

Do not let the stress of finals stop you from feeling the excitement of Christmas this semester. Soon finals will be over and the only think you will have to worry about is if Santa got your letter.