Thanksgiving is over, and December is here! It’s out with the old, and in with the new as winter officially (and finally!) rolls around. While the cute little woodland animals go into hibernation, the winter fanatics are awakened— and we have quite a few things to look forward to in the coming weeks!
1. Christmas Music
You know Christmas is coming the day after Thanksgiving because that’s when they start playing Christmas music on the radio. Time to break out your Spotify playlist of all your holiday faves!
2. ABC Family’s Countdown to Christmas
From Rudolph to Frosty the Snowman to the Grinch, and everything in-between, there’s nothing better to get you into the holiday spirit than some fantastic classics.
3. Winter Break
SCHOOL’S OUT! Finals are over, and it’s time to fly home (thank goodness)! Take some time to yourself, hang out with the fam, and relax. You deserve it!
4. AMC Holiday Movie Marathon
My favorite thing about AMC is that every year they have days where they play the same classic over and over again— all day! So get ready to hunker down with a fuzzy blanket and some hot cocoa and swoon over White Christmas.
5. Gift Shopping
It’s always the same— the mall is decorated, Santa is visiting, and everyone is feeling the holiday spirit! You spend hours picking out the best presents for your besties and your guy, grab some coffee, and maybe shop a little for yourself on the side
6. Snow, Snow, and more SNOW!
*Sings White Christmas at the top of our lungs* No, but really, snow is amazing! It’s so difficult to describe, but the first snow of the year is always the best!
7. Hot Chocolate
Even though you lowkey drink it all year round, now is the time that it’s socially acceptable to drink this beverage from heaven. Pop in a peppermint stick, a Hershey’s Kiss, some marshmallows, and a dollop of whipped cream and you have the most decadent drink of the season.
8. Candy Canes
One of the four main food groups, they’re so sweet and their shape is so cute. Hang them all over your tree… and your dorm room! Eat them by themselves, bake them into brownies, or plop them in a hot cocoa. Take a bite when you’re stressed— peppermint is known to have stress-relieving qualities!
9. Puffy Coats
A lot of people think breaking these out of storage is a drag, but it’s really quite wonderful. Just imagine a warm cluster of pillows hugging you and keeping you warm all winter.
10. Fuzzy Socks
Like a puffy coat for your feet! It’s like walking on a dream. Fuzzy socks keep your piggies warm while making a fashion statement at the same time! Wow!
11. Tacky Christmas Sweater
This is arguably the most fun part of December (I may or may not own one for every day of the month). You found your favorite tacky sweater at the local thrift store as far back as April, and now it’s time to break that puppy out!
12. Decorating
Hang the lights, and put up the tree! Pull your favorite decorations out of storage and get ready to go crazy! Everyone’s tastes are different, but one rule rings true— decorations always put you in the holiday spirit! My house is always covered in festive knickknacks. My favorites are our cute little village and tree ornaments filled with memories!
13. That one house in your neighborhood that ALWAYS goes overboard on decorations
We all have one of those! They’re bright, crazy, and almost always set to music. Whether you’re that house or you live nearby, it’s always fun to walk or drive by to get into the holiday spirit. Don’t lie, you know you love it!
14. Baking
My mom and I have a tradition of baking Christmas cookies every year, oh so cleverly named “Baking Day.” Last year we baked over 1,500 cookies in one day (as indicated by the photo above, #legit)! You don’t have to go to such an extreme, but it’s always a fun bonding experience to bake delicious goodies with friends and family.
15. CHRISTMAS
ITS FINALLY HERE! Well, almost. December is the time to get excited about the holiday season!
16. Spending time with the people you care about
This is the most important part of the holiday season. Take time to visit family members and call up your friends and tell them you love them. After all, tis’ the season of giving, and giving doesn’t always mean material objects. We are so incredibly fortunate to have those we love around us during the holidays, so make sure they’re feeling the love that the season brings too!
There you have it! As you can see, the “most wonderful time of the year” is upon us! So get out and go enjoy it!