Steaming hot chocolate and peppermint, snow flurries, and Christmas music fill the air from just after Thanksgiving until New Year’s Eve. Some people deeply enjoy all the holiday cheer and some people are driven over the top with the craziness.  

First of all, the music. All anyone can hear is overly cheery tunes sung by old men, rambling about Santa Claus and how good you need to be for him to visit. Really? Shut it up already. Every song is just like all the others, and it makes it impossible to get the repetitive melodies out of your head. In addition, these songs take over almost every radio station from Black Friday, clear past the start of the new year. After listening to the songs on replay while Christmas shopping, it is difficult to even listen to your music in your own car.

I could do better with the music if it did not start so early. Maybe this is a little strict, but my limit for Christmas music is about ten days before and 1 day after Christmas. There is absolutely no point in playing the music so long after the holidays if the whole point of the music is to get you in the mood for the season. We can no longer shop in silence, instead being forced to down tune after annoying tune.  

Although this does not apply to everyone, I think Christmas is just not the same without snow on the ground. With the rate we’re going with the weather now, it could very well be 40 degrees Christmas morning! Snow is one of my favorite things about Christmas and winter in general. Some people complain that it stalls their vacations but just get over it and enjoy the extended break.

I am going to come right out and say it – one of the best things of the holidays is the food. Starbucks’ Peppermint Mocha’s are just about the best winter drink, along with anything steaming hot and peppermint flavored. My family has had a Christmas Countdown as long as I can remember, where you take a mini candy cane off every day. There is nothing better than candy canes to get you in the mood for Christmas.

Whether it is the obnoxious melodies, the snow-filled streets, or the best food on the planet, you always have something to count on to get you in the holiday spirit. After the murderous event we calls finals is over, we can all kick back, drink some hot chocolate, and enjoy the Christmas season.