Not like any time is ever wasted getting into the holiday spirit, The switch between Halloween and Christmas is clear every year in department stores but nonetheless, December is a magical month. Here's just a few things to get you into the holiday spirit!

1. Winter Break

Nothing is better than the feeling of being done with all your finals and knowing that for the next five weeks, you'll be stress-free!

2. Holiday Sales

Even if you missed out on Black Friday, stores usually continue their sales thought the entire holiday season. Be prepared for the empty shelves, long lines, and if you live in California make sure to bring your own bags!

3. Tamales

Tamales are typically made in Hispanic households during the holidays, consisting of either pork, chicken, I'm pretty positive that I unwrap more tamales than gifts every year but I'm not complaining whatsoever.

4. New Movies

December is a busy month for movie theaters because of all the holiday movie releases along with many others. Some movies that I'm really looking forward to seeing are Jackie, La La Land, and Office Christmas Party.

5. The Festival of Lights

Something that I look forward to every year while I'm back in my hometown of Riverside California, is to enjoy the beautiful lights that surround The Mission Inn in Downtown Riverside. The festival of lights has more to offer than just a lights display though. You can also go inside the mission, ride the ferris wheel or carousel, grab something sweet from many of the vendors there or also from the famous Casey's Cupcakes shop located right next to The Mission Inn.

6. Building A Gingerbread House

It's frustrating, time consuming, and may end in a constructional disaster but that never stops me from buying one of those completely inedible gingerbread house kits from target.

7. Sweater Weather

Not like it ever feels like winter here in sunny Southern California but it’s nice to bring out those cute cardigans and scarves during the few weeks we have of chilly weather.

8. Decorating The Christmas Tree

Time to take out those embarressing ornaments you made back in elementary school!

9. Spending Time With My Family

As nice as it is not living at home anymore, it feels good to go back and spend some quality time with my mom and siblings -especially during the holidays.

10. Ugly Christmas Sweater Parties

Something about a room full of people wearing obnoxiously ugly sweaters makes me extremely happy!

11. Pillsbury Holiday Sugar Cookies

If I couldn't eat anything other than these cookies for the entire month of December, I would be perfectly fine.

12. Freeform's 25 Days of Christmas

Formerly known as ABC Family's 25 Days of Christmas,Freeform will air a different holiday film every night until Christmas day beginning on December 1st! With as many holiday movies as there are, Elf has to be my all time favorite!

13. Trying New Pinterest Recipes

December is the month to finally get a good use of those recipes you pinned back in September!

14. Sleeping In

One of the best parts about being on break is turning off all your alarms!

15. Starbucks Seasonal Drinks

Red cup season is back and even though that's about as festive as the new cup's get, their famous peppermint mocha says otherwise!

16. Holiday Music

It's a must to listen to your favorite Christmas music in December since it's really the only month that is socially acceptable to do so but if we're being completely honest, I was blasting All I Want for Christmas Is You since early November... oops.

17. CHRISTMAS/HANUKKAH/KWANZAA

Whichever holiday you celebrate in December, it's obvious that that's what is most anticipated during the month, Happy Holidays!

18. NEW YEARS EVE

Finally, December means the end of another year which is a time of reflection and resolutions so whatever you do, make the last month of 2016 worthwhile!