Christmas only comes around once a year, and regardless of whether or not you're checking your calendar you know when that time is approaching. There are numerous signs that everybody can recognize that scream, CHRISTMAS! Whether it's the decorations, the music, or the shameless Christmas shopping propaganda plastered everywhere. You know that these things mean Christmas is coming.

1. Every store is decked out with Christmas goodies!

Nothing screams Christmas louder than retailers do around Christmas time. Sure, it's all just seasonal propaganda and only serves to further advance America's consumerist culture. But it's a sure fire way to know that it's time to start thinking of gift ideas.

2. Christmas TV specials!

When I was a child my grandma would make sure to call me to let me know whenever there was a Christmas special on TV. Now whenever I see Rudolph or Frosty showing up in the TV guide I know that Christmas is right around the corner.

3. Houses transform into light shows!

Everyone knows that one family that goes overboard with the Christmas lights. In my neighborhood every Christmas turns into a mini-competition to see who can have the most bright display that will be sure to keep the neighbors up all night. Sure it can be a bit obnoxious at times, but it's all in the Christmas spirit.

4. Snow!

While it may not snow in a lot of places, in Illinois it's customary for it to snow at least once before Christmas. It's nature's way of letting everybody know that it's that time of year. The wind chills, the ground freezes, and everything transforms into a winter wonderland.

5. All I want for Christmas is this song to stop playing

I like Mariah Carey as much as the next guy, but to say i'v grown tired of her smash hit is an understatement. The one surefire way to know if Christmas is coming is to turn on the radio. If you hear Mariah Carey's, All I Want For Christmas, then it's that time of year. Every radio station will play this song at some point, and if you don't have a radio just go into your local convenient store because they'll probably be playing it too. The worst part of the song is no matter how much it's played you just can't deny how catchy it is, and whether you like it or not it's a Christmas staple here to stay