Newsflash! It's officially December, people. That means it's time for peppermint hot chocolate, big, gaudy sweaters, and... drum roll, please... Christmas music! If you're having a little trouble getting into the Christmas spirit (being that you have only had a few days to adjust at this point), don't forget to throw these activities into your December.

1) Listen to Christmas music. Particularly some good, old stuff by Frank Sinatra.

This one has to be the easiest method to adjust to the Christmas season. Whether in your car, around the house, or to wake up your kids for school, adding Christmas music can brighten your day exponentially. The seasonal music adds a sort of jolliness to the air that can't be ignored. And don't just let it play; sing it loud and proud! Your neighbors will thank you later.

2) Set up a Christmas Tree (even if it's a foot tall and on your dresser).

A Christmas tree makes any room look a little brighter. Our awesome staff here on campus has put up an array of Christmas trees, and it makes the dullest room look alive somehow. Around your home or dorm room, adding that little touch just might help you bring the Christmas season into your heart as well as into your living space. If you don't have many ornaments, write things you're thankful for on colorful pieces of paper and hang them on the branches with ribbon. If a tree is too expensive for your budget, make a "tree" out of sticky notes (Abigail Mcpheeters), construction paper, or use your imagination to envision your own version. A mock Christmas tree is better than nothing at all. Excuses don't count when it comes to Christmas decorations. (PSA, Christmas music is a great addition to the putting-up-of-the-tree ceremony... just sayin'...)

3) Watch a Christmas Movie

This one is pretty self-explanatory - there is nothing like a good Christmas movie in the company of loved ones. It sets the mood just right! If you need some direction, I highly recommend "It's a Wonderful Life," (but not in place of... definitely "in addition to" the other sappy Hallmarks in your repertoire).

4) Wear Christmas Apparel around town

All of your local stores have some sort of Christmas garb this time of year. Take a gander and go pick out a nice shirt, hat, or at least some awesome socks. Personally, I'm a fan of the gaudy sweater look. You can never go wrong with a dazzling Christmas sweater dripping with glitz. This holiday flair spreads cheer without a word, spreading smiles across the workplace, supermarket, or classroom.

5) Bake something to share with your friends and neighbors

Looking for a project because you're bored at home during December? Oh wait, that doesn't happen. For this reason, carve out some time with your family or closest friends to embark on a baking adventure. Mass produce some sugar cookies or gingerbread to take to parties and deliver to your neighbors with some caroling to go with it. This will save you time and money with the party list on your calendar. It's also a fun opportunity to slow down to enjoy those you love. My family makes Christmas sugar cookies every year. This tradition commemorates some of my favorite Christmas memories, flower-covered and all.

6) Wrap a present - even if it's just for decoration

There's something satisfying about wrapping a box in snowman covered wrapping paper. Do it at least once this season and place the prized box in a visible, cheery place of adoration for all your guests to see. It'll add another level to that cute tree you already have up.

P.S. Don't forget the bow. The bow is very important.

7) Drive through a Christmas Lights Display

Load up in the car, blast some "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" in your car radio, and journey to a beautiful Christmas lights display. This adventure is a cozy way to celebrate the season with loved ones alongside you. To add an extra layer of festive feeling, bring along a cup of hot chocolate for the drive through! Who doesn't love an excuse to drink hot chocolate?

8) Play a round of Dirty Santa

Whether at a work party, with your family, or among friends, Christmas has not happened yet unless you've played Dirty Santa at least once. This is a cheap, fun game to bring in people for a night of fun. If you aren't in the position to bring a good gift, Dollar Tree is loaded with opportunity. Too busy for a store trip? Check your cabinets. You'd be surprised what kind of junk you can find to give away in a good game of Dirty Santa.

9) Share your Favorite Christmas Memories around the table

At dinner one night, share your favorite Christmas memories. Reflect on the moments you treasure to warm your heart and to inspire you to build memories of the same kind in the present. Time is a gift; savor it.

10) Read "The Night Before Christmas" near a fireplace

This poem is simply magical. The imagery and phrasing ignite the child-like imagination hidden in every heart. This book is a tale of old, which makes it all the more a treasure. Pause to read this with your kids or your friends to welcome in the holiday season.

11) Go Caroling to people in need

Everyone deserves a happy Christmas. If you're doing well, go share your joy with those who might not be having as merry a Christmas as you. Nursing homes are especially in need of love at this time of the year. Singing a few Christmas Carols at a nursing home will have more of an impact than you can imagine. Also, consider friends who have lost a loved one or who may be struggling in other ways. Share the joy by making a difference with a little music.

12) Read The Real Christmas Story

Through all the hustle and bustle of Christmas celebrations, it is all too easy to misplace the meaning of Christmas. Christmas is about the radical story of God Himself coming to earth so that He could live a perfect life to die for our sins. Jesus brought hope, love, joy, and peace to a world of broken people. He chose to come rescue us even though we constantly get distracted by the shining lights on houses and the list of gifts we need to buy. Jesus is the only gift anyone needs. He is enough to satisfy your soul for eternity.

Read His story today. Reflect on what His coming means. If you only do one thing on this list, I hope you do this one. Only this story gives us a real reason to celebrate Christmas.

As the clock ticks on through the December days, I hope you enjoy your Christmas traditions of old and new. Slow down enough to enjoy the memories as they attempt to fly by without a trace. From my family to yours, may you have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!