I know that many will agree that those of us who begin singing Christmas tunes in the beginning of October and are fantasizing about where each decoration will go around the house cause many to say “Bah Humbug”. I apologize ahead of time for this over joyous article about my love for the holiday season, but I am one of those Christmas enthusiasts. It has become clear to me that my senses have conditioned themselves to look out for what I like to call “Holiday” warning signs. I can’t help myself once certain mile markers in the year make their way to present day. A few of the triggers that hype up my spirits go as follows:

The first frost. It usually comes mid October or sometimes November, but it’s a sure tell sign that the crisp winter weather is making its way around the corner, bringing the Christmas season along with it.

Hobby Lobby’s holiday decorations. Coming out earlier and earlier each year is very unhealthy for my bank account. I walk into Hobby Lobby come mid September and 1/3 of the entire store already looks like Santa sold part of the North Pole to this company. I have to admit, I am drawn to all of the decorations and I end up scolding myself at the end of the month when the credit card payment is due.

When the world smells like pumpkin spice and cinnamon. You can’t get much of a sign that the holidays are here than that. Not often does Bath and Body Works sell “Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin,” in the middle of June.

When I can start my morning with “Light 104.1… Your Holiday Music Station!” Nothing is more calming than the old Christmas classics. The way to my heart you ask? How about some Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby Christmas? How old am I do you ask? 20— I am 20 and still love those old classics more than any Justin Bieber pop hit. (Sorry, Justin, your music is still great!)

Now if only Delilah would come back every evening during the holidays.

When finals are less than a month away. Although the most stressful time of the year for a full time college student, I find myself the happiest around this time. I think this is life’s way of seeing how far I can be pushed in order to bring my Christmas spirit down. Every year I also prove to “life” that nothing is bringing this girl’s giddy love for garland around every banister in my home and Christmas lights that distract me from my driving.

I may or may not have already watched my first round of holiday classics and popped in my first Christmas CD in my 6-disc changer by the first week in October. I also may or may not have caved on a few unnecessary decorations and holiday DIY projects before Starbucks even had a chance to release their annual fall favorite — the pumpkin spice latte. Each year instead of growing more tired of all that comes along with the months of November and December, I seem to crave the warmth and togetherness as well as the chaos that follows along. Bah Humbug to all of the holiday haters, Christmas is less than 11 weekends away!