The time has arrived! It is the first week of December and the Christmas season is in full swing! The turkey leftovers have been gobbled up (pun intended), and it is time to get ready for, in my opinion, the biggest and best holiday of the year. If you’re still looking for the perfect way to get in the Christmas spirit, curl up with some hot cocoa for a viewing of this beloved Christmas classic and then jump-start the season with the list below.

1. Putting away the turkey and decking the halls

It's time to finish up the leftovers and get ready to deck the halls in their Christmas best. Bring out the garland and tinsel, jingle bells and bows. Display the elves and reindeer as you prepare for Christmas to arrive. Get ready for the joy brought by your favorite Christmas decorations.

2. Stringing the Christmas lights

It may be getting dark earlier in the evenings now, but Daylights Savings Time is no match for the glorious array of Christmas lights shining along every street. There's a special warmth brought by the beauty of shimmering lights on a cold, winter's night. The more the merrier.

3. Finding the perfect tree

Just as Christmas lights and decorations are essential to the start of the season, so is finding the perfect Christmas tree. Whether you cut your own tree down from the middle of the wilderness like the Griswold's or prefer an artificial tree to string with ornaments and lights, the only thing that matters are the memories shared around this beloved Christmas staple.

4. Listening to every Christmas song on repeat

The suggestions above are made even better with a soundtrack of your favorite Christmas carols playing in the background. Whether singing along in the car or while studying for finals, the abundance of festive tunes is a sure sign that the season has arrived.

5. The arrival of the chilly, winter air

While the cold winter air may not be as exciting as the other parts of this month, it's always nice to dream of a white Christmas.

6. Holiday festivities with loved ones

Because being with those you love is the most wonderful and important part of the Christmas season.

7. Finding the perfect gift to give

This time of year is certainly NOT about what's under the tree, but finding a gift that you know will bring joy to those you love makes you realize why Santa is always so jolly.

8. Remembering you still have to take finals

If you have seen this movie, you know that this squirrel is an excellent representation of finals week.

9. The lights and Christmas decor

There's nothing like red, green and twinkly lights as far as the eye can see.

10. Enjoying the most wonderful time of the year with the people you love

Spending time with those you love, basking in the glow of Christmas cheer and enjoying the days leading to Christmas, truly does make the beginning of December a magical time of year.

Whether you have already strung the lights and decked the halls like Clark Griswold or are still warming up to the Christmas cheer like his daughter, Audrey, “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” is sure to bring a smile to your face and Christmas joy to your heart. Bundle up, take in every moment of the season and you may just find yourself having a “good old-fashioned Griswold family Christmas”.