25+ Things People Who Love Christmas Know

1 — The Christmas season officially begins the second you find the perfect gift for someone on sale—even if that happens in March.

2 — But OK, the day after Halloween is definitely the absolute latest start of the Christmas season.

3 — Thanksgiving deserves its own day, because pie.

4 — Nobody leaves a Thanksgiving or Christmas feast without a plate of leftovers. Don’t even try.

5 — Once the radio has been tuned to the Christmas station, it must remain on the Christmas station until the Christmas season is over.

6 — It is not only completely possible but quite enjoyable to go from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day and watch nothing but Hallmark Channel Christmas movies.

7 — One Christmas tree is never enough. Three is a good start.

8 — Every ornament has a story. And you’re going to tell every single one of them, if it takes all night to do it. With enough candles, diffusers and scent sticks, even your hall closet can smell like Christmas.

9 — Twinkle lights make everything better.

10 — It couldn’t hurt to make a courtesy call to the electric company, because your outdoor holiday decorations put the regional power grid at serious risk.

11 — The best mall Santas have their own facial hair. Give it a tug to make sure.

12 — Holiday road trips require a playlist, themed car games and Christmas snacks. Your minivan is the most festive thing on wheels. Oh, and also: There’s a wreath on the grill.

13 — Everything seems more hopeful by candlelight.

14 — You may have to hang your stockings on more than the chimney to have room for the whole family. And pets. And plants.

15 — There is nothing more satisfying than a fully stocked gift-wrap station.

16 — Except maybe a stack of beautifully addressed, stamped and ready-to-mail Christmas cards.

17 — When you mess with tradition, you mess with Grandma. Nobody messes with Grandma.

18 — Family, love, laughter, loudness and the tamale assembly line = best Christmas ever.

19 — With enough sugary treats and eggnog, you can coax every member of the family into matching outfits for the Christmas card photo. Even the cat.

20 — Peppermint sticks go with everything.

21 — A well-curated gift closet is your secret to last-minute thoughtfulness.

22 — There’s always room for one more around the table.

23 — You have 30 pounds of butter and cream cheese, and you know how to use it.

24 — Your family shortbread recipe card is a sacred heirloom and must be treated as such.

25 — There is no such thing as an ugly Christmas sweater.

26 — The Hallmark Christmas movie marathon is not over ’til the tissue box is empty.

27 — Even the brattiest, stickiest kid is totally huggable in a tiny reindeer costume.

28 — It is absolutely, positively 100% better to give than to receive.

29 — Don’t be surprised when the kiddos play with Baby Jesus from the nativity set. We hear He’s a pretty nice guy.

30 — The best living manger scenes feature both real sheep and toddlers in unicorn costumes.

31 — It’s important to look good for the Lord on Christmas Day. Jesus wants you to get a new outfit.

32 — Squeezed close in the pew, in the car, at Grandma’s table—there’s no feeling like family togetherness.

33 — “Silent Night” has six verses. You have them all memorized.

34 — Santa loves a good plate of cookies—but he wouldn’t turn up his nose at a big glass of wine, either.

35 — Our Savior is the reason for the season. Amen.