With over 50 years of Christmas experience, I’ve come to develop a few habits which always get me in the Christmas spirit. Here are some of the things that are staples for me, coupled with some observations on the season.

I still cry every time Frosty the Snowman melts in the rail car. Oh, sorry, I should have spoiler alerted that.

Bob and Doug McKenzie’s version of The Twelve Days of Christmas is the gospel as a Canadian. “A beer in a tree.”

Watch the 80’s movie A Christmas Story. A cult classic.

I love to go to the nearby mall and walk around for a couple of hours. There is a different vibe in a mall at Christmas that I cannot describe.

Charlie Brown’s Christmas remains one of the most incredible things about being a child. If you know anyone named Charles, start calling them “Chuck” immediately!

The Flintstones‘ Christmas episode is also an underrated classic

Harry Potter movies are great to watch over the holidays.

I never wrap gifts except during the holidays. I love hiding in the basement at 2 a.m with scissors, tape, and wrapping paper.

My most cherished Christmas gift was receiving five books from the Robert Arthur written Three Investigators series. Hint: the joy of receiving a book is timeless for a child.

If you have not wasted a day assembling anything for your kids during the holidays, you have not lived and don’t understand sacrifice.

Being awoken at 6 a.m to open presents. Coffee tastes best on Christmas morning.

Donating to charity. We should be giving all season but, it takes on new meaning during the holidays.

Watching New Years’ Eve broadcasts and realizing how far musical standards have fallen.

New Years’ Eve bingo with family. We finally got the grandparents to fork out $1 per card. Yippee, I got BINGO and $3.25!