When Christmas Isn’t Christmas

What makes Christmas feel like Christmas?

There are somethings that make the season of Advent and Christmas feel more real. There are things that "need" to happen before Christmas can come. In our house it is hot chocolate. The other day we got our hot cocoa paraphernalia out so that we can make to perfect cup while also taking into consideration all of the allergies in our house. However, we did it and now Christmas can come.

Do you have things that "need" to happen before Christmas can come?