I typically can't get into the Christmas mood/spirit until December hits... and at a minimum, not until I've at least stuffed my face with turkey on turkey day.
And the 'spirit' for me, from whenever it starts, till about the week prior to Christmas, is quite simply, occasionally playing Mannheim Steamroller and Transiberian Orchestra christmas music.

The week prior to that day, I've become super stoked to see my entire family together. My sister returns home and my whole family just has a shit ton of fun with all of us together, including my brother-in-law.
This year is gonna be even better, because my buddy will be on leave from Afghanistan for around 2 weeks around that time. With me being away at school, I've come to enjoy the time together with all my family and friends more than the gift aspect. And my buddy turns 21 right around/before he comes home on leave, so that's gonna be a hell of an awesome time, since some of my friends are finally turning 21.

I'm the oldest out of my group of friends back home.