IT’S CALLED THE most wonderful time of the year for a reason, y’know.

If you’re like us and can’t wait for Christmas magic to be in every nook and cranny of our daily lives, then you’ll be looking out for the early signs that the festive season is kicking off.

Here are just a few – and please do tell us what ones we missed in the comments section. Ho ho here we go…

1. The little elves start working

Source: GoodNCrazy

When the kids start coming home with Christmas stuff from school, that’s when it truly kicks off in earnest for many households. Be that a little battered art project of Santa, replete with cotton wool beard affixed with PVA glue, or the Argos catalogue getting circled by little hands… It’s on once the kids are looking forward to it.

2. Fah lah lah lah lah…

Speaking of which, kids often come home from school at this point full of the joys of Christmas concert practice – and sure at that stage, you may as well lash on Christmas FM in the car too. We’ve been waiting to hear Mariah all year, to be honest.

3. On the box

Source: dog.happy.art

When the Big, Big Movie starts playing festive classics, it’s time to admit that your family will never, ever settle that argument over whether or not Die Hard is a Christmas film. (It totally is, by the way.)

4. Share and share alike

Source: JD Hancock

Dropping hints about Christmas gifts is an art form – one best practiced with subtlety and tact. If you haven’t noticed any loved ones dropping hints about what they’d like under the tree this year, have you considered the possibility that you simply haven’t been paying enough attention? Thank us later.

5. Festive food

Source: Lawrence OP

You know you’re on top of the festive organisation when you’re on schedule with feeding the pudding. The best things truly do come to those who wait.

6. Holidays are coming

Christmas ads on the telly. There’s no mistaking the thrill when you first see one of those nostalgic ads, jingles and all.

7. Little letters

Source: Mike Overall

The planning of the letter to Santa can go on for weeks. Not only have you got to figure out your wishlist – you’ve to think about priorities, your offering in terms of mince pies, how to frame that minor incident with your little brother back in early November… it takes time OK?

8. And finally…

Source: Todd Austin (Designer)

And when someone complains about it starting earlier every year? That’s when you know it’s really Christmas.

What means Christmas has started for you? Let us know in the comments. Spread the cheer!

And one other surefire indication that Christmas is in full swing is getting out that battered old address book and writing up this year’s Christmas card list. For all the postal information you need this Christmas, including last posting dates and letters to Santa, click here.