There are a few staples that constantly kick off the holiday season. Besides the weather switching overnight from sweltering to freezing and sweaters getting pushed to the front of the closet, there’s one particular thing that inaugurates the old “merry and bright” season.

Is it the constant background noise that is Mariah Carey’s Christmas album? Yes, but also no. Is it the steady sound of bells as you walk into department stores? Again, yes, but also no. Is it the inevitable inability to find parking, well, everywhere? Well, yeah, but no.