Christmas atmosphere: How do you create it?

Dear users, dear authors,
What is an absolute must for you at Christmas?
Tell me about it.

Great decorations (preferably in pine green and red), beautiful lighting, a Christmas tree just before Christmas, snow outside the window, great Christmas music (I’m more into the modern stuff), Home Alone, a delicious cup of tea, the smell of baked treats, and a warm blanket over me :) 
Once the tea is gone, I can finish up my Christmas gifts (which I’m doing at the last minute again) :) 

...and thank you very much.
Now I’m really looking forward to Christmastime and still have to wait three months ;) 

Dear Josefa,

at my office, the air conditioning is running. That doesn’t create any Christmas spirit, not even the thought of it. Although, when I think of cold winter weather, I wonder whether that makes me feel cooler?

I used to decorate practically the whole house with lots of colorful Christmas decorations and string lights—mainly for the kids. These days, the decorations are limited to the windows, the area around the front door, and a little bit in the living room, with colors that match the decor (currently cream, nougat brown, and turquoise/petrol)
In the front yard, two small trees are lit up. You can still create a festive atmosphere with just a few decorations, lots of candles (though we skip the traditional Advent wreath or floral arrangements), fragrant tea, and cozy cuddles on the couch. Of course, baking cookies and listening to Christmas music are must-haves too. We always put up the tree one evening before Christmas Eve.

Hi,

this will be our third time spending Christmas vacation in the Allgäu.
The first year, it felt a little strange not to
be home for Christmas.
Last year was absolutely wonderful, and hopefully this year will be too.
We’ll finally have some time as a family. That always fell by the wayside amid all the hustle and bustle
.

Nevertheless, I’m going to decorate our apartment for Christmas.
I’m really looking forward to it. That’s definitely part of the experience.

I’ll bake cookies with the kids, and we’ll visit the
Christmas market.

Best, Heike

I love decorating my apartment for Christmas...
Usually, it’s pretty simple around here, but in the winter I always have to go all out. With fir garlands, string lights, and even a little kitsch.
I also always try to get my gifts before Advent starts. That way, we have time for Christmas markets, baking cookies, and leisurely decorating the last little things and packages.
I also always invite my siblings over for Sunday coffee during Advent—that’s when I usually hand out a few of my packages.
I can’t do that at Christmas, since we’re usually spending a few days with my in-laws—they live too far away to just pop over for coffee.

Unfortunately, both my parents have already passed away—when they were still alive, I always cooked for them on Christmas Eve.
I don’t go to church, but it was important to them.
After church, dinner was waiting, my siblings came over with the whole family, and we had a lovely evening. I really miss that... 

My incense-burning figurines, Christmas pyramids, and the sparkling eyes of my grandchildren. Plus a decorated Christmas tree.
I don’t need presents—I just need a peaceful time together.

Any other thoughts?