Is Anybody Cryin' Yet?

I know some of you have heard this phrase:

"Christmas Isn't Christmas Until _______ "
Then you fill in the blank with whatever signifies the start of the holiday season to you.

I've heard: "Christmas Isn't Christmas Until..."
... Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer plays on TV.
... I have a cup of hot chocolate.
... The tree is up.
... I buy the first present.
... The first Christmas card comes in the mail.


I have a few favorites of my own, but it requires changing up the wording a bit.
"Christmas Ain't Christmas Until..."
... Somebody cries.
... The cat eats and poops some tinsel.
... I start stressing about what to buy the "hard-to-buy-for" people.
... Starbucks hauls out the red cups.
... I say 2 bad words while hanging up the outdoor lights. (Or tell my husband where he can put those lights.)

What "officially" starts the Christmas season for you?