I am a fresh adult. I pay bills now, and I get my own groceries. I have my own silverware holder and my own Tupperware sets. I am a fresh adult who is doing all of the things my family used to do. Being a bouncing adult-in-training, I have realized a few things this holiday season.

As an adult, the presents have certainly decreased. As an adult, my ability to get presents has left this holiday season incredibly stressful. As an adult, Christmas season does not actually start for me until the day I am actually not allowed in work.

As an adult, the holiday season sucks.

I have always loved Christmas. Therefore, once December began, I did what I usually did every year--made my Christmas list. However, I learned real fast from the family that I am an adult this year. I asked for simple things--items for the house, gift cards, and money. Surprisingly, I realized the only thing I can really count on is a Christmas card--all words, no cash.

Being an adult this Christmas means my family has begun treating me like an adult. Instead of getting asked what I would like as gifts, I am getting asked what I plan on bringing to the dinner. Now, I am expected to do the adult parts of Christmas. I am asked to cook foods and bring desserts. I am now a part of the pre-Christmas rather than the post-Christmas, and it's terrible, to be honest.

Another reason why holiday season sucks this year is that this season I have more bills than money. This is the time of giving, but the only thing I can afford to give is a hug, I can barely afford a candy bar for the people I know, but my heart is too generous.

This Christmas, I am an official adult. This means I have officially taken on the stress that Christmas actually is. I look forward to the time spent with my family, but I digress--Christmas is not how it used to be anymore.