Mom,
This holiday season has not been the same since I've been away at school. While I'm used to being home as you're running around like a chicken without a head, I've since had to settle for a phone call from CVS while you decide what wrapping paper to buy, or a Facetime call while you're shopping in the mall. Nothing compares to the years I spent at home; waiting to see if you'd come in with gifts for my brother or if you'd attempt to hide the bags and I'd know you had been out shopping for me. It's okay though-- I realize this Christmas season more than ever before how much you do for our family to make this a truly special time of year.
The hardest part about not being home the weeks leading up to Christmas is not waking up each morning to see what ornaments have been moved on the tree. I knew all those years that it was you and not the elves, but as long as my favorite ornament got to stay in the front it was always okay. You used to pick me up from school right around Thanksgiving and I'd come home to find the furniture rearranged, and I knew it was Christmas time because we were making room for the tree, but this year I found out through a Facetime call and it was so weird.
I always looked forward to the new decorations you'd bring home, and usually end up returning after a day or two. There was nothing better than all of the crazy things you'd bring home for our dog, like the jingle bells collar. The other day you asked me if you should buy him a scarf, and I really wish I was home to see it and tell you in person that a dog wearing a scarf is a choking hazard so you should return it.
One of my favorite parts of Christmastime is trying on everything you buy for my brother, because if it's too big on me, chances are it will fit him. This year as he opens his gifts, it will be just as much of a surprise to me as it is to him what each beautifully wrapped box contains.
When I was home visiting for Thanksgiving this year you begged me to bring my Santa hat back to school with me, but I politely declined. You proceeded to tell me that I would regret it and when I went back to school you told me I should buy a hat at my book store. Nothing was cuter than when you told me that if I didn't buy decorations for my door at Rite Aid you were going to bring them to school for me. Also, I'm really sorry I couldn't have that Charlie Brown Christmas Tree in my dorm, but thank you for thinking of me as always.
Some of the best things about the Christmas season are watching the family gifts accumulate under the tree, and coming home to find the stockings prematurely filled. I always wondered where you hid the presents from Santa... but don't worry I still have no idea.
You make me smile when you tell me to use your credit card for Christmas gifts for the family this year because you know I'm not working at school and want me to save my money, but after all you do for me I really want to buy you something without you seeing the bill.
I'm really grateful for all that you do for me and our family, especially this time of year. You made the holiday season a beautiful, magical time for me as a child, and because of that, Christmas will always hold an extra special place in my heart.
Love,
Your College Kid
