Although Christmas is still the greatest time of year, it’s hard not to compare it to how it was when I was a child. Thinking back on the “coal in your stocking” threats your parents told you so you would behave, to the cookies and milk you left out on Christmas Eve ... ten-year-old you and college you have an entirely different outlook on Christmas.

Decorating The Christmas Tree

Then: You brought home your newly macaroni crafted ornament you made in class that day with pride, already knowing the perfect place for it on your tree. Your mom and dad “loved” it (bless their heart). You had to beg your mom to start decorating the tree and you did most of the work, loving that there were an excessive amount of decorations to put on the tree. You finish with your dad putting you on his shoulders to put the star on top of the tree.

Now: Your mom asks you with begging eyes to help her decorate the tree and you get suckered into it once again. You spend most of your time eating the candy canes that your mom just put on the tree and wondering why it’s necessary and how it’s possible this many ornaments fit on one tree. Then of course, you wait for your dad to struggle to lift you so you can put the star on top of the tree.

Waking Up On Christmas Morning

Then: You are the first person up (pre-sunrise), not even being affected by the fact that the only reason you fell asleep was because you exhausted yourself with excitement. You run all through the house, waking up everyone sleeping person; your only care is finding the biggest gift with your name on it and opening it first.

Now: Waking up early doesn’t really have the same effect on you anymore. You know the presents and family aren’t going anywhere and you will happily begin Christmas morning at ten o'clock. You could sleep all morning if it weren’t for your parents coming and waking you up after patiently waiting several hours.

The Annual Family Christmas Party

Then: You don’t notice that Uncle Joe has had too much to drink, you just see him as being really excited that it’s Christmas. You love being around everyone and insist that you bring every single present over to grandma’s so you can show all your cousins.

Now: These are filled with everyone drinking, repeating the same stories they say at every family gathering and constant questions about your future — “Yes, I am loving college. No, I don’t have a boyfriend. No, I don’t know what I’m going to do once I graduate. And grandma, PLEASE stop winking at me every time mom talks about wanting grand-babies.”

Buying Christmas Presents

Then: Your parents take you shopping and give you money to buy the perfect present for them and all your siblings.

Now: You save up money for all your gift buying, accidentally spend it on Black Friday, then still end up having to ask your parents for money.

Wearing Ugly Christmas Sweaters

Then: The only bad part about the holidays was having to match your sister. How were you supposed to stand out and show off how cute you are to your distant family you haven’t seen since last Christmas when you look exactly like your sister?

Now: These tacky sweaters being socially acceptable are one of the parts you look forward to most. It’s like Halloween all over again.