As the holidays roll around, there isn't much to do about stopping nostalgia. As I grow up, I realize more and more how important the holidays are and how different it will be now that we are older, in college, and away from home.

From a very young age, I knew that all the holidays would include large family gatherings with both sides of the family. It was always exciting to get together with my grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. Although most of us saw each other often, sometimes days in a row, it was nice to be in the same room with everyone all together.

Although not my favorite holiday, Thanksgiving always made me happy. The word alone makes my mouth water without even beginning to think about the food. Getting together and sitting around a table, laughing and giving thanks for everyone in our lives is more rewarding than I knew at the time. As a kid, my cousins and I were placed at the "kids" table and I just couldn't wait to grow up. Now, I will return home for Thanksgiving, sit at the "adult" table, and realize that it is not what I thought it would be. Sitting at the "adult" table really just means you're old now. I am happy to be surrounded by my family that cares so much about me, but it is weird to think that I will never get back the days of sitting with only my younger cousins at the small table without enough food.

Not only is Thanksgiving approaching, Christmas is, too. Yes, it is a little too early to be thinking about Christmas. I thank all of the stores that wait until after Thanksgiving to start decorating and playing Christmas music. But Christmas is my favorite holiday. The memories of Christmas as a little girl, with my two older brothers and my parents, are blissful. Decorating the Christmas tree, making Christmas goodies while listening to my dad sing "There's No Place Like Home For The Holidays" are some of the best memories I have. Now, I will go home and spend half of Christmas with one parent and half of Christmas with another, and nothing is really the same.

I am growing up and things are changing that will never be the same again. Looking back, I don't think I appreciated these times enough. I turned down opportunities to spend time with my parents to hang out with people I don't even talk to anymore. Around this time of year, during the holidays, I realize how important and precious time with family is. Spend time with your family over break and cherish every moment of it!