When we are kids, we count down the days until Christmas and hope that Santa received our letter. The holiday season is full of excitement, from festive lights to decorated cookies. It is every kid’s favorite time of year. As I have gotten older, I have realized how much better Christmas is as an adult.  

For one, you cherish everything so much more. All my life, I decorated the entire house and tree with my mom every year. When I went away to school, I wasn’t able to do as much decorating. It was really upsetting, freshmen year, because I felt like I was missing out on all the holiday traditions. I was fortunate that my mom saved me a small box of ornaments to put on the tree when I got home. I appreciated being a part of the Christmas traditions so much more than I did in high school. In high school, I hated wrapping gifts, but when I get home from school I am actually excited to wrap gifts with my family.

You don’t go into a sugar coma like you did as a kid. When I would bake Christmas cookies with my grandma, I made it my mission to eat as much cookie dough as humanly possible. Not only was it a game, because grandma didn’t want me eating raw cookie dough, but I acted like I was never going to get to eat cookie dough again. The worst part was the crash at the end of the day from all the sugar and feeling like your teeth were going to disintegrate. I have learned that cookie dough is not a rare commodity and that eating 50 gingerbread cookies on Christmas is not the best idea.            

Another important lesson I learned is that it is not all about the gifts. When you are a kid, all you care about is what Santa brought you. Now, when I go home for Christmas, I just want to enjoy a wine night and our favorite Christmas movies. The best part about Christmas day is when my cousins come over and we get to catch up. You realize that Christmas has such a deeper meaning than material goods, and all that really matters is spending time with loved ones.               

While Christmas was full of magic and excitement when we were kids, it still has that same excitement, but in a different way. We appreciate the little things more and realize the true meaning of the holiday season. So this holiday season, be thankful for the wonderful childhood holiday memories and savor all the little moments.