As the end of the year is approaching, that means the holidays are approaching as well! Who doesn’t love December? Bright lights, cheerful music and the crisp smell of the winter air among us. December is definitely one of my favorite months of the year. Although it is freezing, spirits are high and the mood is joyful!

Every year, hundreds of thousands of kids make a wish list for what they want for the holidays. Some want toys, some want clothes and some want money. Whatever the case may be, kids are NEEDY! As I sit here and reflect back on what I used to ask for during the holidays, I realize how needy I was also!

Thinking back to the memories of my youngest days, I asked for toys such as Bratz dolls, Barbie dolls and Polly Pockets. Yet as I reached middle school, my wish list started shifting a different way. Throughout middle school and high school, my wish list consisted of straighteners, makeup, eyeshadow palettes, lotions, perfume and money.

As I look back, it is interesting to see that I went from toys to items that pertain to beauty. As a girl, I think I can vouch that majority of middle school girls wanted these items for the holidays. Now looking back, I think I know why. Middle school was definitely one of the most uncomfortable stages of my life. Not only do you want to be liked by others, but you are going through puberty--and puberty does not look its best! Puberty involves things such as weight gain and acne, which make young girls feel insecure about themselves. I think this is why so many young women want beauty products for the holidays; they want to feel more comfortable in the skin that they are in.

Now, being a senior in college, I feel as if my wish list is COMPLETELY different than what it was when I was a baby, in middle school and even in high school. Now, these items don’t excite me. Of course, it would be nice to get a new curling iron or new nail polish, but nowadays when I tend to surf on Amazon, products like swiffers and wall decor tend to excite me. In fact, what I really want this year for the holidays is a Panini presser! Wow, I feel old.

I never understood why parents would get each other blenders, kitchen sets and such for the holidays. Now I know why! As you get older, you mature and your taste in gifts change. What I wanted even five years ago are items I would never ask for now. As you grow up, materialistic items tend to go to the back of your brain and items that you need, not want, substitute this.

It’s funny to think about because I would laugh at the gifts my parents would get our relatives, such as new oven mitts, picture frames and vacuums; now these are the items I can use in my apartment that would be much needed!

It’s crazy to look back, especially during the holidays and realize how much of your life has changed. I feel proud to say that as a 21-year-old college student, I do not ask for materialistic things for the holidays anymore. I am now an adult and it’s time to start acting like one!