How could I forget?

Christmas Eve with my sister, my mother, and myself driving through the rugged, quiet town of Mechanicsville in search of the luminous and distinct houses in each neighborhood. Throwing fake food in the front yard just so the reindeer that will inevitably come have somewhere to eat and rest up – but for some reason, I was never able to see them actually eat my food.

Poor timing, I guess.

But as a college student, all of these traditions that once excited me for months beforehand are thrown aside as the new perception of December is plagued by finals and stressful weeks of diligent studying and the monotonous tone of the depressing libraries.

What it does offer is a moment of appreciation for an incredible childhood and a chance to look back on the moments and traditions that hopefully I will one day pass on to my children and so on.

My earliest memories of the Christmas holidays begin with my mother abruptly waking me up on a crisp winter morning to get ready for school at Mechanicsville Elementary School. During the early years of elementary school, we would often make crafts, play Christmas related games, and especially go outside in the cold for a recess time of the purest form of joy.

When the bus dropped me off in front of my humble, little yellow house, both my mother and aunt, who often came from Naples, Florida to spend the holidays with us, would be waiting for my sister and me on the side porch. Upon walking inside, we would open these intricate, little boxes which were often small gifts leading up to Christmas day.

In addition to this tradition, we would eventually head to Hallmark where my sister and I would pick out a new ornament for the Christmas tree. Some of my most memorable ornaments included one that sang the "SportsCenter" theme song as well as one with a tiny mouse sending a Christmas card in the mail.

As Christmas Eve approached and the elaborate Santa inflatable was erected on the lawn, excitement grew exponentially. The family would snuggle up in their respective spots with hot chocolate as the Polar Express was blared on the main television; a tradition like no other.

That night, sleep was an afterthought. The only thing on my mind would be the look of the Christmas tree in the morning in combination with the smell of freshly brewed coffee that I normally drank as a kid. these Christmas mornings I can never forget.

However, as time progresses, so does the inescapable fallout of childhood traditions.

I am unsure exactly when these traditions began to fade, however, it is obvious that the customary Christmas traditions that had become habitual were a thing of the past. An adult now, all I can do is sit back and reflect on the simplicities and innocence of the past seasons.

Nevertheless, I would not say that Christmas as an adult is inferior to the feelings we all once had as children. As kids, the mentality is centered around a selfish ideology - innocent, but selfish nonetheless. The thought of tangible items, gifts, money, whatever it may be poisoned our unspoiled minds.

Christmas as an adult presents a sort of epiphany where the realization that "Christmas is a time of thanks and giving" becomes more applicable than ever. It is a time of reflection, appreciation, and gratitude that we didn't always express as unaware little kids.

Yes, right now you may be flooded with finals and yes, school might be testing your sanity, but the knowledge that Christmas is just around the corner is motivation for just about anyone.