Welcome to the holidays! Growing up this meant trips into Manhattan to look at the tree in Rockefeller center, ice skating in its shadow. Every year my parents and I would visit Macy’s so that I could visit “the real Santa” and go to FAO Schwartz to choose gifts for my younger cousins. The month of December was a time where I got to put aside all of the trouble that I was having in school and ignore some of my responsibilities because no matter what Christmas was coming!

In college the Holiday Season has changed a little. Living away from home means that I don't have access to Manhattan and many of my childhood traditions. Most of my Christmas list making is done on Amazon and I sadly have aged out of writing letters to Santa. But it's still one of my favorite time of year.

Christmas music plays in every store, there are twinkly lights outside every home and the world becomes a beautiful, magical place. It can be a little sad when you are so far from home and your family but it is still possible to get into the holiday spirit. Starting Black Friday, I watch Christmas movies and wear ugly Christmas sweaters liberally. It's true that I don't get to decorate my childhood home anymore, especially since strangers live there now, but I make plans with my mom to decorate her apartment when I get home and my dad and I will decorate his apartment when we go to Florida for the New Year.

Every time I order Starbucks, the red cup that my drink comes in gives me a little dose of holiday cheer. Every time that I see my Santa hat draped over my desk chair I remember my dad buying it for me because it's stupidly long and he knew I would laugh at it.

There is no denying that growing up changes things but that doesn't mean that they are ruined. I will always love the holidays wherever I am and whoever I am with. Starting Black Friday I am more than happy to listen to Christmas Carols while I do my studio work.