This Christmas season seemed to have come awfully fast this year for me, and I feel like I haven't fully celebrated it as much as I would have liked to. I think as the years go by, Christmas becomes less exciting for many people. We focus on that we have to get done; whether it's shopping, cooking, cleaning, we focus on these things in order to prepare for Christmas day. I think we often lose that Christmas magic and excitement over the years.

I noticed it greatly this year, and I think going to college made me realize how different Christmas has become to me since I've grown up. I miss the magic of it, the waking up and wondering if you got that specific toy for Christmas feeling. I miss looking at Christmas lights and being absolutely astounded by them.

But, as I took a step back from reminiscing about how much I miss the magic of Christmas, and how much I needed to get done, I realized that I still can have that magic. It might not be in the same way as I used to see it, but I can still love Christmas as much as I did when I was little.

I've talked to people my age, and they all say they can't see Christmas the same way any more. It's become about shopping and parties, not the innocent activities that we all did when we were little. But this Christmas, and all the Christmases after, I'm not going to let my inner child go away. I made a gingerbread house and let me tell you, I loved every second of it. I went to look at Christmas lights, and it was just as magical as it was before.

You can regain that sense of magic if you make time for it. Of course, there will always be things to do for Christmas. The shopping, cleaning, cooking. But, you can make the time to sit down with your family and watch that Christmas movie you enjoyed as a child. I've learned that just because you're growing up, doesn't mean you have to lose magic in your life.

Everyone is so worried about growing up and being an adult all year round, but there comes a point when you just have to be a little less serious. Christmas is my time for that. I can enjoy the magic of the season, relax and just be with family and friends. I've learned that you don't have to be an adult all of the time, there's plenty of time for that year round.

So, if you're feeling like maybe the Christmas season isn't the same for you this year, try looking at it differently. If you're feeling weighed down by responsibilities, take a moment to appreciate the little things Christmas has to offer. Don't let your inner child completely go away, embrace it, because that's what helps create the magic of the Christmas season.