College Christmas Traditions

So, I grew up about 30 miles from Chicago.

My childhood was spent bustin' out that old snowsuit, digging my sled out of the garage and braving the snow. I didn't even feel that cold!

Now I don't know if it's because I'm at the ripe old age of 21 or because winters here have been very mild, but the snow we had last night (the FIRST of the season, what the hell...?) really threw me off.

Immediately I drove 15 in a 35 zone and put on five layers and fuzzy socks when I got home.

I know I live three hours south now, but seriously? When did I become a cold weather wimp?

Anyway, being away from home these past four years has been a little rough. My mother loves Christmas, so she goes all out with the decorations.

All of a sudden I came to college, and where was the Christmas light-up village? Where was the tree? Where were all the presents that I stared at anxiously all December long?

I felt like Cindy Loo Who.

So I have started some traditions of my own, being away. Here are five of my new, on-my-own traditions, college edition!

The roommates and I make holiday cards. Yes, there is wine:

I did actually pay money for owl footie pajamas.

1. Watch drunk people build a tiny snowman in the hand of the statue outside your dorm, laughing hysterically the whole time then try to explain what's happening when the police pull up. 

This does not need an explanation, and variations happen every year. Last year, frat boys in sparkly bow ties sang carols in the hallway.

2. Have a fire alarm go off the morning after the biggest end-of-semester party day.

Watch joyfully as WAY more people than actually live in your building come stumbling out in their ugly-sweater attire. Even more hilarious when you notice one girl is not wearing pants. All the firefighters laugh as they approach the building. One takes a photo with his camera. This only happened once, but it was too good not to share.

3. Volunteer to ring bells and collect money for the Salvation Army outside Walmart. Convince your roommate to join. Sing Christmas Carols at the top of your lungs. Old man drops some change in the bucket and tells you to "stick to your day job." Another old man comes out, asks if he can get a kiss if he donates twice. Roommate says "Well we can sing more! Have a Merry Christmas." Old man replies "...Happy Hannukah." And wheels away.

4. Share depressing holiday stories with your roommates. Like this, for example:

"In kindergarten I learned that you could leave your shoes out on Dec. 5 for St. Nicholas to fill with candy. So the next year, I left my shoes out overnight. I didn't tell anyone about it, just left them there. I woke up early, excited to see what treats I was left, and nothing. Then all of my friends at school talked about what treats they got and I was so sad."
Apparently my parents never heard of the Dec. 5 tradition...

5. Discuss why you are still convinced Santa is real. Offer your proof. Finish the conversation with "Well no one can prove he doesn't exist, so..."

There you have it, my holiday favorites! What are you looking forward to most this Christmas?