There are a lot of things in the world that we experience two different ways; once when we are kids and then again when we’re the parents of kids.

Holidays are no exception to this reality. In fact, holidays are probably the ultimate epitome of this reality.

Let’s take a look at Christmas as a kid and Christmas as a parent of kids:

Decorating Gingerbread Houses

source / the gif chick		source / shuggilippo
Kid: Pretty much the best thing next to decorating cookies because ALL OF THE CANDIES! And then there’s the tummy ache that gets you out of coconut snow cleanup.		Parent: Bust out the tweezers and the monocle. This is the closest you’ll get to being a fine jeweler with an added dose of royal patience.

Going to Bed on Christmas Eve

source / imgur		source / jimmy kimmel
Kid: Christmas Eve is like the night before Disneyland except with more presents. Who can be expected to rest at a time like this?! Who?!		Parent: “Going to bed” is merely an adorable idea of a thing that every parent thinks is going to happen but then they realize unwrapped toys under the tree would be tacky.

Santa Delivering Gifts

source / giphy		source / giphy
Kid: You’ve watched enough Get Smart to piece together that floor creaks and muffled swearing mean the man in red is here with your haul.		Parent: You seriously wonder why you didn’t crush half a bottle of Xanax into the cookie frosting because if those kids come downstairs one more time…

Waking Up Christmas Morning

source / imgur		source / giphy
Kid: Wake up? Yeah right. You didn’t sleep a wink. Now you have to keep it together enough to not dry hump the pile of gifts like Rover on Aunt Milly’s leg.		Parent: If there were a photo in the urban dictionary next to the phrase “can’t even”, your face for the better half of Christmas morning would be that photo.

Opening Presents

source / imgur		source / naptown pint
Kid: A weird little elf angel came to you in the night and convinced you that unwrapping gifts is some sort of speed competition. You will be the victor.		Parent: The kids want to tear into the giant playhouse, sure, but you have full control over them as you meticulously remove the Scotch tape and tiny pieces of paper. One by one by one.

Drinking Egg Nog

source / shuggilippo		source / imgur
Kid: The grossest torture is when your mom makes you “have one little sip” of thick milk. Ew. It tastes like you’re on the naughty list this year.		Parent: The sweet, sweet nectar of the holiday season. Ain’t no way you’re making it through the 118th listen of “I Want A Hippopotamus for Christmas” without some booze-riddled nog.