By Isabella Diaz
Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year, or at least that’s what people say. As a kid, Christmas seemed so magical with all the lights on houses, the decorated trees, and promises of Santa Claus bringing presents. But as we get older, Christmas starts to feel different. The excitement shifts, and for many people, the magic seems to wear off. Why is this?
When we’re young, Christmas feels like it’s about presents, making your wish list, waiting for Christmas morning, and tearing through wrapping paper as if your life depended on it. As we grow older, the focus of Christmas changes from receiving to giving. While giving can be rewarding, it also comes with stress. Finding the perfect gift for your loved ones, managing a budget, and balancing everyone’s expectations can often make the season feel more stressful than fun.
The American Psychological Association conducted a study that found that adults often experience heightened stress levels during the holidays. This is due, in part, to time constraints and the number of tasks that have been accomplished. What used to be simple thoughts about Santa and the deliciousness of the cookies we set out for him now seems to demand our full attention as we plan and make lists, shop and wrap, and otherwise try to maintain some air of a magic that seems to have all but disappeared. For young kids, the magic of Christmas is very much alive.
The holiday also feels different these days because our family dynamics have changed. When we were young, our whole family would come to town and be around us for the holidays. When they get older, people live away from home, start their own families, or make other life changes. Whenever it might be, the family gathering is smaller these days, not as loud, or not as “alive” as it used to be. For adults, work and other responsibilities pile up during this time. But even as a teenager, you’ll probably have to juggle finals, shifts at work, and the obligations that come with giving and receiving gifts. I remember a time when the holidays were just carefree.
Yet, even with all that, Christmas doesn’t have to lose its magic completely, it just transforms. The older you get, the more the cheer associated with Christmas comes from being with the people you love, taking hold of your life, and making new traditions. It won’t strike the same chord as the version you played when you were a kid, but that doesn’t make it any less significant. The trick is to hone in on what counts. Whether you’re helping out at a shelter, spending time with family, or having a moment of quiet to appreciate the season, you can make the Christmas season special in your very own way.
beniciapaw.com 