Many adults report feeling disappointed by the holiday season because it doesn’t feel the same as when they were children.
Photo by Anthony Tran on Unsplash
Every adult knows the feeling of longing for the holidays of our childhood. Nostalgia for Christmas magic has the ability to make the holiday season seem disappointing and unfulfilling. Coupled with the letdown after anticipating the excitement and wonderment of the end of the year, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas can feel pretty underwhelming.
As someone who has chased the ever-elusive thrill of the holiday season from my childhood since my teenage years, I have realized there are some issues at play that make the most wonderful time of the year less wonderful than we remember.
First, the change in season comes with many biological changes that affect adults. Longer nights cast more of the waking hours into darkness which can seriously alter people’s moods and states of mind.
To combat this, make an effort to illuminate your home in the evenings by lighting candles and turning on lamps. This can also help combat the effects of seasonal affective disorder.
Another issue is that holiday spirit seems to come from the awe-inspiring innocence of childhood, so make an effort to connect with your inner child. Don’t let your own preconceived notions of what being an adult means rob you of rejoicing in the joy of the season.
Spend time with the kids in your life and share in their excitement. Allow it to fill the parts of you that have forgotten how to lose yourself in wonderment.
Indulge in the things that made childhood holidays feel special. Make time to watch nostalgic movies and share them with new generations. Make or buy the holiday treats that brought you joy. Perhaps even call a family member for a recipe and bond over the memories associated with it.
Be the joy in others’ lives. It can sometimes feel sad that people may no longer create the holiday experience for you the way they did when you were a child. Rather than let this spoil your holiday spirit, take a note from the Grinch and become the source of holiday joy in the lives of those around you. Bring themed cupcakes to work or keep a bit of candy on you to share. Buy a cute pair of themed earrings or socks.
Decorate your space the way you always wanted to when you were a kid.
Something that we tend to forget is that we were right as kids. Being an adult does mean getting to do whatever we want, and in a world where we grow up too fast, that also includes all of the things we wanted to do when we were children.
Remember that the little things matter, and make every holiday one that brings you happiness.