I love the holidays – from November 1st through the New Year, I am super happy and cheery. The holidays are exciting because I look forward to many things, such as busting out the Christmas tunes, watching cheesy movies, and seeing all the store decorations. It’s so exciting because it happens only once a year.
But for so many people, they have lost the spirit. Some lost it when they became teens and lost the magic, charm, and belief in Santa. Some lost it from hitting low points where they’re not kids anymore, but they’re also not a parent. Some feel a lack of spirit due to needing more funds or not being in a serious relationship.
The holidays will change as you progress through phases of life. Many struggle with missing that enchanting and delightful core memory. Unfortunately, regaining the joy and magic of being a child on Christmas morning is difficult, if impossible, to recreate.
You can still do holiday activities you used to as a child, even if circumstances have changed. Build that gingerbread house, wear an ugly sweater, drink eggnog, sing carols, and visit the fat man anyway. Create that holiday spirit. BUT each year, new and different joys can be uncovered.
Staying in the moment rather than trying to recreate memories is the goal. If you dwell too much on what used to be, the present will allude you. As you get older, you can have the joys of reconnecting with old friends and rarely-seen family, as well as discovering different ways to celebrate and new ways of giving. Sitting around the Christmas tree, telling stories, sharing jokes, and catching up with loved ones creates a bond with those close to you, which can bring back those positive holiday feelings.
As a kid, the holiday experience was what you could get. As an adult, make the holidays about what you can give. I enjoy giving to others, especially when their faces light up. You can also get that holiday spirit by making your season about someone else. Bring magic to others to create a tremendous feeling for yourself. Check out a local giving tree, or volunteer at a senior center.
I have a friend who had some very unpleasant holidays, which really killed the fun for her. The way she got back into the holiday cheer was giving to others. She found families in need and supplied them with holiday cheer, which gave her that holiday spirit back. Find something about the holidays you like and share it with those you care about. And if you can’t find anyone to share with, share with Internet strangers.
I also have friends who grew up without Christmas being a tradition (non-US, non-Christian), but they always had an image of what Christmas might be. When they moved to the US, they started celebrating and enjoying Christmas – and they enjoy it more every year. They started their own traditions and created new, magical memories to cherish.
As for me, I try to make others happy during the holidays, and in return, I see their smiles and the joy they feel, and I am delighted and feel the holiday joy. I don’t try to chase what the holidays used to be in the past but rather make the holidays what they can be.
If you seek and experience, you will find ways to enjoy the holiday season that you will continue as a tradition over time. I love sitting by the fire and drinking hot chocolate in the chill of the evening. Add snow, and it would be even more magical, but we’re not getting any of that in Georgia.
Try starting a new tradition or activity to look forward to in the coming holidays. Think of what brings you joy: music, volunteering, gift wrapping, and more. Learn to create something and make it “your thing,” such as special treats or crafts, so everyone gets excited and looks forward to every year. Even better if this tradition or activity can be done annually with friends and/or family, as that’s what the holidays are about.
You are never too old for what makes your life happier and more enjoyable. If you feel like you could still enjoy the playful holiday traditions and activities from childhood, go for it. Do the silly stuff that makes you happy and brings you joy on regular, dull days. If not, create new and fresh traditions that you carry with you going forward. My overall message is, however, don’t chase the ghosts of holidays past. Enjoy the holidays you have now.
