Although the holidays will always be a magical time, that magic has the potential to get lost as it’s accompanied by the complexity of growing older. Teens often find themselves reminiscing about the nostalgia the holiday season brings, remembering simpler times, when there were no added responsibilities or stress about mental health.
So what exactly changes as we get older that makes the holidays feel so different? Some might say the childlike wonder and excitement surrounding the holidays tends to fade as we mature, resulting in the season feeling less special than it once did. Others may agree that the reality of our responsibilities don’t just fade away because Christmas is arriving. Priorities change and the holiday season might no longer be one of them. According to an article about Christmas, young children rarely need to worry about saving up their money or studying for final exams. Their biggest worry during the holiday season is often what their letter to Santa is going to say, or what presents they are going to ask for (maristcircle.com).
The holiday season is a time that can be described as joyful and festive but as our roles during the holiday season change, it may begin to cause stress and anxiety. According to a 2023 American Psychological Association survey, “38 percent of people reported increased stress during the holidays.” The stress that we feel can be caused by a multitude of factors including financial pressure, gift giving and family gatherings (mcleanhospital.org).
Sophomore Safia Atayee said, “During the holiday season I am always scrambling to find the perfect gift for my loved ones. I try my best to get them something they are going to love, something that is perfect for them.” The stress of giving gifts does not only come from the inconvenience of having to go to the store and buy something during the busy season, but the amount of thought that goes into it.
Atayee said, “Christmas is my favorite holiday and the fact that year by year I am only getting older definitely saddens me, but at the same time, it also brings me joy because I am able to understand the true meaning of the holidays.” As we evolve as people, our lives and the things we experience evolve and change as well. The change in our lives can lead to a shift in our perspectives and the values we hold during the holiday season.
Although nostalgia can be especially powerful during the holidays, it is a big reason why traditions are carried on and can bring good energy during the season. According to USA Today, “Decades of research show that nostalgia’s net effect on our psychological well-being is overwhelmingly positive – boosting mood.” Nostalgia improves self esteem, encourages making connections with others, increases meaning in life and inspires optimism about the future (USAtoday.com).
Sophomore Abigail Arellano said, “Decorating the Christmas tree with my family and seeing the cute ornaments my siblings and I all made when we were little makes me feel nostalgic and can sometimes make me emotional, but as I’ve grown older it’s so fun to watch my younger siblings get to enjoy the holidays as I once did.” As people mature and change, so can family traditions. Although some may miss how the holidays used to feel, new traditions can create meaningful memories that people will carry with them forever.
Growing older means change and sometimes life gets in the way of the holiday season; however, just because the holidays don’t feel the same doesn’t mean they can’t still be enjoyed. It is still an important time to get together with family and loved ones and realize what is really valuable. Looking back and reminiscing doesn’t have to be a time of sorrow or grief, but rather a time of rejoicing.