First, I just want to thank my mom for always making my Christmases so magical, even to this day.Â
I’m sure we all miss the days when we couldn’t fall asleep on December 24th because we were so excited to hear footsteps on the rooftop. Christmas nostalgia might be the most heartbreaking nostalgia of all. My favorite Christmas memory is going to my grandma’s Christmas parties at her old house, where she would make pigs in a blanket just for me. Christmas just doesn’t hit the same now that I’m older. But some things can revive that nostalgia, even just a little bit. Let me tell you some of them!
Put on Christmas pajamas
As of now, it’s sweatpants and baggy t-shirts, but there was a time when we all wore nightgowns and patterned pajama pants. Now I don’t think I’d fit into the nightgown I had when I was 9 years old, as I am now over a foot taller, but definitely put on your comfiest pair of fun pajama pants and some slippers as you complete this list.
Bake cookies
Specifically, the Pillsbury Ready-to-Bake! cookies, with a snowman or a reindeer. They are so good to eat raw, and even better when fresh out of the oven, and they literally fall apart when you try to pick them up. That is a childhood staple when it comes to Christmas cookies. You can also use different cookie-cutter shapes and make gingerbread cookies, then decorate them after. Or make the thumbprint cookies with your jam of choice (mine is raspberry).
Write a Christmas list/letter to Santa
It’s a childhood tradition to write to Santa and tell him what gifts you want. My go-to was My Little Ponies, every single time, without fail. Writing letters as an adult is a super whimsical way to bring back Christmas nostalgia. Write your letter with as many colored crayons and pens as possible. Bonus points if you actually mail it or give it to your parents.Â
Watch the best Christmas movies ever
I would probably say that my top 5 favorite Christmas movies are Fred Claus, Daddy’s Home 2, Home Alone, The Polar Express, and Love, Actually. If you haven’t seen those, I highly recommend you do asap! December is arguably the only acceptable month to actually watch Christmas movies, so watch as many as you can before the month is over. And be sure to drink your warm beverage of choice, whether it’s tea or hot chocolate.Â
Listen to the music
This one is so hard to escape during December. It seems as though everywhere you go, they have Christmas music on repeat. One thing about Christmas music is that there are never-ending variations of it. If you’re sick of one song, you can just listen to it by a different singer. So choose any of the thousands of Christmas playlists that have been made and jam out.
Walk or drive around your town to see the Christmas lights
This is honestly the best part of Christmas, every house gets so festive, and lots of houses really go all out (like Martha May from The Grinch level of all out). Even if you live in the smallest town ever, I’m almost positive that at least one house has fun Christmas lights. If you live in a bigger town or city, I’m sure your downtown area has gorgeous lights and maybe even a big, colorful Christmas tree. Now go take a look!
Put ornaments on the Christmas tree with loved ones
This particular Christmas tradition is probably the best on the list. It’s just so lovely to have a dedicated time to spend with your family as you get older and busier. Out of everything I’ve talked about on the list, this one is the most important. There’s nothing more nostalgic than looking at all the ornaments your family has collected over the years and talking about the stories behind them.Â
Leave out carrots for the reindeer and cookies for Santa.. Who knows? They might just get eaten.
I could not describe the joy and excitement I would feel when I would come downstairs Christmas morning and see that the cookies and carrots had been eaten. My poor mother had to sneak downstairs in the middle of the night every year and take a bite out of raw, dirty carrots and cold, stale cookies. My sister and I still do this, and my mom still eats the cookies (the carrots not so much). But this year, you should definitely bake some fresh (non-stale) cookies to put out for Santa, just to make it a bit more magical.
Get super hyped about the first snow
This definitely depends on whether there is snow and whether you live in a place that has snow, of course. If the weather cooperates, then hopefully it will snow on Christmas. But I always think the first snowfall is so magical, and I’m sure it’s extra magical for people who haven’t seen snow in person before. It’s just so gorgeous, especially when you look closely at the snowflakes and notice how beautiful each snowflake is individually.
Go play in the snow
Like I said, if there is enough snow to do this, grab your snow pants, your sled, a friend, and head for the closest hill. On the way there, it is crucial to have a snowball fight. Then walk up and sled down the hill a million times until your fingers and face are numb. When you’re done, be sure to grab a few blankets and a hot drink to warm yourself up afterwards.
Now, these are just a few things to revive your Christmas spirit. During the biggest holiday season of the year, it is important that you give yourself time to enjoy the holidays with loved ones and not stress about school or work. Adding some Christmas nostalgia to your life is a fun way to cheer yourself up and destress, as I know for most college students, these past couple of weeks have been treacherous with finals. I hope you all have the best winter break and happy holidays!