Every year, as finals wrap up and everyone packs up to flock back to their hometowns for the holidays, I’m filled with excitement and holiday warmth. No academic obligations, no stressors, and no responsibilities but to bask in the glow of the merriest of seasons. No matter how hard I try, I can never seem to replicate the magic my mom so effortlessly created when I was younger. Each year, my excitement for the holiday season dwindles a little more. However, I’ve realized that perhaps it’s now my job to restore the magic. I’m assuming many readers can relate to this unfit feeling of despair. Therefore, I am on a mission to restore the Christmas nostalgia.
merry media
Does anyone else experience a gut-wrenching sense of nostalgia when watching The Polar Express? For the longest time, I couldn’t pinpoint why that was the case until my friend pointed out to me that this film was the foundation of our elementary school holiday experience. Huddled together on a stiff carpet, passing around popcorn, candy canes, and hot chocolate, is one of the fondest memories I have of grade school. Films that offer a similar sense of comfort are the 1960’s/70’s classic animated specials that my sister and I are convinced nobody knows about, A Year Without a Santa Claus, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, and Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town. This year, give these not-so-known films a chance! They may even become holiday staples in your household like they did mine.Â
christmas crafts
My family has never been into the whole modern Christmas aesthetic. Our tree ornament collection consists of mini hand-crafted felt teddy bears and ornaments that my siblings and I not-so-carefully crafted in preschool. And I wouldn’t have it any other way! Because of this, decorating the tree each year brings up the sweetest memories that we would have otherwise forgotten. To keep this spirit alive, I am crafting ornaments and decorations that will hopefully turn into memories in years to come.Â
the little things
Taking the time to appreciate the little traditions during the season is a MUST. One mini tradition that I have failed to keep up with in the past few years is embracing the intensity of Christmas pajamas. I’m talking about matching sets, funky patterns, and full-out flannel. These are a necessity before any other tradition proceeds.
No matter how much magic I feel like the holiday has lost since my childhood, the Christmas spirit is in full effect in my kitchen. A once lighthearted cookie competition has turned into a full-fledged Great British Bake Off simulation. Each of us tries to outdo one another while also trying to one-up our themes from last year. Oh, what fun it is!Â
My favorite, and in my opinion, the most underrated Christmas tradition is the neighborhood norm of wrapping your house in the brightest of lights. My friends and I would always drive around to admire the hard work of our neighbors, but after realizing that the driver doesn’t have the same advantage, we discovered that walking is superior. Choose a quiet night that’s not too cold, brew some hot chocolate, and stroll around to enjoy the radiant glow that envelops each home!
Overall, the magic of Christmas appears to fade into the hustle and bustle of the season, making it hard to appreciate what the holiday season is all about. While incorporating these fun nostalgic traditions, make sure to also appreciate what and who already surrounds you. After all, that is where the real magic comes from.Â