Christmas used to feel a lot bigger. When I was younger, the season pretty much began the second the decorations came out. I put cookies out for Santa, checked the Santa Tracker app way too often and went to bed with that excited feeling that made it impossible to fall asleep. Everything about it felt easy and magical. I never had to think about it or try to find it. It was just there.
As I got older, I started to notice little shifts. I still loved Christmas, but I was not waking up at sunrise anymore. I was sleeping in, taking my time, and realizing that the day felt different than it used to. It was not sad, it was just one of those moments where you realize growing up quietly changes how certain traditions feel.
Being in university makes that difference stand out a bit more. At home, Christmas basically begins in mid-November. My family puts up our Christmas trees, and yes, we have more than one. Some people might think that is excessive, but I genuinely love it. The whole house feels full and warm, the fireplace is usually on, and everything looks like the exact version of Christmas I grew up with. It is cozy in a way that is hard to copy in a student apartment.
Even so, I try. I have a tiny Christmas tree in my room and a few decorations around the apartment. They are nothing compared to my house at home, but they still make my space feel softer and a bit more festive. It is enough to make things feel familiar without trying to recreate everything.
One tradition that has stayed the same is my advent calendar. My mom has given me one every year for as long as I can remember. She even sent me one when I was living in residence last winter. Opening a chocolate every morning is something I have always looked forward to and being able to keep that tradition going in university feels really nice.
There are also small things outside the apartment that help bring back the feeling. Going to the mall and seeing kids line up for photos with Santa is always nice to see. It reminds me of what Christmas felt like when I was younger, and even though it does not recreate everything, it still makes me think about the holidays in a softer way.
The thing about Christmas when you’re older is that the magic does not disappear. It just shows up in smaller moments than before. You notice it when you open your advent chocolate, put one decoration in your room, or when something festive catches your eye while you are out. It is quieter, but it is still there.
If Christmas has started to feel different for you too, try reconnecting with the small things that made the season special growing up. Put something festive in your space. Go somewhere that feels even a little holiday themed. Keep the rituals that remind you of home and let yourself make new ones that fit your life now.
Growing up changes the way the holidays feel, but it never takes away your ability to enjoy them. Sometimes you just have to slow down long enough to notice the little things. I hope this helps you find a bit of Christmas magic again, even if it comes in small, simple moments.