With each passing year, I find myself appreciating Christmastime a little more deeply. As I’ve grown older, I’ve developed an awareness of the little sparkles of magic tucked into this season—moments I used to rush past without noticing. As a university student, however, I’ve found it difficult to truly enjoy my favourite holiday, especially when final exams linger up until Christmas Eve. This year, I’m taking a different approach to this season, allowing myself to embrace the everyday magic and nostalgia of Christmas among the hustle and bustle of completing another busy semester. In doing so, I’ve found myself drifting back to the Christmas memories from my childhood—proof that the magic never left; life just got busier.
If you’re a Christmas lover like me, you probably make this time of year your whole personality. I count down the days until it’s socially acceptable to decorate and listen to Christmas music. There’s something truly comforting about the soft twinkle of Christmas lights. After a long, busy day, there is nothing better than sitting by the tree with a cozy blanket and your favourite book. The gentle glow of the lights, the scent of a festive candle, and soft music playing in the background creates the most peaceful environment. This is the quiet magic that reminds me of childhood evenings spent reading The Night Before Christmas, a holiday classic that filled my imagination with endless wonder.
For me, keeping the magic of Christmas alive is found in the little moments shared with family and friends. Whether we’re baking cookies, watching a Christmas movie, or taking a drive to admire the twinkly lights in the neighbourhood, these are the memories that will last a lifetime. There’s a special kind of joy that comes from laughing about burnt cookies, singing off key to your favourite songs, and napping by the fireplace after a long day. As time goes on, I’ve realized it isn’t the perfect plans we make that make this season special; it’s the people you surround yourself with and the quiet moments in between. The older I get, the more I understand how rare and precious those memories really are. Simply put, slowing down and being with the ones you love is where the true heart of Christmas lies.
The magic of Christmas isn’t only found in the twinkle of lights, the scent of fresh cookies baking in the oven, or fresh fallen snow; it’s often found in the smallest, everyday acts of kindness. It’s in the smile you give a stranger, the hot chocolate you purchase for a friend, or the moment you take to brighten someone’s day. These thoughtful gestures echo the spirit of the holiday season, the very part that many people seem to forget about. It’s a reminder that we can keep the magic of Christmas alive, despite the child-like sense of wonder that may have passed us by. In sharing this kindness with others, we rediscover the simple joy we felt when we were younger.
Christmas is not just a day of celebration; it’s a feeling you carry throughout the season. Christmas is found in the comfort of being gathered with loved ones, in the warm hug you feel from a cozy blanket, and the hope you bring into a new year. And perhaps the most magical part of it all is that every December, no matter how old we are, we get to rediscover these nostalgic memories once more: the twinkling lights, uplifting music, and all the family traditions that make this season endlessly special.