It’s the Season

By Camille

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One of the most memorable times within our childhoods comes from the holiday season. Everyone is happy and excited to be together, no matter what you celebrate. Even in shows and movies, the holiday season is depicted with the brightest of colors to symbolize a happy time. 

The mere thought of not being in school, potential snow, and the exchanging of gifts are enough to bring most people in a reminiscent mood. There are a few moments better than waking up and racing down the stairs to see presents underneath the tree (or however you might celebrate). Sometimes, you get what you asked for, and sometimes, you may not. But overall, the elated feeling you get in your chest is worth it.

Unfortunately, for many people, the holiday season eventually blends in with everything else as it is no longer as joyful. There are many reasons as to why one may not feel as festive as they were years ago. This could lead to feelings of dread towards the holidays because things are not what they used to be.

As we get older it is normal to lose that same enthusiasm about the holidays that we may have had as kids. Some people have to spend the holidays alone due to certain circumstances. Others have to spend holidays without their loved ones that they lost. All in all, the most joyous moments of our childhood can be the most depressing.

Sadly there’s a big in-between for a lot of people where the holidays are no longer joyful and they do not feel happy until they have a family of their own. But it does not have to be that way, anyone can make the holidays what they used to be. Everyone deserves to feel like a kid again during the holidays. 

Below I have compiled a list of things you can do to bring you back to those good days:

• Embrace the nostalgia. What might feel as bittersweet might help lift your mood as you reflect on those wonderful moments. 
  
• Contact your loved ones. I understand that there are circumstances where you cannot see your loved ones during the holidays, but a simple phone call or text may make everyone feel happier.
  
• Decorate. One of the best parts of the holidays is putting on music and decorating your house.
  
• Drive/walk around to see other decorations. Another fantastic part of childhood is sitting in the backseat and driving by houses with phenomenal decorations. 
  
• Create a tradition that links you and your inner child. Everyone has an inner child, and creating a tradition that focuses on that aspect of yourself can make holidays more fun.
  

While these are just a few, they are definitely good tips to make holidays what they used to be.

As we get older it may get more difficult to replicate the feelings we have experienced as children over the holidays. But, that does not necessarily mean that we cannot still experience those feelings again, we can always find ways to connect ourselves with our past. I hope this article has motivated people to start searching for that joy during the holidays again.