photo credit: Mia Harrington
‘Tis the season to be jolly, or so the carol goes. But, as the years pass and the months go by, there’s an undeniable truth that many come to discover the older they get: the holidays don’t have the same magic they once did. While the may not be true for all, it’s important to note that it’s not the holidays becoming less special for some teenagers, rather, it’s how they view them that transforms.
As children, the arrival of December meant starting new advent calendars, circling what is wanted from magazines and the tracking of Santa Claus himself. The anticipation of Christmas morning, the joyous ripping of gift wrap and the heaping amounts of toys all contributed to the sense of wonder and excitement that we all seem to crave now.
The biggest contributing factor to the changing holiday spirit is the shift in perspective that comes with growing up. The gifts we used to unwrap are now our responsibility to shop and budget for. The time leading up to being with family and friends becomes stressful while trying to plan how to get to them. The days before winter break that we all used to look forward to are now filled with tests and studying instead of cocoa, movies and pajama parties.
Instead of looking forward to winter break for the holidays and all that it brings, teenagers now look forward to being home and sleeping in. The break from school and stressful classes is longed for more than the piles of presents under the tree. Besides, most teens now know what they are getting before they even get the chance to peel back the paper on their gifts.
Additionally, kids nowadays reach for the TV remote to flip through the best sports game reruns or turn on the newest update of their favorite video game in their free time over break. Instead of getting giddy over watching Santa make his way to their house on a glitchy “Santa Tracking” livestream, they go to bed early hoping to catch up on some much-needed sleep.
Despite these new shifts, in age and mindset, there is a silver lining to be found in the changing nature of holiday excitement. The joy may not be as pure or young, but, in this, it becomes more mature and meaningful. The holidays take on a new role as a time of reflection, gratitude and a celebration of the strong bonds that made it through the test of time.
It also becomes an opportunity for self-discovery and individuality while still having the comfort of family and tradition. The joy of giving takes on a new significance as teenagers begin to understand the value of thoughtful gestures and the love that comes from shared experiences. The once-eager excitement for Christmas morning may be replaced by learning that the holidays are not just about presents under the tree but about the presence of loved ones.
The evolution of holiday excitement is a natural part of growing.up. It’s not that the magic goes away entirely, but rather, it transforms into a quieter and more personal celebration. The holidays may not be as exciting as they once were, but learning the true meaning of them can be even more rewarding and special.
