As people grow up, it is common for the holiday magic to fade. An example of this is the end of the Polar Express when only the boy can hear the sleigh bell. While it is basically impossible to make the holidays feel like it used to as a kid, you can try and replicate some favorite traditions.
It is important to really get into the holiday spirit, so having an advent calendar and watching holiday movies are a must. Some of my personal favorites are Elf, A Christmas Story, and Die Hard (which I think counts as a Christmas movie). Try to aim for movies you always loved as a kid since they are a great way to space yourself from school or anything stressing you out in life. This really sets the mood for December and adds to the fun.
The anticipation for Christmas was probably the most exciting part of the holiday as a kid. Lying in bed on Christmas Eve and not being able to fall asleep seems like a universal childhood experience. Before you go to bed, make sure you leave cookies and milk out for Santa; maybe even add some carrots for the reindeer since they are working hard all night.
As a kid, Elementary School parties were a staple of the holiday season. Organizing a party with your friends over break is a great way to celebrate. Spending time with people is important during the holiday season and it doesn’t just apply to your friends.
Many families enjoy going to the slopes and either skiing or snowboarding. Returning to a ski resort that you often visited as a child could be a great way to get some nostalgia. Even if you have never been, I would strongly recommend going to a ski resort this winter since it is my favorite thing to do this season. If you can’t make it to any ski slopes don’t worry, playing in the snow is just as fun. Whether it be sledding down your local hill, building a snowman or making snow angels, anything that involves snow is great because there is nothing better than a white Christmas.
Making cookies or gingerbread houses is also a favorite. You should take pride in your work while making these and save a few cookies for Santa. Speaking of Santa, getting your picture taken with mall Santa is something many kids were forced into by their parents, so why not bring back the embarrassment just one more year.
In the end, recreating Christmas time to feel like your childhood is completely personal because everyone’s idea of it is different. The most important part is going all in even if it may feel a little immature and silly at times.
