PICTURE this: it’s the first day of September in the early 2000s. The warmth and excitement of the holidays begin to fill the air. Festive, traditional Christmas decorations light up homes, carolers with their aged Spanish instruments and raw harmonies serenade the streets, and catchy jingles dominate television. Yet, as we age, these cherished memories seem to fade, slipping away as if caught in the rush of time.
Does the magic of Christmas truly change as we age, or is it the weight of adult responsibilities and economic challenges that reshape our perception?
“Life happens and the older we get the more responsibilities we have. It is usually not fun to think about bills, obligations, stress factors (such as school, work, relationships)— and these bleak out the color we used to see when we think about the holidays”, shares Eden Mae Aguanta, a 26-year-old writer and postgraduate literature student.
Reflecting on her childhood, Aguanta recalls how the holiday season was her family’s favorite time of year.
“It just doesn't feel the same anymore. Sure it is great to spend it with family and friends, but the weight of the entire year sometimes just comes down to us when thinking about the end of the year,” she adds.
Despite these feelings, Aguanta believes that finding new meaning in Christmas lies within each individual. “The accumulation of everything that has happened makes you reflective, sometimes even a bit somber. It’s harder for some to cope, but Christmas will always be Christmas. It’s up to us to create new meanings for it.”
But as she transitioned, the literature student said that it depends on how an individual perceived the essence of Christmas.
The accumulation of life’s experiences can weigh on a person, leading to reflection and sometimes a sense of somberness. For some, this is harder to handle, while others may cope better. Growing up in a household that celebrated holidays as the best time of the year, Aguanta continues to find meaning in Christmas. Despite the changes and the loss of its childhood innocence, she believes the spiritual essence of Christmas remains.
“Christmas will always be Christmas. It may not feel the same as before, the lushness and innocence we had may have all been gone, but it’s up to us to find new meaning to it,” she said.
Dr. De Mar Bangeles, RPsy, RPm, explains that the shift in holiday dynamics is a common experience for many adults. Factors such as financial responsibilities, hosting gatherings, and the commercialization of Christmas all contribute to this change.
As people grow older, the magic and excitement of Christmas often fade. One major reason is the shift from receiving gifts as children to giving gifts as adults, along with the added responsibilities that come with adulthood.
Christmas, once a carefree and joyful time, can become stressful as adults face financial obligations, host family gatherings, and manage the expectations placed on them. Additionally, growing awareness of challenges like financial hardships or loss can dampen the festive spirit.
While Christmas has traditionally been a time of joy, nostalgia, and warmth—filled with reunions, cherished traditions, and the spirit of giving—many people find the holiday no longer feels as magical as it once did. A growing sense of nostalgia for the Christmases of childhood has emerged, as the holiday season is now often more commercialized.
“Memories of the past also play a role, as the nostalgia for childhood Christmases can make the current holiday season feel less magical. I would be bold in saying, and I think other mental health professionals would also agree, that Christmas did not lose its magic; we just grew up and became adults with responsibilities. This is especially true for us,” De Mar said. DEF