It seems as if the holiday season comes earlier and earlier every year. For some, the countdown begins as early as July, despite long days and sweltering weather. The anticipation becomes even more apparent as soon as the fall weather hits. However, what about Christmas evokes such warm and fuzzy feelings?
Now faced with the approaching responsibilities of adulthood, many high schoolers feel a growing sense of nostalgia associated with Christmas as they reminisce about simpler times. With the days leading up to Christmas in elementary school filled with fun activities like making paper snowflakes and having class potlucks, Christmas was a time of pure joy and excitement. Now, most high schoolers, seniors in particular, are filled with anxiety as they frantically write college essays and fill out applications. But they are not the only ones — as winter finals approach, practically everyone feels the growing pressure dampening any festive mood.
The widespread presence of holiday-themed media, from music to TV shows, serves as a reminder of the carefree nature of childhood. With easily recognizable music, loveable characters and heartwarming stories, movies like “A Charlie Brown Christmas” effectively encapsulate the Christmas spirit and simplicity of youth that many high schoolers long for. Binge-watching such movies sets the tone for the holiday season and instills a sense of serenity as the year winds down. Specific to every family, Christmas traditions, whether baking cookies together or decorating the house, create an opportunity to bring everyone together and pause on the hustle and bustle of everyday life to appreciate the spirit of the season.
Aside from being a reminder of past times, many look fondly at the winter season because it is a time of togetherness. As the atmosphere becomes more festive, people gather to celebrate in the community — whether at dinner parties, trips or outings with friends. Christmas has become nearly synonymous with gift-giving, through which many express how much they care for those around them. As children, the beauty of gift-giving was lost on us as we cared more about the tangible object than the sentiment behind it. Now, we can partake in this tradition of giving every December, devising games like White Elephant and Secret Santa to add to the excitement of it all. So it is no surprise that the holiday brings a wave of good feelings.
Ultimately, Christmas holds a special place in the hearts of many as it blends the nostalgia of childhood, the warmth of togetherness and the joy of gift-giving into one delightful season. Amidst the stress of upcoming finals for high schoolers, Christmas remains a reminder of comfort and joy, offering an escape and a chance to reconnect with what and who truly matters.
