Christmas is known as the most magical time of the year. With presents under the tree, treats inside the stockings, and the smell of sugar cookies in the air, Christmas has been known to many people as a very happy and joyful time. To children, the suspense of waiting for Santa to arrive was enough to make them stay up all night. However, as we grow older, Christmas loses its meaning.
It's weird to think about how something that excited us so much as children, means very little to us as we grow older. Many of us still look forward to Christmas because we spend it with our families and get presents from others, but this is just not the same when we are out of childhood.
Here are three things that may be affecting your Christmas spirit:
1. Santa
The reason many of us grew excited about Christmas was because we looked forward to Santa Claus' visit. Unfortunately, as we grow older, we begin to realize that the fat man with a white beard and red suit is actually our parents. We start to realize that the Santa Claus at the mall is just a man who was hired for the job and that the cookies left by the fireplace were not consumed by Santa himself. The innocent blindfold of a young child is replaced by that of a realistic adult.
2. Money
Once you hit a certain age, you feel obligated to get presents for your loved ones. With prices sky-rocketing, the stress of finding affordable gifts replaces the joy felt leading up to Christmas. Not only that, but the need for materialistic items begins to replace the appreciation behind gift giving.
3. Age
It's a simple matter but getting older does affect the way you perceive Christmas. Your level of maturity and own stubbornness affect the way you view the world. If you are a childish person, you are more inclined to keep the magical traditions of Christmas. Consequently, if you tend to be a realistic person, you may not find much enjoyment in the imaginative aspects of the holiday season.
Truth is, there are a lot of reasons as to why the magic of Christmas may be fading away as you grow up. Times may be hard and unfortunately, it may be a struggle to stay positive and cheery with plenty of things happening in the world.
Personally, I don't look forward to Christmas as much as I did when I was younger. I find it peculiar that when I was a child, I would anticipate the arrival of Christmas and beg my parents to let me open my presents early. Now, that eagerness lies in my younger sister, causing me to sit and watch as she anxiously tears the wrapping paper from her gifts.
Whether you feel the magic of Christmas or not, it is important to remember that Christmas is so much more than just receiving gifts. Christmas is the time of year to reflect on what you've done and to feel gratitude for everything you've been given. Not everyone will receive the new iPhone 6S under their tree, but we can all share our joy with others. The true magic of Christmas is the love and affection shown throughout the holidays and it is important to keep the tradition alive for more than just one day.
