The winter season holds plenty of popular traditions for families all around the world. For the United States, the most celebrated tradition is Christmas. The magic of the holiday begins from the moment someone is born, but as we age and reality sets in, the question of if the magic fades away is always lingering . 

“My childhood Christmases were always special to me, we would always go to see light shows and watch Christmas movies every night, and drink hot chocolate. It always felt very comforting and warm to be with my family at Christmas during my childhood.” Emma Nicholas reminisced.

Christmas, a once strictly religious holiday has now turned into a nostalgia filled, joyous season. People long for the magic feelings they once got as children.

“My family and I used to travel to New York with my uncle, we watched the rockettes and went to all of these cool toy shops. I’d say it’s different because my siblings and I are older and we get more practical presents for our daily lives rather than toys which we would just use for entertainment. Everything is way more serious as we are getting older” said Junior, Krisztina Chon.

As we age, these memories shine in a new way. We begin to remember the good and grow from it, but when we grow older, our opinions and thoughts grow as well. 

“Over the years my opinions on Christmas have fluctuated, I used to really love it then at some point I lost that love for it and didn’t really have a care for it but recently I’ve started to really love it again and I enjoy getting to spend time with the people I love” Baileigh Curtis revealed.

Even though our opinions change, it is clear Christmas is still a huge part of our lives. It is human nature to live for joy, and that is what Christmas is all about.

The meaning of Christmas clearly changes, but the memories never do. Christmas is more than gifts and toys, but a time filled will memories we will never forget.