How Nostalgia Stole Christmas
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There is nothing more frustrating than seeing someone online complain about how Christmas isn’t the same. With aging, changes are bound to happen and you’re bound to feel nostalgic about certain portions in your life which passed you by. Nothing will ever feel the same as your first experience with something, like waking up on Christmas morning at 5 years old and seeing what Santa left for you under the tree.
A bright pink Christmas tree. My elves, who visit me from the North Pole every December, brought me my own personal tree. Every Christmas after, I looked forward to putting up and decorating my tree and dressed in my own ornaments ranging from the Atlanta Zoo to the Nutcracker ballet — nothing will ever beat the feeling.
I used my pink tree until the lights stopped working.
In high school, after letting my gorgeous, bright pink tree go, I bought a new one. Instead of pink, this one was shining and silver! A new, silver-lined era for me — although I am a gold girl — I knew there was no way I could have a conventional green Christmas tree. I blame it on my childhood idols, such as Fancy Nancy and Eloise.
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Now, nothing is wrong with having a green Christmas tree. I think everyone should have a green tree with sparkling, colorful lights as opposed to your basic white tree, white lights and matching ornaments. Where’s the fun and originality?
Maybe this is because I grew up with a green tree, with twinkling lights and Hallmark ornaments, which take up around 3 storage bins (I have no clue how there’s room for them all). I hope my parents never think for a day to change this tradition. It’s what connects me back to childhood and I know it connects them to theirs as well.
Going back to the constant online conversation of, “Christmas isn’t the same, nothing feels bright anymore.” Maybe it’s because you’re giving up on individuality. Why is it so important to follow TikTok or Instagram trends or have the most “aesthetically pleasing” decor? Let’s go back to the age-old tale, do what makes YOU happy.
If what makes you happy is a white, neutral-colored Christmas, then you go, girl! I’m all for experimenting and trying new things. Christmas is what you make of it.
There’s nothing wrong with complaining. I do it all the time. But I also think someone who complains about Christmas not feeling merry anymore, while not doing anything to actively make this holiday feel special in adulthood, doesn’t have much room to talk about the holiday feeling bland.
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Nostalgia isn't the only thief of joy; judgment is a much bigger problem. This is a major reason why Christmas has become so cookie-cutter — and not the fun shapes like bells or snowmen. Stop living in fear of someone online calling you “tacky” or “cringey” for doing what makes you happy, like a 2000s-inspired, colorful, Michael Bublé Christmas season would.
I’m guilty of getting a pit in my stomach when thinking of Christmas past and how things are so much more complicated as a 21-year-old girl. Those thoughts will never stop me from enjoying my favorite holiday.
I will always find something new to add to my growing traditions. I’ll tell stories of how I used to wait up for Santa, hearing his footsteps on the roof and pass my elves down to someone else someday. I’ll decorate my house the same way my mom does, candlelights inside the windows and wreaths complementing the outside and keep the tradition of watching the 24-hour run of “A Christmas Story” on Christmas Day.
This season, bring the joy and color of Christmas back into your life. Get a pink tree, put up tacky Santa decorations and play your favorite childhood Christmas movie with a cup of hot chocolate in hand. Tell stories of your favorite Christmas memories to family and friends and ask them for theirs in return. At the end of the day, it’s up to you to keep the spirit alive and make this holiday feel the same way it always has.
Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays.
Strike Out,
McKenna Edwards
Editor: Meghan Bosman
Athens