Regaining Christmas Wonder

Remember when you would fill up your Christmas list, the mountain of movies that you watched in preparation for the season and the time and care you poured into the cookies left out on Christmas night? All those seemingly small acts created in that little child a strong love for the season—a yearning for Christmas Day that spanned beyond the gifts themselves.

As adulthood takes root in my life, I cannot help but miss that love, and I have seen this time and time again. The focus on daily tasks and what comes next does not allow for such joy to come by easily, and if we wait for it to come out of thin air, it never will. Just like the adults in our lives put effort into creating that Christmas wonder for us, if we wish to regain it, we must also put in some effort ourselves. So, we are going to regain that wonder.

First, there is nothing that helps put oneself in a seasonal mood like songs and movies. Break out that Christmas playlist and listen to “All I Want for Christmas Is You” as much as you can. Movies are crucial in this step, too. Get your favourite holiday movie and start the Christmas season by watching it.

Second, ambiance. At some point, when one is a young adult, decorating for Christmas never makes it onto the to-do list. The thought might be there, but the action seems never to follow. A small Christmas decoration that reminds you of the joyfulness of the season can go a long way—a little tree, some lights or even a jolly ornament that can harness the beautiful emotions Christmas elicits.

Third, food. The holiday season, in and of itself, is bound together by sharing food with the people you love. While roasting a whole turkey is unrealistic for many of us, anything can help. You can bake some cookies, get some snacks or even pick a specific, nostalgic soda brand.

Regaining wonder as an adult looks different from childhood excitement, and that is okay. It is not about expecting everything to be perfect or waiting for magic to happen. Instead, it means choosing to be present and intentional about finding joy in simple moments.

Childlike wonder is about appreciation and delight, not childish demands for perfection. When we actively create space for these traditions, we push back against the commercialization and stress that modern holidays have become. We reclaim Christmas as something meaningful rather than just another obligation on our endless to-do lists. These small acts of intentional joy are not just nostalgia; they are necessary acts of self-care and connection in an increasingly chaotic world.

Overall, while the season can get lost in the fog of what always seems like a whirlwind of a year, it is important to stop and enjoy the season of joy. The wonder is still there, waiting for us to reach for it.