As the kids born in 2004 through 2007 are transitioning into adulthood, Christmas just doesn’t feel the same. Watching an old movie such as “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” or “Elf,” we remember how we felt watching those movies when we were younger. While watching movies from our past it generates nostalgia by bringing back memories of our childhood. This gets us excited for the holiday season.
Videos are circulating TikTok showing what Christmas was like when we were little. Those who would wake up in the morning during Christmas break and play “Minecraft” or “Fortnite” with their friends. Or others who would make gingerbread houses with their family. This activates several parts of the brain, the “feel-good chemicals.” The limbic system is our emotions and memories. Inside of the limbic system is the hippocampus and amygdala. The amygdala is to process the emotion and the hippocampus relays information to other brain areas. These triggers in the brain lead us to the nostalgic feeling. According to Metro UK, the happiness, surprise, awe and love we feel at Christmas releases both dopamine and oxytocin. The problem is we still expect a magical Christmas, and this anticipation leads us to disappointment.
When I was younger, my family and I would watch Christmas movies at night and decorate the house. I remember not being able to fall asleep on Christmas Eve, and staying up late at night waiting for Santa Claus to come and bring us our presents. Things feel simpler when you’re a child because you don’t have to worry about buying the entire family gifts. My family would draw names and we’d go shopping at Target for our “Secret Santa.” All I wanted was “My Little Pony” and “Barbie” but nowadays kids want electronics like the new PlayStation 5 or Xbox games. Christmas was a magical time for me when I was little, with the smell of our house, the decorations, and the weather. Whenever it snowed, my mom would make us snow cones with the snow outside. We would make gingerbread houses and then watch a movie.
During Christmas break, kids didn’t think about any problems or worries. They spent their time with their family and friends. As Generation Z grows up, they lose the luxury of the Christmas magic, and Christmas feels like another day of the year. According to Statemen psychologist Krystine Batcho, it isn’t surprising that many people are disappointed when they don’t experience the fulfillment of the promise of Christmas. Many kids’ parents go through divorce which changes the way their lives are. Others move houses and lose the childhood feeling that they grew up with. Some family members have passed near Christmas time, which causes a very hard time during winter. When I try to get into the Christmas spirit, I love to turn on “All I Want For Christmas Is You” by Mariah Carey. I like to clean my room put up my mini Christmas tree that glows and burn a Christmas-scented candle in my room to make it feel more homey. I don’t feel the excitement for Christmas as much as I used to, but I do hope in the future I can give my children a perfect and magical Christmas. Many parents become in debt and according to Livebyyourdesign, a loss of financial status, means losing lots of money. When dealing with other life changes, it’s common to try and cling to any sense of familiarity we can.
I would love to be a little girl again. Cherishing memories is a great way to remember how great it was to be a little kid, and how magical Christmas was. As members of Generation Z become adults and have their own kids, they should strive to give their kids a memorable Christmas.
