Is Christmas No Longer the Same, or Have We Just Grown Older?

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When I think of Christmas as a child, I remember feeling so excited, like something magical was about to happen.

I would count the days, decorate the tree, and sing Christmas songs to my titos and titas, hoping for coins or crisp bills in return. Unwrapping gifts felt like discovering treasure, and everything—the lights, the food, the laughter—made Christmas feel truly special.

But now, as I sit and reflect, I wonder: Is Christmas different, or have I just grown up?

These days, Christmas feels quieter, almost like any other day. The joy and excitement I used to feel seem so far away. I’ve realized it’s not just Christmas that has changed—life has changed me too. The simple happiness I had as a child has faded as life has become heavier and more complicated.

Maybe Christmas feels different because so much has happened—losses, struggles, and challenges. Some of us are still grieving loved ones who are no longer here. Others are dealing with financial struggles, mental health battles, or the exhaustion of just trying to get through life. It’s hard to feel the same excitement when so much weighs us down.

As we grow older, we also see Christmas differently.

The magic we felt as kids is often replaced by responsibilities. We begin to understand the effort it takes to create the holiday atmosphere we once took for granted. Gifts become expenses, and the songs we used to sing with joy now fade into the background of a busy season.

But maybe it’s okay for Christmas to feel different. It’s okay if it doesn’t bring the same happiness it did when we were children. We don’t need to force ourselves to feel the magic or pretend to be happy. Christmas can still be a time for reflection, connection, and simply being present, even if it feels quieter now.

It’s okay to remember the past and miss the way things used to be. It’s okay to celebrate in smaller, simpler ways—or not celebrate at all if that’s what feels right.

So, has Christmas changed, or have we changed?

Maybe it’s both. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Life shapes us and changes how we see the world, even during the holidays. And while the magic may not feel the same, there’s still meaning to be found.

This Christmas, whether it feels like the old days or not, I’ll remind myself of this: It’s okay to let Christmas be what it is, without trying to make it what it used to be. Maybe the true spirit of Christmas lies in simply being here, even if it feels different now.