As the years go by, it can sometimes feel like the magic of the holidays has disappeared and stayed behind in our childhood. With our busy schedules, endless to-do lists, and the commercialization of the season, the warmth and wonder that once made the holidays special feels like a distant memory. However, as adults, we ultimately decide how we want to experience Christmas. We are no longer the kids depending on our parents to set the mood; we must create it. We’ve polled the experts on getting into the holiday spirit and how to carry that magic with us through the year.
As Ana McRae says, “Christmas can quickly become overwhelming if we’re rushing through it, but the magic lies in slowing down. As a busy entrepreneur, mom, and wife, I’ve found that giving yourself permission to unplug from work and revisit childhood traditions makes the holidays feel meaningful. You get to decide how you want the season to feel and make choices that create that experience. For me, it’s about pausing the daily grind to connect with loved ones, sip hot chocolate by the fire, or enjoy the snow. Focus on the simple joys, and you’ll find your festive spirit returns.”
This year, let’s rediscover what makes this season truly magical. This Redfin article will give you advice on regaining that sense of wonder for the holidays we celebrate. So, whether you celebrate in an apartment in Chicago, a new home in Kansas City, or a rental home in Nashville, this Redfin article will advise you on regaining that sense of wonder.
Cozy and bright, creating a warm holiday ambiance
Decorating for the holidays is more than just adding sparkle to your home, it’s about setting the stage for memories and getting into the holiday spirit. Creating a cozy, inviting space embodies the spirit of Christmas. Hilary Bernstein reminds us of the importance of connecting with your childhood. She says, “Think back to your past Christmases. What were some of your favorite aspects? Try to recreate some of the magic in your home by adding your favorite sights, sounds, smells, or tastes into this year’s season.
Many of the people who are in your favorite holiday memories may not be present this Christmas, but you can still take some time to remember and enjoy. Christmas is a fantastic time to feel like a kid at heart. Encourage this in yourself by setting aside one day to have some fun. Get creative and crafty, or head outside for some wintertime activities. Bake some of your favorite Christmas cookies or set up a display with some memorable decorations. Take time to forget about everything else that’s going on in the world and enjoy the wonder and excitement of the season from the comfort of your own home.”
Jon Karmazyn from Revive Holiday Lighting shares, “One of the simplest ways to bring back the magic of the holidays is through the glow of beautifully arranged holiday lights. They set a joyful and nostalgic tone that can transform your home into a winter wonderland. Our family has a tradition that always gets us in the holiday spirit. We make a batch of hot chocolate, grab our favorite snack, hop in the car, and drive around looking at Christmas lights while playing Christmas music. We step it up and do a game of bingo with items we find in the Christmas displays. It’s all about creating moments that slow down the fast pace of the season.”
Trimming the tree brings back the holiday spirit
One key aspect stands out as we seek ways to make the holiday season memorable: the Christmas tree. For many, it symbolizes the heart of the holiday, gathering families together and filling the home with warmth and cheer. While some may opt for artificial trees, others hold dear the tradition of selecting a real tree. As Jill from Real Christmas Trees explains:
“Real Christmas trees have been the centerpiece of festivities for hundreds of years. It’s where the family puts their gifts and where they gather to open them. The tree is full of light and color to brighten the darkest days of the year. But unlike an artificial ‘tree’ that you stored in some dusty box, a real tree is something you have to hunt for. Whether you go to a choose-and-cut farm or your local Christmas tree lot, you are picking out the tree that will be unique to your family and shows what you find most beautiful.
Everyone in the family has a say on which one they like the best. Kids learn the art of negotiation and compromise. And as you find it, take it home, and decorate it, you’re creating new Christmas memories – not the least of which is the fresh woodland smells a real tree brings. Obviously, I’m biased, but a real tree, in my opinion, is what brings the holiday spirit to life.”
Carolyn of Science of People writes about the importance of senses in getting you into the holiday spirit. She writes, “Want to know what actually creates Christmas magic? Your brain creates the strongest holiday feelings through ‘sensory anchors.’ These are specific smells, sounds, and sights that trigger childhood memories.
Here’s what I like to do: First, simmer orange peels and cinnamon on the stove (or any other scent that reminds you of the holidays! Smell is your brain’s fastest memory trigger.) Second, play the exact holiday music from your childhood, not just generic stations. Lastly, recreate one specific tradition that was unique to your family-whether it’s unpacking that handmade ornament from third grade or making hot chocolate in that one special mug. Your own memories will always create more Christmas magic than anything you can buy at the store!
Steve from Fun Theme Party suggests, “To make Christmas feel magical again and fill your home with a festive spirit, try these theme-inspired ideas. Choose a Christmas party theme, some examples include “Winter Wonderland,” “Santa’s Workshop,” or “Classic Red and Gold.” A theme can guide your decorations, activities, and even attire, transforming your home into a festive retreat.
Create a themed activity station for guests, friends, and family members to make their own ornaments, decorate cookies, or wrap gifts – all tied to your chosen theme. These interactive touches keep everyone engaged and in the holiday spirit. Lastly, incorporate themed decor. Use matching table settings, garlands, and props to help generate a Christmas vibe. A cohesive look adds an extra layer of fun and charm to your holiday celebrations.”
Mindful holidays: protecting your emotional well-being
The holiday season, while often a time for joy and togetherness, can also bring about significant emotional strain for many. The pressure to meet expectations, balance family dynamics, and manage personal well-being can lead to stress and feelings of overwhelm.
As Brandon A. Shindo of K&B Therapy notes, “The holiday season is often a time associated with happiness and celebration, but it can also be a time of stress and sadness. A tip to navigating the holiday season is all about the ‘B’ word, boundaries. A tip for navigating the holiday season is all about setting boundaries with yourself AND with others.
First, establish with yourself about what your emotional and physical capacities are. And secondly, utilize your social support network (i.e. partner, friend) in setting those boundaries (i.e. saying ‘no,’ limiting time spent at holiday gatherings). Remember, boundaries are meant to keep people closer, not separate people; due to the fact, with healthy boundaries, our relationships have an opportunity to grow and thrive.”
Sarah Almendariz Rivera, a counselor and mental health expert for The Counselors Mentor points out, other ways to reclaim the joy and find a sense of purpose. She suggests several strategies for navigating the season with peace and connection:
“Christmas can lose its magic when emotions like loneliness, family conflict, or grief take over, but there are ways to reclaim the joy. Volunteering is a powerful way to connect with others and find purpose during the season. Setting boundaries and planning can help navigate family stress while preserving your peace. Honoring the memory of loved ones through special traditions can bring comfort and a sense of closeness to those we miss most.”
Thrive Downtown Counselling Centre highlights an important strategy for managing holiday stress, “Time with families can be both wonderful and deeply stressful. We often suggest that folks learn how to read when they are ‘close to their red zone.’ That is, to know what it feels like when stress is rising so they can set boundaries before they feel overwhelmed. My thoughts are racing and I’m hardly breathing… I can tell I’m getting stressed out. It’s time to excuse myself to take a walk and get some fresh air before this turns into a fight. Don’t forget to include yourself in all the energy you put out during this holiday season.”
Passing down the holiday spirit
When it comes to recapturing the magic of the holidays, Tiffany Gunther, blogger for Destination Momhood, offers a heartfelt reminder: “Sometimes the way to bring the Christmas spirit back to life is to relive those favorite traditions from childhood. Decorate gingerbread cookies, build a snowman, and act like a kid again. Slow down and make memories with those you love.” Her words capture the essence of what the holiday season is truly about — slowing down, reconnecting with the joys of the past, and cherishing the present with loved ones. Traditions are what makes each family unique. How do you experience Christmas and what makes you unique?
Jessica from Brass Pine brings a refreshing dose of humor and heart to the holiday season. She says, “Feeling like Christmas has lost its magic? Let’s be honest — it probably got buried under the pile of Amazon boxes you’ve been hoarding for weeks. Skip the marathon shopping sprees and lean into moments that matter — like decorating cookies (even if they look like your cat made them) or binging holiday movies in those matching pajamas your husband swears make him look “like a deranged elf” (he’s not wrong, and it’s delightful). Unplug from the endless Instagram-perfect Christmas feeds and focus on small, heartfelt gestures — because nobody remembers the price tag, but they’ll never forget the time Dad tried to impress everyone with his sledding skills and ended up taking out the mailbox. Finally, take a moment to soak in the twinkle lights, sip something festive, and remind yourself: the holiday spirit isn’t bought: it’s created.”
Shelly Latinovich (Mimi) of Mimi~A Great Name for Grandma notes, “Bring the magic of Christmas into your home by hosting a delightful cookie exchange with wine pairing. Deck your home with holiday decor and welcome friends and family for a joyful and festive evening. It is sure to become a tradition that everyone looks forward to each year! Be sure to plan since holiday schedules fill up quickly!”
Leah at Buttercream Parties shares a cherished family tradition that perfectly captures the joy of the season, “A Christmas tradition, started when my children were toddlers, is baking and decorating sugar cookies together. To see the pure joy radiate from their faces as they cut out cookie shapes, lick the frosting spoon, and pile high the sprinkles, all while taking in the delicious vanilla aroma from the kitchen, is worth the impending mess. The kids are a part of each process from shopping for the table decor to choosing the cookie shapes and which sprinkles we use. It’s a fun-filled time that I know our family will cherish each year.”
Sarah Kuceyeski from Ohio Christmas Factory says, “At the Ohio Christmas Factory, we see the holidays as a chance to reconnect with the wonder and excitement we felt as kids — something many of our guests experience when they step into our immersive winter wonderland. Here are a few ways to bring that same childlike joy into your own home:
“In the rush of the holidays, take time to pause. Enjoy the glow of Christmas lights, listen to your favorite carols, or sip your festive drink by the tree. These quiet moments often bring the most joy. Whether it’s baking cookies, decorating the tree, or watching classic holiday movies, these small rituals bring comfort and joy. Visiting local attractions, like light displays or Christmas festivals, can also become cherished traditions that make the season sparkle. Creating traditions such as surprising a neighbor with homemade treats, leaving an anonymous gift on someone’s doorstep, or sending handwritten cards to loved ones. These small acts of kindness are reminders of the true spirit of Christmas.”
The editorial team of BBN Times offers timeless advice for rekindling the holiday spirit: “Focus on traditions: Whether it’s baking cookies, watching classic holiday movies, or crafting ornaments, these small rituals help create meaningful memories. As you transform your space into a cozy holiday retreat with warm lighting, festive scents like cinnamon or pine, and cherished decorations that evoke fond memories, focus on giving, not just receiving. Engage in small acts of kindness, such as donating to a local charity, surprising a neighbor with baked goods, or writing heartfelt holiday cards to friends and family. These simple actions can help bring back joy, warmth, and togetherness that make Christmas truly special.”
Kristi Dusenbery The Laughing Grandma shares her families traditions that bring joy to them. She writes, “Let me first admit that nobody in my family carries much of a tune, which makes this even more fun. When setting your Christmas table, hide a piece of paper under each plate, with the lyrics for one of the twelve ‘gifts’ from the 12 days of Christmas. When dinner is over, each person finds their lyrics and participates in a giggle-filled performance of the song. I mean, honestly, the more awful it sounds, the more joy it brings! Everyone sings, “On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me,” followed by each person singing their own part solo. C.S. Lewis says ‘the sun looks down on nothing half so good as a household laughing together.’ I couldn’t agree more.”
Ralphie from Simply on Purpose reminds us, “While the whirlwind activities of the holiday season can be fun and festive, it’s easy to lose sight of what truly matters: spending meaningful time with the people we love most. This year, consider adding a simple tradition to your home that will help make Christmas magical while protecting your family time — The Gifts of Togetherness, our family’s favorite Christmas tradition. The Gifts of Togetherness is a digital printable collection of more than 30 ideas for easy, daily activities for each day in December. Try these simple, low-cost ideas and end the season knowing you’ve created meaningful moments of connection.”
The holiday spirit lives on
Shannon Cahoon Founder of Hold The Magic sums it up when she said, “The holiday season is all about creating magical moments and being present enough to see the gifts unfold. The gift may be experiencing the light in your child’s eyes, the hope in a smile shared with a neighbor, or simply the gratitude you feel when sitting quietly to reminisce. I have made it my mission to hold the magic of childhood and spread joy through tiny gifts and stories carried on the wings of every tooth fairy in every home. Family traditions are the foundation of loving memories that guide our children and shape our culture. Invest in moments that inspire hope, creativity, and imagination – our children deserve it.”
As adults, our responsibility grows to light the holiday spirit inside ourselves and our children. In a more and more commercialized holiday, it is important to return back to the sense of wonder we experienced as children, finding that connection we had with our trees, lights, warm treats, and loving families.