For many kids, December is pure magic. Twinkling lights, ripped wrapping paper, and the type of excitement that keeps them awake on Christmas Eve. However, somewhere along the way, these holidays begin to feel different: less excitement, less wonder, and much more pressure. As teens get older, the question shifts from, “When does Santa get here?” to “When do these prices go down?” For many, this answer may land closer than one may think. Between social media and the growing commercialization of the season, several factors contribute to this conflict.
Serenitee Aguirre, a junior who celebrates Christmas with her family, shared that her excitement has changed significantly over the past couple of years. “Well, I feel like there’s way less magic now than, say, 10 years ago,” Aguirre said. As a kid, the holiday felt larger than life. Now, it’s more about reality than fantasy. This shift is subtle at first, realizing traditions can’t run themselves, trying to figure out the logistics behind the tree, gifts, timing, and scheduling takes a toll on everyone, even Santa. Through this, families still find ways to have fun during the holidays, as it isn’t all doom and gloom. The Aguirre family, for example, continues to decorate their Christmas tree together, a tradition they consider the “one moment the whole family can really connect.” According to a recent poll of high school students on Instagram, 62% of teens said they’d prefer a colorful Christmas over a white Christmas, and she agrees with this percentage.
Even with these traditions intact, the holidays continue to feel different. When prompted about the impact of social media on her holiday spirit, Aguirre said, “Seeing endless gift hauls, decorations, and expensive presents can bring you a sense of envy, even if you’re more than happy with what you’ve been given.” Even when someone is content with what they have, comparison always creeps in. This is common during the teenage years, and the commercialization of the holidays doesn’t help this feeling.
Along with the negative impact of social media, Aguirre believes the holidays have become way too profit-focused, pointing to companies that have turned Christmas into a “branding battleground,” with Coca-Cola at the top of this list. With AI-generated commercials of polar bears to season-long sales cycles, these companies know exactly how to game the season. For teens and many others, this manufactured or “fake” version of Christmas is the one they feel pressure to recreate. To fully understand if this shift is just a teen perspective, certain doctors offer insight into how holiday expectations and commercialization may influence people everywhere.
Psychological factors often contribute to the strength of the holiday experience. Family medicine specialist Dr. Tom Richmann noted that holiday anxieties can occur among teens; however, it is not exclusive to any specific age group. “Commercialization might also increase stress by suggesting unrealistic expectations,” Richmann said, noting that emotional responses to the season may be shaped by more than just one thing. He continues to explain that nostalgia around the holidays can create familiarity and comfort, as predictable traditions get rid of questionable experiences and keep some emotional boundaries. For those seeking to reconnect with the current season, Richmann recommends focusing on interpersonal interactions and minimizing digital distractions. “Find what family you can, put the tech away. Talk to one another or play a game,” he said.
This season, consider unplugging and focusing on what really lasts beyond the next trend. While childhood excitement cannot be replicated, making a point of presence over presents allows for more meaningful experiences worth looking back on for years to come.
