Finding Nostalgia and Joy During the Holiday Season
As the first notes of festive music begin to play and the scent of cinnamon fills the air, something magical happens - nostalgia settles in. Suddenly, the present feels beautifully intertwined with memories of holidays past: the sound of laughter around the dinner table, the glow of string lights against frosted windows, the warmth of a favorite sweater pulled from storage.
In a world that moves faster than ever, the holidays offer us a chance to pause, look back, and rediscover the small, simple joys that make this season so special.
1. Slow Down and Let the Memories Come
The holidays often feel like a whirlwind - shopping lists, travel plans, and endless commitments. But nostalgia can’t be rushed; it finds you in the quiet moments.
Light a candle that smells like your childhood home. Play the album your parents loved while decorating the tree. Bake a family recipe that’s been passed down for generations. These small rituals have the power to ground you and connect you to your roots.
Tip: Create a “nostalgia playlist” of songs from past holidays - you’ll be surprised how quickly memories come flooding back.
2. Bring Back Old Traditions (or Start New Ones)
Traditions are the heartbeat of the holidays. Whether it’s watching the same classic movie every Christmas Eve or making hot cocoa while wrapping gifts, these rituals remind us who we are and where we’ve come from.
If old traditions have faded or family dynamics have changed, that’s okay - new ones can be just as meaningful. Try:
Hosting a cookie-baking night with friends.
Sending handwritten cards to loved ones.
Going for a winter light walk and taking photos every year.
Traditions, old or new, are really about connection - to others, to memory, and to joy.
3. Revisit the Joys of Childhood
There’s a reason the holidays feel magical when we’re young - we allow ourselves to wonder, play, and believe. As adults, we often trade that wonder for stress. But the season’s magic isn’t gone - it just needs to be invited back.
Try these nostalgic touches:
Build a gingerbread house.
Make paper snowflakes or string popcorn garlands.
Watch your favorite holiday cartoons or claymation specials.
Write a letter to your “younger self” about what you’ve learned.
These moments of play reconnect you with the joy that first made the holidays feel so enchanting.
4. Create Cozy, Heart-Filling Moments
Joy isn’t always loud - sometimes it’s quiet and tender. Curl up with a blanket, a mug of cocoa or tea, and let yourself simply be. Watch the snow fall, read a book by the fire, or spend an afternoon baking something warm and comforting.
Here’s a simple nostalgia-inspired recipe to add to your cozy moments:
Vanilla Cinnamon Cocoa
Ingredients:
1 cup milk (or plant-based alternative)
2 tbsp cocoa powder
1 tbsp sugar or honey
¼ tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp vanilla extract
Whipped cream or marshmallows (optional)
Instructions:
Whisk all ingredients in a saucepan over low heat until smooth and steamy. Pour into your favorite mug, top with whipped cream, and savor slowly.
It’s simple, sweet, and feels like a hug in a cup.
5. Focus on Presence, Not Perfection
It’s easy to get caught up in making everything “just right.” But nostalgia reminds us that the best moments aren’t perfect - they’re real. They’re the laughter that interrupts a serious moment, the flour dust on the counter, the candle that won’t stay lit.
Let yourself off the hook this year. Choose presence over perfection. Be where your feet are, with the people you love, in this moment.
Closing Thoughts
Finding nostalgia and joy during the holidays isn’t about recreating the past - it’s about honoring it while embracing the present. The memories that shaped us still live within us, waiting to be rekindled through kindness, gratitude, and connection.
So this season, slow down. Light the candles. Play the music. Call the people you love.
Because the most joyful holiday moments aren’t bought or planned - they’re felt.
