CW: Depression
For the past few years, the holiday season hasn’t been something I’ve enjoyed. Depression made it difficult to find joy in anything for a long time. This year, I am enjoying the holidays. Last week, I made sugar cookies with my mom. Baking cookies has been a family tradition as far back as I can remember.
Now that I am an adult, I don’t have the same enthusiasm about the holidays as I did when I was a child. However, I’ve always loved our family traditions. Growing up, we went to the same Christmas tree farm for years. I loved it. They took a family picture every year. Since moving into my apartment, I’ve had an artificial Christmas tree, and while I’ve gotten used to it, I’ll never forget picking out a tree with my parents and sister for years.
Decorating the tree feels like I am taking a walk down memory lane. Some ornaments I will always cherish. I have some that family members have given me, such as a pair of angels my grandmother gave me as a toddler. There are some that I made, including a gingerbread man from preschool. Many are related to my love of sports, including baseball and martial arts. Since 2020, I have purchased an ornament that showcases the year’s events.
Earlier this year, my mom found my copy of Twas the Night Before Christmas, given to me by my grandmother in 2001. I love seeing my grandmother’s handwriting inside the front cover. It isn’t the holiday season without reading it. The book brings back fond memories of the holidays as a child.
I always enjoy watching holiday movies and specials as well. I grew up watching them. My favorites include Home Alone, Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer, Frosty The Snowman, and A Christmas Story. I usually watch something before bed. This time of year, it’s holiday-themed.
The holidays are my favorite time of year. The past few years have made the holiday season hard for many people. Christmas doesn’t feel the same without seeing my family and friends. I am grateful to find joy in the warmth and traditions of the holiday season again after a difficult few years.