As high schoolers age, their Christmas spirit slowly fades. After growing out of Santa Claus, the Elf on the Shelf and Disney Channel holiday specials, teenagers have lost their love for Christmas.
Amid all the hustle of festive decorations and gift exchanges, it is crucial to pause and reflect on the essence of this joyous occasion.
Most teens think Christmas is a little duller now. The decorations are scarce and dim, the snow is nonexistent and Christmas music isn’t blaring in every store anymore.
In a world filled with materialism, it’s easy for the true spirit of Christmas to get lost. Many people nowadays focus too much attention on the presents and what they want from their loved ones. It’s important to remember that Christmas is not merely about presents. It is about love, compassion, tradition and giving.
Students at Lakeland High School have noticed the loss of this raw Christmas spirit, and a few of them are following tradition and trying to keep it alive.
Chris Tenney, a sophomore at LHS and a member of the Young Life Club, profoundly loves the Christmas holiday. Tenney‘s favorite part of Christmas is to be able to see his family, whom he doesn’t see often.
“It really is about the family, and I get to see the people I haven’t seen in years,” Tenney said. “We always go to my aunt’s house and celebrate with my mom’s side of the family.”
To Tenney, the true meaning of Christmas is spending time with family and seeing loved ones.
Tenney also still enjoys the traditional Christmas traditions, such as looking at Christmas lights and watching his favorite holiday movies with his mom.
The little things mean the most during the holiday season, strengthening the true spirit of Christmas.
Evan Hensyel, a junior at LHS and avid Christmas lover, finds importance in spreading Christmas cheer.
“The true meaning of Christmas is being around our family, cherishing your time with those you love and being giving to others,” Hensyel said.
To Hensyel, the sentimental family ornaments, Christmas PJs and baking cookies tie his holiday experience together. Little moments such as these are what fuel the Christmas spirit, according to Hensyel, along with the time spent with loved ones.
Hensyel loves to keep up with the fun traditions he and his family have, including a white elephant gift exchange, which brings his family closer together.
Hensyel feels like the holidays are important to see family he does not see often and lighten the winter blues.
With the students growing up and forgetting about the magic of Christmas, taking a humble moment and appreciating the gift of giving to those you love can help reconnect you with loved ones and bring more joy to the holiday season.
Students at LHS should challenge themselves to be mindful of the true spirit of Christmas, going above the superficial and materialistic trappings of the season. By taking on a sense of empathy and selflessness, students can ensure that the holiday season remains a time of genuine joy, like when they were younger, shared with those they love.
