Does Christmas Suck as You Get Older… or Does It Just Change?
There was a time when Christmas morning meant pure chaos, tearing through wrapping paper like wild animals, sugar highs by 8 a.m. and that magical feeling that something incredible was about to happen. Fast forward a few decades and… well, the only thing getting torn apart now is your back when you bend down to plug in the tree lights.
Somewhere along the line, the magic faded a little. The excitement that used to keep us awake half the night has been replaced by the adult version of Christmas anticipation, waiting for the turkey to defrost properly and praying the power bill won’t double because of those “warm white” fairy lights that you swore were energy efficient.
The two adult activities Alcohol and overeating are a cause of dread to those over a certain age (I'm not telling what age) and the inevitable few extra pounds you put on which must be taken off in January with your annual gym membership that somehow never materialises.
As kids, we couldn’t wait for Santa. As adults, we can’t wait for a nap and maybe a loose pair of pants.
The Great Decline of Exuberance
When you’re little, the world seems to stop for Christmas. You write letters, you count the sleeps, you try (and fail) to be good in December. But as you get older, it’s less “ho ho ho” and more “how much did I spend again?” The innocence gets replaced by logistics — gift lists, grocery runs, in-laws, office parties, and an annual promise to “keep it simple next year,” which you’ll definitely break by mid-November.
Even the tree, once a symbol of joy and glittery rebellion, becomes a small project management exercise. You tell yourself you’ll just put up a few decorations, but then the baubles start multiplying, the lights tangle themselves in protest, and before you know it, you’re knee-deep in tinsel, trying to remember where you put the spare plug adapter.
Still Hanging On to the Sparkle
I’ll admit it, I still like putting up the Christmas tree with the few baubles and loads of LED lights. The lights are the part I like, the more the merrier. There’s something about seeing the tree all lit up that softens the cynicism, even if it’s just for a few moments. It’s nostalgia and comfort rolled into one. The act itself feels like a small rebellion against the relentless rush of everyday life, a reminder that some things are worth doing just for the joy of it.
But let’s be honest: the magic now comes in smaller doses. That’s partly why we’ve started putting the tree up in mid-November — sans lights and decorations until December 1st. It’s a leftover habit from the bleak days of the Covid lockdowns, when a bit of early sparkle felt like a lifeline. And to be fair, it still cheers the place up.
These days, instead of ripping open toys, we’re unwrapping socks and pretending to be thrilled. Instead of believing in Santa, we’re calculating shipping times. The thrill has shifted from surprise to survival, getting through the season without forgetting someone’s gift or overcooking the ham.
My own Christmas Traditions
Who knows, maybe you’ll end up revisiting your own childhood for a while too. I take great pride in my collection — something that wasn’t possible when I was younger — and it satisfies that adult need to build… well, stuff.
Maybe It Doesn’t Suck — Maybe It Just Changes
As we get older, priorities change. The noise and excess give way to something simpler — good food, a few close people, maybe even a quiet evening where nothing much happens. We don’t need the chaos anymore to feel the spirit.
Sure, the exuberance fades, but in its place comes a different kind of appreciation — one that’s quieter, slower, and perhaps more genuine. The sparkle isn’t gone; it’s just not as loud.
So no, Christmas doesn’t really suck as you get older. It just… mellows out.
And honestly, that might be the best gift of all.
If you need to feel that Christmas good feeling again, try my post on my other blog site 5 Essential Family Films for Christmas — it might just help bring a little of the magic back.
Thanks for Reading,
David
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About the Author
I’m David Condon, a small business owner and blog writer based in Tralee, Co. Kerry. Running my own woodcraft business means I’ve seen first-hand how much confusion there can be around shipping times, delivery dates, and what “business days” actually mean. That’s why I wrote this post — to share a bit of what I’ve learned and hopefully save you some frustration.
Every so often I step outside the workshop to write about wider business topics like this one. If you’d like to know more, you can follow the link in the Note from the Author section below.
Every so often I step outside the workshop to write about wider business topics like this one. If you’d like to know more, you can follow the link in the Note from the Author section below or visit my About Me page to learn more.
💬 Note from the Author
This post was written specially for David Condon Finds. If you enjoyed it, you might also like my other projects:
Phoenix DVD Blog – where I write about DVDs, Blu-rays, and life as a collector
David Condon Woodcraft – my main site focused on woodturning and handmade Irish pieces
If you’d like to support my writing, you can do so through the Buy Me a Coffee button below. It helps keep these side projects going — thank you!
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Original content © David Condon Finds — Written by David Condon. Please credit and link if shared.
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