Unwrapping the Values - How the Holidays Have Lost Their Spirit

Unwrapping the Values - How the Holidays Have Lost Their Spirit By Camryn Bland Youth Columnist December is a time filled with holiday joy, love, and comfort. Whether you spend the season on vacation in a tropical country or baking Christmas cookies at home, the holidays are meant to be spent with family and friends, making new memories with every moment. Despite the loving and personal message behind Christmas, it has slowly turned into something much less meaningful. For many individuals, the holiday's message has morphed into one of materialism, comparison, and stress rather than good spirits and connection. It’s easy to see how Christmas has turned into a battle of presents and financial strain. Children anticipate expensive and shiny gifts, while teens use the holiday as an excuse to ask for every little thing they’ve wanted all year. Letters to Santa can cost parents hundreds of dollars, while families struggle to fund the unrealistic expectations. All to get forgotten by the time next December rolls around, bringing an even longer and pricier list. There is nothing wrong with giving and receiving gifts; it’s part of what makes the holiday so special. I know I have made long wishlists in the past, and still look forward to unwrapping presents this December. However, it is clear materialism has overcome the magic of Christmas, replacing the festive and loving spirit with undeniable consumerism. Materialism fully replaces the Christmas spirit when individuals begin to purchase for the sake of having something to give, rather than with any real meaning or thought behind it. The pressure to fill the tree can turn gift-giving into a checklist, where quantity matters more than personal thought. Many of these items are forgotten, tucked away while the moment of excitement fades almost instantly. Celebrating the holidays shouldn’t feel like an obligation or a financial burden, yet modern expectations have created the standard that more is better. Consumers assume more, bigger, and expensive gifts are the key to Christmas happiness, which is often not the case. The most significant gifts are not defined by a price tag, but by memories, emotion, and clear thought. This may come in the form of a book that they’d like, or a makeup product they’ve been eyeing for weeks. It shouldn’t be about filling a compulsory list, but showing you care. For me, this often means making presents myself, whether they be physical photo collages, baked goods or special crafts. It’s about personalization and meaning, which does not always come in the form of a big box or an expensive price. However, this is easy to be forgotten, even as the receiver. In 2025, the season is no longer about personal satisfaction, but is also deeply connected to comparison to others, especially online. Many people appreciate their gifts until they open TikTok and see an influencer with a tree three times fuller than theirs. In seconds, gratitude has turned to disappointment, overshadowed by everything you didn’t receive instead of what you did. It’s time to shift the focus away from materialism and back toward memories, quality time, and meaningful traditions. There are so many other aspects of the celebrations which fill individuals with irreplaceable joy, from big meals to festive movies. For me, that joy comes from childhood traditions, such as opening stockings on my moms bed before I’m fully awake, eating cinnamon buns for breakfast and bacon sandwiches for lunch, or visiting my family friends after church on Christmas Eve. These memories are what made Christmas so memorable when I was younger, and are the reason Christmas is so special now. Even as my traditions change, they spark nostalgia that no gift could ever replace. This year will be a new experience, as I am celebrating the holidays with my step-siblings for the first time. While the traditions may look different, the importance of being together remains the same. There may be a new tree, but I will enjoy decorating it the same way. The food may be different, but within a few years it will have a deeper meaning, similar to the one prior. There may be additional people, but that just provides the opportunity to share more joy. That’s what truly defines the season; the people, the traditions, and the emotions. Regardless of what you celebrate, the holidays are meant to be a time of hope, joy, and quality time with loved ones. Unfortunately, this message is often lost beneath wrapping paper, price tags, and social media comparison. However, those are the things that last long after the decorations come down. Not material and unappreciated presents, but meaningful experiences. That’s the only way to get into the Christmas spirit; with love and appreciation.