The adult world is far from magical.

With constant reminders about the nation’s political turmoil, climate change and violence, there are so many harsh realities adults face. But as the holiday season rolls around, traditions, movies and foods from childhood bring back memories of a simpler time.

In America, the holiday season is largely influenced by Christmas tradition, but it has more recently pulled further away from religious values and more toward a season of general togetherness and childlike optimism.

Looking beyond the materialistic — and sometimes frivolous — feel the holiday season can have, Christmastime can teach young children about the values of family, gratefulness and giving.

Introducing children to the stories about Santa Claus which have been passed down for generations can teach them the importance of family traditions. Sharing recipes and baking as a family can show children the importance of relationships. Showing children our favorite holiday movies can help to bridge the growing generation gap. 

In my family, we always watch the movie “Eloise” at Christmastime.  It’s a movie my mom showed to me when I was little, and I passed it on to my youngest sister.  Together, we both enjoy our holiday movie nights, as she enjoys the singing and jolliness of the movie, and I enjoy reminiscing on something I would watch as a kid.  

For most children, a large part of the holiday season is about the magic of Santa. Though he traditionally brings toys, Santa also brings so much more than that, ultimately bringing a month of wonder and magic to kids.

Giving kids something magic to think about helps grow the imagination exponentially. It gives them the opportunity to create their own version of the North Pole, of the elves and of the sleigh. All of their ideas will get discussed with their friends, growing the magic of Santa one child at a time.

Keeping the magic of Santa alive for children not only shows them the magic and good of the world, but also can give adults a sense of hope and excitement that may not be present during other times of the year. By teaching children about the magic of Christmas, we are in return teaching ourselves the importance of Christmas again — as adults.

Cultivating our childhood imagination as adults through sharing some Christmas spirit with children is a healthy way to escape everyday difficulties. Taking a picture with Santa, helping a child to write a letter to Santa or going on a family trip to a Christmas market are all good ways to not only teach a child about Christmas magic, but also remind yourself what being a kid feels like again.

The most wonderful time of the year offers people, young and old, the opportunity to explore these magic stories with a childlike imagination. While children learn messages like the values of family and curiosity, Christmastime also allows adults to revisit the past through sharing the winter wonderland they found so magical in their youth.

Abby is a sophomore in LAS.

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