how to bring back the magic + whimsy of the holiday season as an adult

If you’re shocked that it’s already November, Christmas is creeping up, and you’re… not feeling anything? No excitement, no anticipation, no magic? This episode is for you.

Today, we’re talking about why Christmas doesn’t feel the same anymore and what you can intentionally do to bring back that whimsical, cozy, magical feeling — even with real-life responsibilities, zero free time, and no one curating the season for you like when you were a kid.

Listen to the full episode here:

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🌟 why christmas feels different as an adult

Christmas changes when we grow up. No one is setting the tone for us, planning traditions, or sprinkling magic into every part of the season. We’re tired, overstimulated, and busy. We scroll more than we participate. And we don’t realize how much our childhood magic came from the adults who were doing the behind-the-scenes work.

You’re not imagining it — it is different.
But that doesn’t mean it can’t still be magical.

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intentionality is everything

We can’t wait around for Christmas to “feel” magical.
As adults, we create the magic now.

Not in a perfect, aesthetic, Instagram-ready way — but through small moments of intention:

• a cozy nighttime ritual
• a Christmas playlist
• lighting candles at 4pm when it gets dark
• choosing traditions we actually want
• slowing down and making a plan

The magic comes from participating in the season, not just observing it.

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the curriculum mindset

One of my favorite ways to think about the season:

treat December the way your elementary school teachers did.

They created a “holiday curriculum” — storybooks, crafts, seasonal activities woven into everyday life. Christmas wasn’t a one-day event; it was a month-long rhythm.

As adults, we can do this too in our own small way:

• weave tiny traditions into your normal schedule
• choose a December book or movie tradition
• sprinkle Christmas into your routines
• make a list of things that bring you joy
• add small festive moments to your free time

Magic doesn’t require a whole day — it just needs intentional moments.

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the power of traditions

Traditions are what create nostalgia.
They give your brain anchors and warm, familiar rhythms.

Some ideas:

• a Christmas movie you watch every year
• a playlist that becomes your December soundtrack
• a book you reread
• the same breakfast on Christmas Eve or morning
• decorating on the same weekend
• sending cards, baking something, or doing one craft

You don’t need a huge list.
One or two repeated traditions bring back that deep, rooted Christmas feeling.

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participate in the holiday bustle

The internet stole a lot of the joy from the season because everything is online now. But you can recreate that magical “holiday chaos” feeling by actually showing up in it:

• go to the mall
• wander through stores with a coffee
• wait in the busy post office line
• browse gift ideas in person
• admire the decorations and crowds

When you’re in the thick of the bustle — the lights, music, people, energy — you tap back into the Christmas feeling we had as kids.

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create cozy analog moments

The digital world drains the magic.
Analog moments bring it back.

Try:

• writing Christmas cards
• doing a DIY decoration
• reading by the tree
• wrapping gifts slowly
• knitting, baking, or crafting
• turning on only lamps + twinkle lights
• listening to Christmas playlists
• lighting candles at night

Cozy doesn’t require anything expensive — just intentional atmosphere.

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decorate without the overwhelm

You don’t need to buy everything at once.

You can:

• use what you already have
• thrift decorations
• add one or two things a year
• shop sales in January
• focus on lighting, not clutter

Little by little, you’ll build a collection that feels like your Christmas.

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plan your season early

Christmas sneaks up on us when we don’t plan anything. Then suddenly it’s December 22 and we’re confused why it “doesn’t feel like Christmas.”

You don’t need a color-coded calendar — just a few intentional plans:

• a bucket list on the fridge
• a few specific dates to do fun activities
• a loose idea of the traditions you want
• time set aside for cozy evenings

If you don’t plan even a little, the season will pass you by.

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your reminder

If Christmas hasn’t felt magical:

✨ you’re not doing anything wrong
✨ the magic didn’t disappear — it just changed
✨ you are allowed to create your own magic now
✨ you don’t need perfection
✨ small cozy moments matter more than anything

Be intentional. Slow down. Participate in the season.
You’re allowed to make Christmas whimsical again — in a way that fits your real, imperfect, beautiful life.



RESOURCES YOU MIGHT LIKE

51+ ways you can make christmas feel whimsical again

7 best christmas playlists to make the season feel cozy

my gift guides