Blogmas: Christmas magic is a hoax

There’s no such thing as Christmas magic. I mean, there is and there isn’t. 

Christmas itself is not magical— but the activities and traditions can make it such. For instance, if you’re Christian this day might mean much more to you than me, an open-minded atheist. And if you come from a gift-giving family (i.e. the kind that love to do gifts), then your celebrations may feel more merry than mine, whose family doesn’t do gifts unless you remind them to.

The point is, if you don’t make the effort there is no Christmas magic. And that used to be me. 

I was a scrooge from high school through college. This is my formal apology to my Christmas loving ex-boyfriend and college roommate. I was a grouch that no amount of cookies could cheer. It makes sense why my favorite holiday flick was (is) Jim Carey’s “The Grinch"– I was literally him!

Ironically enough, as I’ve grown older, my efforts and heart have both grown. I now listen to Christmas music throughout the month of December. I also attempt to decorate— this year I even stopped fixating on how much time it will take to put everything away long enough to enjoy the act. 

I gave gifts I knew my family and friends would love, and most importantly, use, without overdoing it. I participated in every holiday get together my neighborhood put on, even when I “wasn’t in the mood.” And I made holiday themed drinks, only feeling slightly panicked about buying silly ingredients we won’t necessarily have a use for after the fact.

The point is I tried, and it paid off. 

I was in the Christmas spirit even though it’s been a consistent 67 degrees in San Diego all winter long. Even though the holidays are stress filled with travel and family bickering. Even though Santa no longer leaves me a pack of gum on Christmas day.

So yes, Christmas magic is a hoax. But if you put in enough effort, the Christmas spirit is not.