Growing up is a difficult thing to accept. When you are a child, you want to be a pre-teen. When you’re a pre-teen, you want to be sixteen. When you’re sixteen, you want to be a grown independent adult. As children, we often get so caught up in the idea of being older. Few people talk about how miserable it can be when that moment finally comes. It’s that time of year- with bright decorations, baking cookies, giving and receiving gifts, and most importantly- having holiday cheer. But how are we supposed to be cheerful when the “magic” is no longer there? For many, the holiday spirit slowly fades away as children grow into young adults. It’s important to remember that although Santa Claus may become a long lost memory from our childhood, there is still a Christmas spirit. You just have to look for it.

Being a teenager can be mentally exhausting. The world expects so much of you, but sometimes you just don’t have anything to give. The truth is that it’s normal to be overwhelmed with emotions beyond your control. Whether it’s the stress of schoolwork, having a part time job, spending time with your friends and family, or the tragedy of getting older. You sit back and watch the children in your family who are so excited to open their gifts, and you wish that could be you again. Winter depression is real, and we are all in this together. While you may not be a little kid anymore, you can still find joy in the small things that once made you happy. Go ice skating, bake cookies, give away gifts to charity, build a snowman just like the ones we used to make so many years ago as kids. Just go out and live again. I know that can be difficult, but if anyone can do it, it’s you.

If you are reading this, please take the time to do something fun this Christmas. School is important, but taking time for yourself is just as essential. And with that, here is a list of fun Christmas activities to help you bring the magic back:

• Bake cookies
• Go Christmas shopping
• Go ice skating
• Read your favorite book
• Play in the snow
• Listen to Christmas music
• Make a gingerbread house
• Decorate the tree
• Host a Christmas party
• Take pictures
• Visit a Christmas tree farm
• Exchange gifts