The Magic of a Nostalgic Christmas

In addition to being the name of a Hallmark-esque film, a sentimental Christmas creates the most wonderful kind of festive season. However, why do we feel nostalgic about Christmas to begin with? There are profound connections for many to cozy, heartwarming feelings during the yuletide, rooted in deep psychological reasons. 

Perhaps not in 2020, but in normal years, the Christmas period is a moment to gather, reconnect, celebrate, and relive cherished moments from the past. When we come together, we share anecdotes, exchange gifts, and display photos from years ago. We reminisce and comment, “remember last Christmas when mom dropped the turkey, so we ended up having Chinese food?” What was a significant calamity then, is recollected with warmth and laughter now. Even from afar, friends and family send heartfelt messages through Christmas cards, emails, or phone calls. The festive season is a time for introspection on present and past moments, often defined by nostalgia. A yearning for bygone times, people, and pleasant memories is a blend of both positive and negative emotions. The positive stems from the warmth of happy memories, while the longing comes from wishing those times were still present. Our minds sometimes selectively remember the good parts, conveniently overlooking the specifics, tension, or unpleasant aspects of those memories. 

Music is another powerful nostalgia trigger as melodies can instantaneously transport the mind to past times, locations, and situations. Lyrics connect the listener to the emotions tied to those memories. The same tune can transport various individuals and generations simultaneously. The Christmas classic “White Christmas” by Irving Berlin, performed by Bing Crosby and Rosemary Clooney, might evoke childhood memories for Grandma, the first viewing experience for Mom as a young girl, and acting it out in the dining room for my sister. Music doesn’t only recall joyful memories. A cheerful tune has the capability to take a listener back to sorrowful times and recollections as well. 

It is believed that individuals who experience more nostalgia are those who feel emotions more intensely. They aren’t inherently happier or sadder than others, but they experience their emotions more strongly. It’s also thought that nostalgic individuals have more pleasant memories associated with Christmas or other family holidays, instead of negative ones. This isn’t necessarily linked to the number of gifts they received or parties they attended, but rather how loved and appreciated that person felt. Even if someone doesn’t usually feel nostalgic for Christmas due to unpleasant childhood experiences, they can create new, positive holiday traditions and memories to counteract the painful ones. 

Gift All Season thrives on sentimentality. We not only enjoy paying homage to the past with our heartfelt Ginger Cottages collection and dazzling vintage reflector ornaments, but we also believe that with each Christmas, we’re establishing new sentimental traditions with our exquisite Christmas ornaments. Our ornaments today will be the ones your children or grandchildren will cherish in 20 years. People will feel Christmas nostalgia for the traditions that begin now, and we’re certain that one of those traditions will be a resplendent Christmas tree adorned with all the favorite ornaments.