What makes the holiday season feel magical? The festive atmosphere? Time with family? A big Christmas meal? For many children, December is full of excitement and anticipation. For adults, though, that sense of wonder often fades, replaced by everyday stress. Growing older can be difficult, and one of the hardest parts is losing the feeling of childhood joy.
A 2024 consensus study from the Canadian Mental Health Association reported that 52 per cent of Canadians experience heightened anxiety, depression and isolation during the holiday season. Meanwhile, a 2023 survey found that 63 per cent of adults consider the festive period more stressful than tax season. As December arrives, many Canadians brace for constant marketing, crowded stores and increased spending, all of which add pressure to an already demanding time of year.
So how do we combat this? And how, as adults, do we bring back the magic of the holidays?
One way is to intentionally embrace the season, rather than letting it pass in a blur. Christmas can feel less special when we don’t make the effort to participate. Leaning into the festive spirit can shift how we experience the holidays. This can take many forms: baking, crafting, planning cozy indoor activities like knitting, puzzles or movie marathons. These simple, low-pressure traditions help cultivate a sense of comfort and connection to the season while staying warm.
Another key part of creating a meaningful winter is bringing back a sense of magic at home, right down to the smallest details, even scent. One popular way to make your space feel festive is through a simmer pot. Bring a pot of water to a gentle boil and add warm spices such as cinnamon sticks and cloves, along with citrus peels, pine sprigs or rosemary. Finish with a splash of vanilla, reduce the heat and let it simmer for as long as you like. Soon, your home will smell like nostalgic holiday sweetness. Candles, seasonal décor and plenty of hot cocoa can also help set the tone.
Of course, an important part of the season is spending time with family and friends. Even though many students cannot travel home for the holidays, a Secret Santa exchange with close friends or watching a cheesy Christmas classic over a potluck of snacks can make the season feel familiar again. These small traditions can provide the warmth and connection many people miss at this time of year.
However, connection doesn’t need to come solely from family. Attending events around campus, taking walks through Waterloo Park, or enjoying a hot drink in a café while it snows outside can help foster a sense of belonging and build a stronger bond with the community. Being around others can also help combat seasonal depression and ease the feeling of isolation that often surfaces in winter.
Ultimately, the holiday season is about spreading kindness and strengthening community. Wilfrid Laurier University is home to students from more than 100 countries and a student body of roughly 20,000 across its campuses. As we transition into the second semester, it’s important to remember that Laurier is built on a diverse and supportive community. For 2026, students are encouraged to engage more fully with campus life, consider joining clubs, attending events and making connections in unexpected places.
The beauty of the holiday season lies in how it brings people closer together. A little kindness goes a long way, and the more you put into your community, the more the magic of the season finds its way back to you.
The Cord wishes all members of the Laurier community a joyful holiday season and a happy new year.
Contributed Graphic/Clara Rose
