Growing up, Christmas was always the best day of the year. Well, actually, Christmas Eve was. Christmas morning felt magical for the first hour, but once the presents under the tree were opened, investigated, and tested, the magic faded. The gifts ended up piled in the corner of my bedroom, haunting me for months until I found a place to put them.
It feels bratty to admit that, but that sense of overwhelm isn’t just in my head. It’s backed by research. According to MSU Extension, “choice overload” affects how children play: too many toys lead to clutter, shorter attention spans, and less willingness to share.
That feeling doesn’t disappear when we grow up; it just changes. As a college student with limited space, my one-bedroom apartment can’t accommodate all of the shiny new things we’re pushed to buy each December.
That’s why this year, SVSU students should redirect their Christmas traditions toward community service, sustainable gifts, or shared experiences instead of buying more stuff.
2025 is the perfect year to start a tradition of volunteering at a local soup kitchen with friends or family — the holiday season is a time for giving, and while it may not sound as exciting as waiting to unwrap presents, throwing yourself into the experience can bring a deeper sense of gratitude for both your community and the people who are there for you. That’s far more valuable than anything money can buy.
When Christmas Eve rolls around, you can get creative with the people you love, literally. Start a crafty tradition with a group: paint a canvas, decorate cookies, or make paper garland.
According to the American Psychiatric Association, Americans who spend more time doing creative activities report better mental health than those who don’t. If you want to spread more joy this Christmas, expand your creative outlets and maybe test out a few new ones.
On Christmas morning, instead of gathering around the tree to unwrap gifts, pick out a classic board game to play. That way, instead of being mad at your sibling for getting cooler gifts than you, you can be mad at them for beating you in a game of “Sorry.” Hopefully, it’s all in good fun, and the memories last longer than any toy ever could.
Not a fan of board games? No problem. Quality time can take any form: making a sweet holiday breakfast together, watching a movie, or going outside to play in the snow or go for a walk.
Gift-giving is a cultural tradition that’s hard to break. So, if you’re going to do it, do it in a way that counts. Buy only one or two items you know the receiver actually needs or will use.
Or, create something meaningful for them like a Christmas ornament, a short poetry book, or a painting to hang on the wall.
Develop traditions that go beyond a holiday Starbucks run and a Target trip. Those outings are fun (they’re some of my favorites), but the moments that stick with me are the ones spent around the kitchen table, talking and laughing with family. Those feel more joyful and fulfilling than anything I’ve ever bought.
Make the Christmas magic last by sidelining gifts as the heart of the holiday. This year, build traditions that will stay with you for years to come.
Illustration | Brianna Atudoroae
