My Teenager Has Stopped Longing for Christmas Catalogs, and My Heart Feels Heavy

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When I was young, there was something magical about flipping through the Sears or Service Merchandise catalog after retrieving the mail. I would spend hours studying every page, meticulously circling all the toys, clothes, and the coolest gadgets from the ’80s that I hoped to find under the tree. It was a cherished childhood tradition, and those memories fill me with nostalgia.

Now, my kids have their own versions of this experience, with Target, Amazon, and Lego catalogs taking center stage. They still revel in the excitement of searching for new treasures, often marking items with initials so Santa knows who wants what. However, this year, I noticed a change: my oldest son has quietly moved on from the Christmas catalogs. Honestly, it breaks my heart a little.

At this stage in his life as a teenager, the enchanting spirit of the holidays seems to have faded, yet in my eyes, he’s still my little boy. He no longer circles items in catalogs; instead, he sends me links for the latest AirPods or requests cash to save up for a new gaming system. While this method is undoubtedly more practical, it feels a bit impersonal, lacking the warmth of Christmas magic.

Fortunately, the festive spirit hasn’t entirely vanished from our home. We still have believers in the family, which means our elf continues to visit each night, leaving behind little notes. Rex, named after his favorite “Toy Story” character, was once my son’s source of wonder. It feels like just yesterday that those magical Christmas mornings were filled with excitement. Why does time pass so quickly? Though my son may not be a believer anymore, he plays along for the sake of his younger siblings, and I’m grateful he hasn’t become a Grinch determined to spoil the fun.

In his younger days, I would decorate the house the night after Thanksgiving while he slept, setting the stage for holiday wonder. The joy on his face as he discovered our festive decor was unforgettable, and I can still picture those big green eyes lighting up with delight. Now, he helps me with the decorating and even indulges my love for Hallmark movies in the background. I appreciate those moments.

While he doesn’t search for Rex anymore or talk about Santa and his sleigh, the memories of his innocent Christmases still linger in our home. We have a special tree adorned with ornaments representing family vacations, anniversaries, and cherished moments. The handmade decorations from my children are especially precious, featuring cut-out Santa shapes, tiny fingerprint reindeer, and beaded candy canes—these are my true treasures.

As my children grow, I hold onto the keepsake tree with its twinkling lights, reminding me of the time when they were engulfed in holiday magic, and I played a part in creating those memories. When kids outgrow the elves, Santa, and the joy of catalog circled dreams, it can feel as if the magic has faded. But perhaps it just needs to evolve. It might be time to introduce new traditions and craft updated holiday memories. Last year, I shared “Christmas Vacation” with my two oldest sons, and they loved it. They especially enjoyed Clark’s hilarious rants, and they can’t wait to watch it again this year. That warms my heart.

The Christmas catalogs for this year are already on the table, dog-eared and ready for holiday wishes. My oldest still enjoys building LEGO sets with his dad. I’m tempted to slip the catalog onto his bed, along with a new Sharpie for nostalgia’s sake, and a note from Rex reminding him that Santa is still watching for ideas. Who knows? Maybe there’s still a sprinkle of magic left hidden among earbuds and iPhones.

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In summary, while the enchanting moments of childhood may fade as my teenager grows, the memories and traditions we’ve built remain. It’s essential to adapt and create new experiences that keep the holiday spirit alive, even as our children evolve.

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