Teenagers question their role in the holidays. Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Easter, some of the most widely celebrated holidays of the year, have often lost their nostalgic pull. Young adults no longer have the same “visions of sugar plums.”

Leaving cookies out for Santa, wearing matching pajamas, and sprinkling reindeer dust all seem too immature for teenagers, and the lack of childhood activities makes many of the holidays seem less cheery than before.

“Christmas is a bit less exciting now that I’m older because it comes and goes so fast,” said junior Andrea Ayala.

Teenagers do not want their “two front teeth” or a “nutcracker”; they just want practical items.

“It’s weird asking for money for Christmas, but that’s really what I want and need,” said senior Jared Chung.

Young adults feel they cannot participate in the past holiday traditions they used to adore. Take Halloween, for example.

“Halloween has become more of a burden now with setting up decorations and constantly having to stop homework to answer the doorbell,” said Jared. 

Trick or treating, the main excitement during Halloween, legally cannot be enjoyed by kids over 12 years of age, regulated by the law in Chesapeake.

“Holidays have become more of a burden and less enjoyable now that I’m older,” said Jared.

Although teens cannot go door to door asking for candy, or hunt for Easter eggs, they can still celebrate the holidays. During Thanksgiving, per say, people can celebrate the pilgrims or the Native Americans, sit down together for a meal that represents some cultural diversity, or they can enjoy a delicious turkey dinner with loved ones.

“Thanksgiving has grown in importance for me as people in my family age, and it becomes more important to spend time with them,” said Jared. 

As a child, Christmas meant a time to try to catch Santa, create a wish list, or receive toys, but as a teenager, it holds a different value.

“I like that I get to spend time with my family and get out of school,” said Andrea.

Teens may not celebrate with all of the same traditions as they did in the past, but it still captures some magic.

“When I was younger, I thought of holidays as a time where there is no school, meeting up with friends and family, and getting gifts. Now I realize it’s about the time spent with family and friends, fun memories, and spreading joy to others,” said sophomore Kaitlyn Hertz.