GUADALUPE BRITO: Hey Wizards welcome back to another episode! Today we’ll be looking back on our Christmas memories and describing why we feel a sense of nostalgia for the past.
KAROL CABRERA: As Christmas comes around the corner, we all look back on our memories of Christmases in the past. One thing we may all experience is the heavy sense of nostalgia that comes with the memories of the past.
JOCELYN DIAZ: But why do we feel nostalgia for the holidays? Especially Christmas?
BRITO: We feel nostalgia for the holidays, especially Christmas, because they remind us of happy past memories, family traditions, and special moments from our childhood. Even if it feels bittersweet, thinking about these memories can make us feel connected, comforted, and more positive. Holidays bring back these memories, which is why nostalgia is so strong at this time.
DIAZ: With this in mind, what are some activities or traditions that you guys have done with your family?
CABRERA: Personally, when I was younger I liked looking at the toy magazines from stores like Target. I would circle and cut out the toys I wanted and write a letter to Santa before putting my letter on the tree.
DIAZ: Me too! I would also write letters to Santa and put it in my little stocking and then I would hang it up next to the tree. I used to white my letter to Santa in Spanish and English because I didn’t know if he was bilingual like that and I had to make sure he knew what I wanted.
BRITO: When my siblings and I were younger, we would visit my cousin’s house and spend Christmas with them. I would have to help with the tamales but they always turned out amazing. I enjoyed eating them and drinking ponche which is a warm fruit punch.
CABRERA: Nowadays however I usually help my family put and decorate the Christmas tree. Every year we usually follow a different theme. So sometimes the tree will have a gingerbread or specific color theme.
BRITO: I help put up the Christmas tree too! My family doesn’t follow a theme though, we just put up ornaments and photos that we’ve collected over the years. I’m always laughing at the photos because my brothers are caught off guard.
DIAZ: These days, I usually look forward to Christmas potlucks and Secret Santa, since I’ve outgrown writing letters to Santa.
BRITO: That’s another reason why so many people feel nostalgia. As we grow up, we stop participating in childish activities and experience Christmas in a more mature way.
CABRERA: Even though we experience Christmas differently as teenagers, nostalgia still comes from remembering those childhood moments. Thinking about decorating the tree, writing letters to Santa, or opening presents with family can bring both happiness and a little longing for the past.
DIAZ: Psychologists say this kind of nostalgia is actually good for us, it can boost our mood, help us feel connected to loved ones, and remind us of the positive parts of life. Even if the holidays aren’t perfect now, remembering these traditions can make the season feel comforting and meaningful.
BRITO: Speaking of Christmas traditions, what food does your family usually make during the holidays?
CABRERA: My family usually makes pozole and champurrado for Christmas. Sometimes it will be red or green pozole, but I personally like the green pozole better. Also, for those who don’t know what champurrado is, it’s a warm Mexican drink made from chocolate, masa, milk or water, and spices like cinnamon. It’s warm, sweet, and often enjoyed during the holidays.
DIAZ: Me too! I usually eat pozole rojo though. I like it a lot more than pozole verde. I usually help make the tamales the day before and in the morning my mami makes leche de chocolate and we eat cookies and drink it while we watch a movie.
BRITO: On Christmas, my family makes mole and tamales. I don’t like mole though so I only eat tamales with cream and cheese. My family also makes ponche and hot chocolate. They go amazing with the Christmas spirit because of their warmth and sugary taste.
CABRERA: What about movies? Do you guys watch any specific movies during Christmas time?
DIAZ: My family doesn’t really watch Christmas movies. We usually watch an action movie or some sort of cartoon movie that everyone would enjoy. But a movie I see every year is
The Grinch”.
CABRERA: My family usually watches a lot of Christmas movies like the “Polar Express”, “Home Alone”, and “The Grinch”. If I had to pick though I’d say my favorite Christmas movie is “Home Alone”.
BRITO: During the holidays, my family doesn’t watch movies. I watched “The Christmas Chronicles” with my brother though and I really liked it!
BRITO: All these activities and traditions connect to the feeling we get of nostalgia. As we get older, the holidays feel different, and sometimes we miss how things used to be. But nostalgia isn’t all bad, it can still make us feel connected and bring some joy.
DIAZ: Yeah, and even if the holidays aren’t perfect, we can still make new memories. Little things like watching movies or being with family still matter. So it’s okay if the holidays feel different now.
DIAZ: Thanks for tuning into our podcast! Stay tuned for upcoming episodes see ya!
