Why We All Feel Emotional About Our Homes at Christmas
The Power of Being Back in Your Childhood Home
Christmas has a unique way of unlocking memories, doesn't it? The sights, smells, and sounds of the holiday season can transport us back to a time when life was simpler, and our biggest worry was whether we'd get the toy we wanted on Christmas morning. Being back in our childhood home can be especially emotional, stirring up a mix of feelings that can be hard to put into words.
The Comfort of Familiarity
There's something undeniably comforting about being surrounded by familiar things. The same old decorations, the same creaky floorboards, the same smell of freshly baked cookies wafting from the kitchen. It's like being wrapped in a warm hug, reminding us of a time when we felt safe, loved, and cared for. Our brains are wired to associate these familiar sights and smells with happy memories, releasing a flood of feel-good emotions that can be hard to shake.
But it's not just the big things that trigger these emotions – it's often the smallest, most mundane details. The way the sunlight streams through the windows, the sound of the wind outside, or the feel of the worn armchair beneath us. These tiny triggers can transport us back to a specific moment in time, making us feel like we're 8 years old again, waiting for Santa to arrive.
When Memories Meet Reality
Of course, being back in our childhood home isn't always straightforward. As we grow older, our memories of a place can become frozen in time, while the reality of the place itself changes. Parents age, siblings move away, and rooms are repurposed. It's like we're visiting a different house altogether.
This can be jarring, especially if we're not prepared for it. We might walk into a room and feel a pang of sadness or loss, realizing that things aren't as they used to be. It's okay to acknowledge these feelings, and to recognize that it's normal for our memories and reality to diverge.
Mixed Emotions Are Normal
Not everyone has a happy or straightforward relationship with their childhood home. For some, the holidays can be a painful reminder of what's missing, or a time of heightened stress and tension. If this resonates with you, know that you're not alone. It's okay to feel complicated emotions, and to prioritize your own needs during this time.
Creating New Memories
If you're lucky enough to be spending Christmas in your childhood home, take a moment to appreciate the little things. Share stories with loved ones, make new memories, and don't be afraid to get a little nostalgic. And if you're not able to be there in person, find ways to create new traditions and rituals that feel meaningful to you.
A Time for Reflection
Christmas is a time for reflection, and being back in our childhood home can be a powerful catalyst for introspection. Take some time to think about what's important to you, what's changed, and what you'd like to hold onto. It's a chance to reconnect with your roots, and to appreciate the people and experiences that have shaped you into who you are today.
Letting Go and Moving Forward
As the holiday season comes to a close, it's natural to start thinking about the year ahead. What memories do you want to hold onto, and what do you want to leave behind? Take a moment to acknowledge the emotions that came up for you, and let them go. You can always come back to them another time, but for now, focus on moving forward.
Just for you
By Courtney Evans - December 21, 2025
