Ever walked into a store in mid-September and felt that immediate, visceral pang of "too soon" because you saw a plastic reindeer? Yeah, we’ve all been there. But then, about three weeks later, you find yourself humming a Mariah Carey bridge while picking out a new set of overpriced napkins because, well, it's a christmas thing. That phrase has become a bit of a universal shrug for the weird, wonderful, and occasionally stressful rituals we perform every December. It’s the ultimate excuse for why we suddenly think it’s okay to put a dying coniferous tree in the middle of our living room and cover it in electricity.
Psychologically, it’s fascinating. We spend eleven months of the year trying to be rational, budget-conscious adults, and then the calendar hits December and we just... stop.
The phrase itself has evolved from a simple descriptor into a full-blown cultural shorthand. When you’re explaining to a confused partner why you need a third different type of "festive" scented candle, you just say it. It’s a Christmas thing. It’s the catch-all for the nostalgia, the commercialism, and the bone-deep desire for comfort that hits when the sun starts setting at 4:00 PM. But what actually makes something part of this seasonal canon? It’s rarely about the big, polished events. Honestly, it’s usually about the small, slightly inconvenient habits that somehow became sacred.
Why We Lean Into the Chaos
There is a specific kind of madness that takes over during the holidays. Dr. Linda Papadopoulos and other psychologists often talk about "anchoring" through traditions. Essentially, our brains love predictability. In a world that feels increasingly chaotic, the fact that you always eat a specific type of burnt orange-cranberry sauce provides a weirdly high level of emotional security.
It’s about the sensory triggers. Smelling pine needles isn’t just a smell; it’s a time machine. When we say it's a christmas thing, we’re often talking about the sensory overload that differentiates this month from the gray slush of January.
Let’s talk about the food for a second. Why do we drink eggnog? Seriously. It’s a thick, spiced, dairy-heavy beverage that most people wouldn’t touch with a ten-foot pole in July. But come December, it’s a staple. Because it’s a Christmas thing. We tolerate the thickness because it represents the season. We bake cookies we don’t even like—fruitcake, anyone?—simply because the act of baking them is a ritualistic requirement. Research from the University of Oxford suggests that communal eating, especially during traditional festivals, significantly increases our sense of wellbeing and social cohesion. Even if the food is questionable.
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The Weird History of "The Thing"
If you look back, most of what we consider "the thing" to do during Christmas is actually a patchwork quilt of stolen ideas. The Romans had Saturnalia. The Vikings had Yule. The Victorians, specifically Prince Albert, brought the tree over to England and made it a "must-have" accessory.
It’s a misconception that these traditions have always been here. They were marketed to us. In the 19th century, Christmas was often a rowdy, drunken street festival. It wasn't until the mid-1800s that it moved indoors and became the family-centric, cozy vibe we recognize today. Clement Clarke Moore’s "A Visit from St. Nicholas" basically invented the modern Santa image, and Coca-Cola just polished it up with some red paint and a smile.
We think we’re following ancient laws. Really, we’re following a very successful 200-year-old rebranding campaign. But does that make it less "real"? Not really. If it makes you feel something, it’s working.
The Aesthetic Trap and Social Media
Instagram and TikTok have completely changed how we interact with the holidays. Now, it's a christmas thing has to be "aesthetic."
You’ve seen the "beige Christmas" trend. Everything is cream, tan, and minimalist. It’s a far cry from the tacky, multi-colored LED chaos of the 90s. This shift creates a weird tension. On one hand, people want the cozy, Pinterest-perfect home. On the other hand, there’s a growing movement toward "maximalism"—the idea that if you don't have three different nutcrackers on your mantle, you’re doing it wrong.
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The pressure is real.
- People spend an average of $1,000 on holiday-related expenses in the US alone.
- Credit card debt spikes by roughly 5% every January.
- Stress levels regarding "family expectations" are cited as a primary mental health hurdle by the APA.
Despite the stress, we keep doing it. Why? Because the FOMO (fear of missing out) is baked into the calendar. If you don't participate, you feel like you're missing the "magic," even if that magic is mostly just expensive cardboard and glitter.
The Survival Guide for the Holiday Fatigue
Honestly, the best way to handle the "it's a christmas thing" pressure is to pick and choose. You don't have to do it all. You don't have to go to every secret Santa. You definitely don't have to like fruitcake.
The most authentic traditions are the ones that actually make you happy. Maybe your "thing" is ordering Chinese food on Christmas Eve and watching 80s action movies. That is just as valid as a formal five-course dinner. The cultural weight of the season can be heavy, but you’re the one who decides which boxes to unpack.
Many people are pivoting toward "Experience Christmas." Instead of buying more plastic stuff that ends up in a landfill by February, they’re spending money on tickets, trips, or just time. It’s a shift toward sustainability that still honors the spirit of the season.
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Moving Beyond the Commercial Script
The phrase it's a christmas thing shouldn't be a burden. It should be a permission slip. Permission to be a bit sentimental. Permission to wear a sweater that is objectively ugly.
But we also have to acknowledge the loneliness that often hides behind the bright lights. For many, the "thing" isn't a joy; it’s a reminder of what’s missing. Experts in grief counseling often note that the holidays are the hardest time of year because the cultural expectation of happiness is so loud. If you aren't feeling it, the contrast is deafening.
It’s okay to have a quiet year. It’s okay to skip the ornaments. Sometimes, the most meaningful "Christmas thing" you can do is just give yourself a break.
What to Do Next
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the upcoming season or just want to ground yourself, try these specific steps to regain control of your holiday experience:
- The "Joy Audit": Sit down with a coffee. List every tradition you usually do. If an item on that list makes you feel tired or resentful just thinking about it, cross it off. You have permission.
- Set a "Hard Out" Date: Decide when the season starts and ends for you. If you don't want to think about Christmas until December 15th, stick to it. Don't let the "Christmas Creep" in stores dictate your internal calendar.
- Micro-Traditions: Instead of the big, expensive stuff, find one tiny thing that costs nothing. Maybe it's a specific walk through a park or a particular playlist you only listen to while wrapping gifts.
- Budget the "Yes": You have a finite amount of social energy. Look at your calendar now. Mark off at least two "Do Nothing" nights per week in December. When someone asks you to an event, check that calendar first.
Ultimately, the holidays are what you make of them. Whether you’re leaning into the full-throttle sparkle or keeping it low-key, remember that the "thing" is supposed to serve you, not the other way around. Keep the parts that warm your heart and leave the rest in the basement with the tangled lights.
Everything else? It's just noise. Take the parts of the season that actually offer peace and let the rest of the "Christmas things" fall by the wayside. Focus on the connection, not the perfection.