Far too often, the surreal Christmas experience fades away with childhood and teenagers are left in the holiday season reminiscing on their childhood experiences. As we age, it’s easy to see how Christmas is geared towards children. Trips to visit the local mall Santa or browsing the toy aisle are characteristics of the holidays, but simply aren’t enjoyed by the average 15 year old.

The typical teenager stereotype doesn’t get get a break for the holidays. Adults are quick to blame technology or material greed for teen’s unenthusiasm with Christmas. Whether or not this is the case isn’t clear; what is, is that Christmas can lose its place in the hearts of youth with age.

So, for those who notice Christmas losing its magic year after year, how can the feelings that Christmas brought as a child be revived? 

Here are seven ways to revive the holiday spirit bursting with seasonal sarcasm.

• Forget about your own gifts and take time to give back

This holiday season, the only phrase you’ll get more tired of hearing than “Merry Christmas” is those who insist on claiming “giving is better than receiving.” Do the people that tout this motto really believe what they are suggesting? Usually not, but it is the easiest way for them to show just how much more Christmas spirit they hold than you. But truthfully, giving back can be one way to bring back the warm fuzzy feeling that Christmas loses with adulthood.

• Help a child make Christmas memories

If Christmas really is made for children, why fight it? Take the opportunity to make sure a younger sibling is having the Christmas experience you miss. You might find the joy of that child sufficient enough to bring Christmas back to your Grinch-sized heart.

• Settle in for a holiday movie night

While the borderline creepy claymation Christmas movies of the past may not be your thing, there are certainly some timeless classics worthy of a cold December night. Battle for the good side of the couch with your family when you snuggle up to watch those holiday movies together.

• Enjoy holiday themed snacks

Even if the festivities going on are of no interest to you, a fridge full of peppermint bark or a counter stacked with Christmas cookies can do the trick for just about anyone. Take advantage of the holidays to munch on copious amounts of carbs that would surely get you judged any other time of the year.

• Explore your neighborhood for holiday light spectacles

Surely somewhere in your town a family went all out for the season with an elaborate Christmas light display. You’ll be left feeling insecure about your own house’s appearance, but at least you can appreciate those who somehow find the time to set up a shining display.

• Participate in a Christmas parade

“Participate” is a strong word. You can always enjoy the show from the sidelines as the floats pass you by, leaving a trail of candy. Of course, parking would be a nightmare and the crowds wouldn’t be easy, but seeing a younger sibling’s eyes light up at the extravagant floats will make up for the effort spent.

• Jam out to festive music

One thing you can count on from the holiday season is that someone will always have their own pronunciation for “Feliz Navidad.” And while peppy songs about Santa’s sleigh or a reindeer’s nose are sure to get old soon, it seems your local radio stations are quick to disagree by refusing to shut off the Christmas carols until the New Year.

The key to surviving the holidays is to enjoy them while they last. Don’t get grinchy when Christmas dinner comes out wrong or when your left with socks and underwear under the tree, but enjoy the little festivities that come once a year. Follow this list when you are left out of the holiday spirit to make Christmas the wonderful experience it was as a kid.