Childhood toys, lifelong memories

BY DREW FLEMING / Multimedia Journalist

Childhood Christmas gifts hold lasting memories and are meaningful for several reasons. For children, these gifts often come with a sense of Christmas magic because of their love of Santa Claus and festive traditions. As well as the anticipation of unwrapping something new. 

I think we can all relate to having that one present as a kid that we waited months to find under the Christmas tree. The toy or gadget that kept you up all night, or occupied your daydreams leading up to Christmas Day. 

Beyond the material aspect, childhood Christmas gifts can carry emotional significance. Gifts around the holiday season symbolize the thoughtfulness of family members who carefully choose something that reflects a child’s personality and interests. 

Landon Ahlsted is currently a student at Tarleton State University. 

“The Xbox One is my favorite gift that I got on Christmas, I wanted it really badly and my parents got it for me. It felt pretty incredible because, you know, back then I still believed in Santa Claus and I thought he made it for me, ” Ahlsted said. 

Even as children grow up, the memory of those gifts stay with us as a reminder of the happiness of the holidays and the magic of childhood. Whether it’s a favorite present or beloved holiday tradition, moments like opening your dream gift are about more than what you get afer tearing off the wrapping. It’s about the memories that you will forever cherish and the love you feel from the person who gave you the present. 

“My favorite memory is the anticipation and memory of believing in Santa Claus. Then walking out in the morning and just seeing all the gifts under the tree, it was awesome. Then looking back at it knowing my parents always provided a really good Christmas for me,” Ahlsted said. 
 

No matter what holiday you celebrate or who you celebrate with, it is universally agreed that meaningful presents and quality time with the people you love is what matters most during the holiday season. 

Trinity Elliott is currently a student at Tarleton.

“When I opened up my dream present, an American Girl doll, I was so excited running around my kitchen. It was one of my favorite toys. I was so thankful when I got it, I love braiding hair, so my favorite memory was braiding her hair,” Elliott said. 
 

It’s not just about the gift or the time you spent playing with it, but the thoughtfulness that your parents, grandparents or loved one considered when picking it out. That’s the great thing about gift giving, it is not just about the gift but the love and relationship behind the gift that you’ll always remember. 
 

Emily Daly is currently a student at Tarleton State University. 
 

“For me, it’s about the relationship behind the gifts. I will never forget the charm my grandma gave me. Every single time I look down at my bracelet and the word granddaughter catches my eye, I think of my grandma,” Daly said. 
 

Meaningful childhood gifts become reminders of our favorite holidays and core memories that shape us into who we are. A toy or a special gift can carry sentimental value long after it’s no longer in use and is a reminder of the love and connection of the holiday season.