Magic of Christmas is best at 7 and 33: Wonder of festive season peaks in childhood and as a parent

Magic of Christmas is best at 7… and 33: Wonder of festive season peaks in childhood and again as a parent

  • Experts at Santa’s Lapland said we experience two peaks of festive excitement  
  • The first is when we are a child and a second when we become parents 
  • Christmas joy peaks when children are old enough to remember previous years

The magic and wonder of Christmas is greatest when we are seven years old… and again when we are 33.

According to a survey by Santa’s Lapland we experience two peaks of festive excitement in our lives – once when we are a child and a second when we become parents.

Dr Amanda Gummer, who specialises in child development, said: ‘Christmas magic peaks when children are old enough to remember previous Christmases, get involved in the arts and crafts and enjoy Christmas traditions.’ 

Much younger children get overwhelmed while for teenagers Christmas seems uncool, she added.

People typically experience two peaks of festive excitement in our lives – once when we are a child and a second when we become parents

Thomas Ryves, Head of Brand and Communications at Santa’s Lapland, said: ‘The magic of Christmas is a unique and wonderful experience, and our research shows it’s at its strongest during the early years of childhood but the second wave is equally as strong.’