Celebrating Christmas and the New Year, The Stranger Things Way!

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This Christmas season has strongly evoked memories of my early childhood, especially after spending so many recent Christmases away from home. The holiday spirit of 2025 has been heavily influenced by a Stranger Things Season 5 vibe. In preparation for the "grand finale," my cousins and I stocked up on snacks and drinks. We got out our mixtapes, VHS cassettes, Walkmans, and Nintendo consoles, all while decked out in retro 80s gear. What began as a simple idea for an Instagram photo for Stranger Things fans evolved into a truly enjoyable process, particularly as we revisited cherished items from our childhood.

I recall my childhood Christmases as superb. Growing up in Mexico, I had the unique experience of celebrating twice: Christmas Eve with my large Mexican father's family, and Christmas Day with my British mother's side. The atmosphere during these holidays was rather cheerful, filled with laughter, fun, delicious food, and incredible gifts. On Christmas Eve, because my dad's family is so big, my cousins and I would be "bombarded" with five to seven gifts each. We played and smiled constantly; the happiness in the air felt special, unlike today. As a child, the burden of many hardships disappeared for that one night, allowing us to focus on the moment, have a blast, and play with each other.

During these holidays, we engaged in various activities, primarily playing soccer outdoors. We also enjoyed listening to music, watching movies, and playing video games. Most importantly, we loved to fantasize. We often created scary stories and acted out scenarios where we had to hide and run for our lives. Our vivid imaginations transported us to a world much like Stranger Things, complete with an "Upside Down" where we felt we "thrived." We were always aware of the "dark side" of things and people. Ironically, we realized that while we imagined monsters outside, they were actually among our family and community all along—a strange realization to have as a child.

However, even the fondest childhood memories can eventually turn bitter with envy, bullying, and shame, proving that everything comes to an end. Being part of a large family presented its own challenges. I learned the difficult truth that not everyone can bear to see others happy. When they witness joy, they often try to extinguish it with lies and slander. This dynamic, I feel, echoes Vecna's description of children in Stranger Things as weak, vulnerable, and easily molded—an incredible insight. In those moments of attack, you aren't fully aware of your own strength, even if your soul feels crushed.

I believe that maintaining self-belief allows one to strike directly at their consuming ego by simply walking away, dismissing their comments, and pushing through. Our natural naivety, coupled with the intense anguish of being betrayed by family, frequently causes people to falter, making them feel defenseless and feeble. For me, distance and silence offered the best relief. When the situation became more toxic, I chose to spend my first Christmas away from home, a pattern that continued for many years. Later, in my young adult years, I was fortunate to rediscover the true Christmas spirit with warm, loving friends and some former partners.

The return to Mexico for Christmas after so many years felt like a powerful, unavoidable pull. Despite the difficult family memories I had before leaving, a significant shift occurred. The atmosphere awakened, thanks to the nostalgia sparked by a show like Stranger Things. It helped us vividly recall our childhood music, video games, movies, and fashion, turning those memories into a shared fantasy. Stranger Things has a wonderful ability to transform bitter moments into joyful ones, encouraging us to dream, fantasize, and believe in ourselves. It reminds me never to abandon my childhood dreams or the friends and family who have supported me. True loved ones will always stand by you and reconnect as if no time had passed. Conversely, those who aren't genuine will always seek to criticize and despise you, often hiding their true malice behind a deceptive smile—a "smiley Vecna face."



© 2025 The Dark Rose's Traces. All Rights Reserved. 



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