Throughout the year, we celebrate certain days that we call holidays. But one thing I’ve noticed is that the spirit of these holidays has taken a significant downturn.

For example, on Halloween, I went out trick-or-treating with a friend. The more we walked, the fewer decorations we saw, and the ones we did find were minimal—just buckets with a sign that said, “Take one.” We barely saw anyone out in the streets searching for candy. It felt like it wasn’t even Halloween.

Thanksgiving is another holiday that’s losing its significance. People seem to wait all year for Christmas, which ends up overshadowing the excitement and meaning of Thanksgiving. Many people disregard the importance of giving thanks and celebrating everything we’re grateful for.

When I went to my cousin’s house for Thanksgiving, I was shocked to see Christmas decorations already up, and they didn’t even serve traditional Thanksgiving food. The spirit of every holiday seems to be fading year by year.

Even the way children approach Christmas has changed. I looked at all of my younger cousins’ Christmas lists, and they were filled with electronics, makeup, and other grown-up items they don’t need. A 9-year-old girl asking for skincare products seems strange to me. At their age, I was asking for toy cars and playsets. These kinds of gifts don’t allow kids to grow at a healthy or natural pace.

Not only are people decorating less, but those who do decorate are opting for bland, neutral colors. Everyone is so focused on being “modern” that they’re forgetting the true spirit of holidays lies in bright, colorful, and sparkling decorations.

Together, we can revive the joy and spirit of these holidays. Let’s bring back the festive decorations—no more white and tan Christmas displays! Instead, let’s fill our homes with rainbow lights and vibrant wreaths hanging on the front door!