How to make DS feel Christmassy

[DrinkingHomeForChristmas]

DS12 mentioned tonight that he didn't feel Christmassy. Is there anything I can do to perk him up? In fairness he's had a shitty last few months, caught Covid and was very unwell with it, passed it to me and I've got long covid, has a grandparent with a terminal illness that wasn't expected to make Christmas but has. We've put up decorations, decorated the tree, listened to Christmas music, watched some Christmas films and eating all the treats but nothing. Is there anything I can do or do I just accept the magic has gone?

It sounds like you’ve all had a really tough year.
Can you ask him what would make him feel Christmassy- he might have some ideas for things that you’ve done in the past that you hadn’t considered (e.g. late night shopping followed by a hot chocolate, driving around your town at night to see all the houses covered in lights, dancing to Christmas music on Christmas Eve, going shopping for a special Christmas decoration).

Are there any places near you that do special Christmas activities that he might enjoy (going to see a show, carol concert, Christmas lights walk, Christmas fayre).

I accept it’s really difficult with covid and he’s also at an age where Christmas does lose its magic a bit, I think it’s because he’s too old to believe in literal magic but too young for nostalgia (too old to believe in Santa, less interested in Christmas crafts/baking, presents tend to be less exciting etc).
If he has younger siblings/cousins I found it really helpful at that age to be able to be involved in making Christmas magical for other people (e.g. being in charge of moving the elf, doing a treasure hunt for my siblings and cousins on Boxing Day, going to the shops by myself to choose presents for my parents, choosing some treats for the food bank/toy appeal etc).
The Christmas feeling definitely came back when I got older. This year I’d focus on just choosing some activities you’ll both find fun and enjoyable.

Christmas market
Christmas lights
Christmas cake baking workshop
Christmas spelling contest
Christmas game night
Christmas photo shoot
Christmas quiz night
Christmas story reading competition
Christmas poems
Christmas wreath making club