Sunlight glints off a pine garland strung with gingham bows and copper bells in Jenna Brooks’ living room. Above the fireplace, dried orange and apple garlands frame a tree dressed in warm, earthy tones. Across TikTok and Instagram, DIY holiday crafts — felt ornaments, paper chains, dried fruit garlands — under hashtags like #homemadechristmas and #diychristmas have drawn millions of views. Beyond nostalgia, the trend reflects practicality for a generation facing student debt, a cooling labor market and rising costs. While some traditions stem from personal memories, psychologist Clay Routledge says Gen Z is embracing “historical nostalgia” — longing for eras before their time, like holidays that felt magical and offline. Nostalgia, often seen as clinging to the past, can also foster belonging and inspire new traditions, he says. Read more at the link in our bio.