Childhood Nostalgia in my Adult Apartment
I don't know about you, but when it comes to nostalgia, I will keep ANYTHING.
Here is a list of things that I've not only kept from childhood but have moved almost a dozen times over the years, to keep them with me in my adult apartments.
1. A random pencil that I got as a stocking stuffer when I was in middle school. I randomly decided I was a Bruin's fan that year, and kept it with me all these years and ended up living in Boston, right near the rink the Bruin's play in. ✏️
2. I got this candle the day before I moved out of my childhood home for college in 2016. I've never lit it, but brought it with me for nearly 10 years. 🕯️
3. This freaking nose... it freaks people out. My mom got it for me at 18 months old when I got my first pair of glasses, it is a stand for them to sit on your nightstand. I have used it every night for nearly 27 years 👃
4. Every hockey ticket I saved from the past 20+ years, is kept in this jar and I will never get rid of it, EVER. 🏒
5. Lastly, the prime example of my hoarding, all the cards and letters I've received over the last 10 or so years (I have more bins at my mom's house)! 💌
Can you relate to this level of nostalgia? I can't imagine my adult apartment without these little reminders of my childhood.
Nostalgia often serves as a comforting bridge between our past and present, and maintaining tangible childhood items can deeply enrich an adult’s living environment. The pencil, received as a stocking stuffer in middle school, represents not only youthful enthusiasm but also the excitement of early fandom and identity formation—it’s fascinating how this small item has accompanied moves through college years and life in Boston, connecting the owner to beloved local culture. Similarly, the candle, untouched yet carefully preserved since the day before college, acts as a symbol of transition and reflection, a marker of significant life changes. Its consistent presence offers subtle emotional support, embodying memories and milestones. The quirky nose-shaped glasses stand, kept since infancy, goes beyond mere functionality. Its uniqueness sparks conversations and curiosity, showing how childhood keepsakes can bring personality and stories into modern adult living. This piece, used every night for over 27 years, highlights the sentimental value attributed to even the most unusual items. Collecting hockey tickets for over two decades further illustrates a deep connection to personal interests and experiences. Displaying them in a jar turns the collection into a visual timeline of cherished moments, games, and friendships tied to the sport. Finally, preserving cards and letters from the past decade speaks to the power of personal relationships and meaningful communication. These handwritten notes capture emotions and connections that digital messages often lack, reinforcing the importance of physical mementos in preserving memories. Incorporating such nostalgic items into an adult apartment can cultivate a warm, personal atmosphere that grounds individuals amidst the busyness of modern life. It reflects a broader human tendency to seek comfort and identity through familiar objects, making living spaces more than just places to stay—they become curated galleries of experience and sentiment.
I love keeping cards and letters I get from friends and family. I still have cards from my grandma who had passed away 5 years ago, love looking at them for memories🤍