Somewhere along the way, many of us were led to believe that growing up meant giving up play. The moment we stepped into the world of “adulting”—paying bills, managing responsibilities, showing up to work, taking care of others—we began to shelve the activities that once brought us unfiltered joy.

Adulting, with all its necessary demands, often tells us that productivity is king and that silliness, spontaneity, and fun are signs of immaturity or irresponsibility. But that couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, play is one of the most powerful tools we have to stay balanced, creative, and emotionally well.

Play isn’t just for kids. For adults, it might look like storytelling, painting, dancing in the kitchen, participating in cosplay, playing a board game, or getting lost in a role at a themed event. It could be as simple as letting yourself laugh out loud or doing something just for the joy of it—with no outcome or “purpose” attached.

When we incorporate play into our lives, even amid the grind of adulting, we unlock a sense of lightness that helps us navigate stress, build stronger relationships, and reconnect with our inner selves. It reminds us that life is not just about tasks and to-do lists—it’s also about wonder, imagination, and connection.

Engaging in play doesn’t make us less of an adult. It makes us a healthier, more whole one. So instead of seeing play as a break from adulting, consider it an essential part of it.

Embrace play not as a retreat from responsibility, but as a way to renew your spirit and rediscover the joy that makes all the effort worth it.

Father Christmas of the Three Mountains