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Christmas Must Be Something More

"Would the song still survive without 5 golden rings?"

Marissa Reilly

Dec 10, 2016

University of New Haven

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As the holiday quickly approaches and the 25 days till Christmas keep flying by, I keep thinking about what Christmas really means to me. I was listening to Christmas music the other day when the song, "Christmas Must Be Something More" by Taylor Swift came on and while it's just a fun song to sing, it really got me thinking.

Every year we rush through all the malls and stores looking for gifts and spending money. While the feeling you get when you see someone open the present you got them is completely worth it, why do we get so caught up in this aspect of Christmas? Shouldn't we be more worried about making time to be with our families? Shouldn't we rather bake cookies, or decorate, or just enjoy each other's presence rathe than spending all of our free time out in the stores?

If all these things didn't exist and we didn't open presents, what would be left of the holiday? If there were no ribbons, bows, or material things, would Christmas still be the favorite holiday of so many people? The true meaning of the holiday is to be thankful for all of the great things and people we have surrounding us. I feel like we went from a "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" society to a "Santa Baby" way of life.

Of course I still appreciate all the gifts I've been given and will receive and I enjoy finding the perfect presents for my family and friends but I wish it could stop being all about that. Maybe it's just because I'm older and more mature, or because I've been away at school so every chance I get to spend with my family is treasured, but this change of heart is something I hope everyone experiences at some point.

So as Christmas approaches, maybe you could decide that a day you're planning to spend shopping, instead sit down and make some hot chocolate and watch a Christmas movie with your family. Or play some board games. Play in the snow. Bake some cookies. Appreciate that you're spending the holidays with your family. There's so many people who can't afford to go home this year, or are serving our country overseas, who I'm sure would give up every material item to be with their family on December 25th.

Remember the reason for the season, and have a Merry Christmas.

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Christmas Must Be Something More

"Would the song still survive without 5 golden rings?"

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The Best Lines from the Fab Four

And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make

The sun is up, the sky is blue, it's beautiful and so are you

Love is old, love is new, love is all, love is you

There's nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be

Life is very short, and there's no time for fussing and fighting, my friend

He say, "I know you, you know me", One thing I can tell you is you got to be free

Oh please, say to me, You'll let me be your man. And please say to me, You'll let me hold your hand

It was twenty years ago today, Sgt. Pepper taught the band to play. They've been going in and out of style, but they're guaranteed to raise a smile

Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you see

Can you hear me? When it rains and shine, it's just a state of mind

Little darling, it's been long cold lonely winter. Little darling, it feels like years since it' s been here. Here comes the sun, Here comes the sun, and I say it's alright

We danced through the night and we held each other tight, and before too long I fell in love with her. Now, I'll never dance with another when I saw her standing there

I love you, I love you, I love you, that's all I want to say

You say you want a revolution. Well you know, we all want to change the world

All the lonely people, where do they all come from. All the lonely people, where do they all belong

Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends

Hey Jude, don't make it bad. Take a sad song and make it better

Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away. Now it looks as though they're here to stay. Oh, I believe in yesterday

And when the brokenhearted people, living in the world agree, there will be an answer, let it be.

And anytime you feel the pain, Hey Jude, refrain. Don't carry the world upon your shoulders

I'll give you all I got to give if you say you'll love me too. I may not have a lot to give but what I got I'll give to you. I don't care too much for money. Money can't buy me love

All you need is love, love is all you need

Whisper words of wisdom, let it be

Blackbird singing in the dead of night, Take these broken wings and learn to fly. All your life, You were only waiting for this moment to arise

Though I know I'll never lose affection, for people and things that went before. I know I'll often stop and think about them. In my life, I love you more

Obviously the best superpower.

There have been many lessons learned.

1. The importance of traditions.

2. How to be thankful for family and friends.

3. How to give back.

4. What the word "community" really means.

5. That it isn't about the destination, but the journey.

6. The consequences of making bad choices.

7. To trust people, until you have a reason not to.

8. To be welcoming and accepting of everyone.

9. How to be my own, individual person.

10. How to work for what I want.

11. How to be great at giving directions.

12. How to be humble.

13. To be well-rounded.

14. How to be great at conflict resolution.

15. The beauty of getting outside and exploring.

16. To be prepared for anything.

17. That you don't always have to do it alone.

18. How to be creative.

19. To brush off gossip.

I have never been so thankful to know you.

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Don't freak out

Email the professor

Attend the first class

Keep attending class

Have a backup plan

Remember that everything works out at the end

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