As a kid, nothing was more exciting than Christmas. There was something so immensely pleasing about receiving gifts all wrapped up under the tree, even if you knew what it was. Even as I got older, seeing presents under the Christmas tree would make me giddy with excitement. My family has a tradition of sleeping in on Christmas, and by late afternoon, we all gather in the living room opening gifts as my dad sits on the floor by the tree and passes out presents to family members. It is undeniably the pinnacle of the Christmas experience. And of course, Christmas is about so much more than just getting presents, but hey, who doesn’t love presents?

a group of wrapped presents sitting on top of a table Photo by Patrick Pahlke on Unsplash

As I’ve gotten older, and my family members ask me what I want for Christmas, I’m beginning to realize that I have less and less to say. Clothes, mostly, but even then, it’s not something I strongly desire the way I did toys or video games in my youth. Which made me further ponder that age-old question: What do I want for Christmas?

There is a certain vibrancy in the air when I return home for winter break, that sharp chill in the air that invigorates, whereas in the late winter it dulls. The sun sets early, but it is never dark; the streets are filled with festive lights, neon greens and blues and reds that sparkle in the nighttime. If it has snowed, the lights reflect off of the blinding white sheets that cover the ground. In the cold I might drive to my friends’ houses, only a few blocks away, but often I find myself dismissing the cold weather and walking anyways. When I arrive, I’m greeted cheerily and warmed inside and out. Nothing can replicate that feeling.

photo of turned on street lights near railing Photo by Aaron Wilson on Unsplash

The holidays are cited as a time of giving and compassion. I am often fairly broke and don’t have much money to get gifts for anyone besides my immediate family, but as I said before, the holidays are about more than just gifts. To me, Christmas has become something different than that. It’s a time where I can really take a look at the people around me and appreciate my relationships with them. Because the thing I love most about Christmas time is being with the people I love most. The presents are nice, I usually end up getting some form of collectible from a TV show or game or movie I like, and I love ‘em all (Some of them are sitting on my desk right now).

So as for presents? Man, I don’t really care, it’s the thought that counts. But the thing I look forward to the most is being with friends and family and just having a good time. And that is what I want for Christmas.