To The College Girl Struggling With Materialism During The Holidays
Start writing a post
popular

To The College Girl Struggling With Materialism During The Holidays

"Aspire not to have more, but to be more"

1220
To The College Girl Struggling With Materialism During The Holidays
Laura Moxley

Today as I shopped for Christmas gifts at the mall for hours on end, I found myself getting more irritated by the minute. For as long as I can remember, shopping for Christmas gifts for my family and friends has been one of my favorite things ever.

This year, however, it began to seem more like a chore.

Seriously, I don't know how I've come to hate shopping so much. I really couldn't even put my finger on why I disliked it until today. I was consistently being plowed through and cut in front of by greedy shoppers who couldn't wait an extra two minutes in line, or for someone to finish looking at something. It was actually sad.

Upon reflection, I found that one of the main reasons I despise shopping so much, especially around the holidays, is not only because the meaning of giving is misconstrued through inpatient and selfish actions behind the scenes, but because we as humans have become so materialistic that it is second-nature to be unhappy unless we have exactly what we want, when we want it.

Because we live in such a materialistic world, it's hard to recognize how closely intertwined money and happiness are, because we are just so used to it.

Don't get me wrong, payday feels like cloud nine sometimes when you're finally able to buy those new Steve Madden booties or wild out at the VS semi-annual sale, but in reality, there is only so much happiness money can buy until that happiness starts to flatline. And that's a proven fact.

Once you get that brand new iPhone X, they will release another, better one and you will be unhappy until purchasing the newest model. That's just how the cycle goes.This isn't only specific to the holidays, but all of the time. It's extremely easy to be dissatisfied when we don't get the things we want right away.

It's little things like this that stick around in the back of my head and remind me how important it is to practice habits of gratitude for what I already do have, instead of being envious of someone who is better off than me or has something that I want. This is sometimes difficult in a world where we are surrounded by so many awesome and expensive items that the media and the public deem necessary.

So let's try to do this together. Let's stop being so used to getting what we want. Let's quit taking the little things for granted, because we aren't guaranteed anything. Most of all, let's focus on being grateful for what we do have.

"Aspire not to have more, but to be more"

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

48295
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

30674
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

954586
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

176072
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments