When we were younger, the holidays were usually associated with presents. A bunch of little gifts felt like eternal happiness to us, whether it be a Barbie doll, a toy car, or even a cute stuffed animal. We would gladly take anything to call it our own.
As we get older, into our teenage years, those little things become unnecessary things. We want big things like a cell phone, a computer, or anything that is expensive and in “style”. Now as a college student, I find myself, along with others saying, “I don’t need anything for Christmas”. The holidays turn into something much more than a time to give and receive a present. The holidays are associated with family. Getting to go home and take a break from studying to eat good food and to be in greater company.
I find myself reminiscing and feeling like a scrooge because I never felt that Christmas cheer. I was never blasting Christmas music on my own, decorating a tree, or hanging the stockings. Instead of looking forward to opening gifts, I found myself looking forward to the season. The season of school breaks, family dinners, and my comfy bed at home. I associate the holidays with appreciation. Spending time with my loved ones and being able to watch “It’s a Wonderful Life” with my Mom on Christmas Eve. I like to believe that the holidays are a time for celebration of love and joy. The celebration of the life you are given. Celebrating all that you have, rather than want. Celebrate how lucky you are, rather than comparing yourself to someone “more fortunate” than you.
Take this New Year as a time to reflect. Reflect on your values and what the holidays truly mean to you. Ask yourself the simple questions, “Am I happy with the way things are going right now?” “Am I headed in the right direction?” Reflect on the life that was handed to you and thank those who have helped you be the person that you are. Don’t get mad that you didn’t get a new car, an expensive pair of shoes, or whatever it is that you THINK you need. The only thing that we needed from Old Saint Nick was to be stress and debt free…but hey, that’s just they way it is and this life is worth living.
