Recommended for you

Start writing a post

Lifestyle

5 Things To Do Instead Of Stressing About Buying Presents This Christmas

Soak every moment in because this comes around once a year and those memories will last for the rest of your life.

Megan Smith

Dec 26, 2018

Pennsylvania State University

118

Pexels

The holidays are filled with so much good. The music, the lights, and the company, but sometimes we get so caught up in everything we need to do and buy that we forget to appreciate the entire season until it's over. This Christmas, take the time to appreciate the small things and realize that you will never get these moments back, so don't waste them worrying about everything that needs to be done and all the gifts that need to be bought, instead, remember to:

1. Wrap someone in a hug.

Hug the people that you love and tell them that you're thankful for them. Each person in your life is special and deserves to be told what they mean to you every day, especially around the holidays. Spend your energy embracing, smiling, and talking with the people you love because you never know when it could be the last time.

2. Donate food.

Every single person you meet is struggling around the holidays, but you should never forget that there is always someone out there who needs more help than you. When you're shopping for your Christmas dinner, pick up a little extra and donate it. Drop off your extra clothes to a shelter. Do anything, but do something. One small act of kindness could make a world of difference for someone around this time of the year.

3. Be the light.

Our world is full of hatred and we are reminded of that every single day. Hold the door for strangers, pay for people's meals, and smile at everyone you pass. Let people merge onto the highway in front of you, give the homeless man on the street your last $5 bill, and tell every single person you see to have a Merry Christmas. There's so much darkness, so choose to be the light this holiday season.

4. Soak in every small thing.

The smell of your house after you make cookies. The way your living room lights up when you put up the tree. The sound of the bell that's being rung outside of the mall asking for spare change. All of the wrapped presents under the tree and the ornaments hanging that have more memories attached to them. The sound of your house as your mom sings her favorite Christmas songs and the excited screams as you open up your gifts on Christmas morning. The messy, the loud, the smells— all of it. Soak every moment in because this comes around once a year and those memories will last for the rest of your life.

5. Forget buying presents, just be present.

Make the time to see your friends that are now home for the month. Jam pack your nights with Christmas parties and plays and movies. Make the cookies with your family and spend the evening laughing. Not every day has to be an adventure, but just be present, be there and even the small moments will become memories that you'll want back.

Report this Content

This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

Entertainment

25 Beatles Lyrics: Your Go-To Guide for Every Situation

The Best Lines from the Fab Four

SUNY Binghamton

33633

Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less

best beatles lyrics

Student Life

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

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Smith College

97101

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

waitlisted

Recommended for you

5 Things To Do Instead Of Stressing About Buying Presents This Christmas

Soak every moment in because this comes around once a year and those memories will last for the rest of your life.

1. Wrap someone in a hug.

2. Donate food.

3. Be the light.

4. Soak in every small thing.

5. Forget buying presents, just be present.

Subscribe to our Newsletter

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

Trending Topics

Top Creators

Trending Stories

Best of Lifestyle

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments

Subscribe to our
Newsletter