Some of us at on Shoemaker 5 came together today to celebrate an early Christmas/finals/winter break party. We had all these nice food and drinks to fill our bellies, we played Cards Against Humanity and laughed endlessly, and we just sat there in the lounge and either studied for finals (nerd alert) or played Poptropica, an old game from our grade school years. Sure, it sounds like it wasn't that much fun, but it sure was ecstatic and Christmasy. I was glad I was able to attend this party and be part of such a great floor. I especially thank Conner (1), Ava, Rachel, Mitchell, Lindsay, Makayla, Julia, Conner (2) for their effort to throw a great destress party.

Unlike the great people that I live with on Shoemaker 5, there are many people out there who lack the motivation to physically spend time with, enjoy, or just relax with their friends and families. Especially, thanks to technology, more and more of us are drifting away from one another. I mean sure, technology has greatly benefited and sped up the development of mankind, but recently, it has gone out of hand and it started to make us act and think more like them. Everything is moving so fast that unless we keep up with it, we could lose our jobs, money, time, and others. So instead of seeking for the comforts of our family and friends, in recent times, we see more people going for comforts of power, money, and reputation.

I know, those things are great too, but on this holiday season, let's move away from that and focus on what you really need and want: comforts of family and friends.

To be honest, I too have been very distant from my family and friends. I love my family, friends and I love parties, but with me trying to survive the classes that I was taking, I had to stay in my room studying, even if there was something fun going on outside. I knew that the moment I stepped outside to hang or fool around meant that I was never going to get stuff done. So I stayed clear from the lounge and everything else that was going around to make sure I was doing the work I needed.

Let me tell you, it was boring as HELL.

But, when my schedule cleared up around the week of finals, and when I thought I had enough time to hang with my floor-mates to perhaps distress, it was the greatest thing ever. It was a great opportunity to not only distress but to bond and really get to know each other through laughter and foods that we shared. It finally made me feel Christmasy and cheerful. The magic of Christmas was happening a bit early.

It was probably me being less lazy than the magic of Christmas, but I did realize the importance of family and friends, how they could help us through difficult times. I regret that in the past I've let go of the comforts and joy of friends and families in order to pursue my goals. The lack of comforts of family and friends really made it difficult for me to endure hard times and my weaknesses. So, I've used and planned on using this holiday vibe to reconnect with my friends and family members to show them I am still alive, and express my gratitude for their support and just being there when I needed them.

So this Christmas season, why don't you use the holiday as an excuse to reconnect with your closest friends and family members. All of us have been so busy, tired, or whatever to show them how we appreciate them, and that has led all of us to drift apart. Sure, we've used texts or emails to say hi and all, but how disingenuous is that? No matter how much you think you need them or not, you need them. They've been on your side either knowingly or unknowingly supporting you. So on this Christmas, why don't you show them how blessed you are for them by simply reconnecting with them. I am sure it will brighten you and your friends and families day. It would be better than any gift you will receive.

Merry Christmas and party hard!