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Why Getting Older Makes Christmas Lists Shorter

My Christmas list may be shrinking, but my faith in humanity is not.

Alyssa Stolecki

Dec 20, 2016

University of New Haven

203

Why Getting Older Makes Christmas Lists Shorter

What Mommy Does Blog

Every year, at the beginning of the holiday season, my family members ask what I want for Christmas. A task that used to be as easy as flipping through a Toys-R-Us catalog and circling everything I saw has now become mind boggling. As I get older, I can see my Christmas lists getting shorter, which has caused me to wonder what has made this into such a difficult task.

I was still young and innocent when the holiday season still had its magic. My happiness was easily attained by toys, clothes, games, etc. Now that the magic of Christmas has been lost and I've been exposed to the harsh truths of the world, it's extremely difficult to be satisfied by hunks of plastic.

The things that I really want are the things that money can not buy. Money cannot buy happiness. Now, the best things money can buy for me are experiences. For books that can take me elsewhere, to help me further my knowledge, or improve myself. For plane tickets that will allow me to explore the world.

And with all of the conflict and injustice going on in the world, I hope that we can work to preserve its beauty. Money cannot correct injustice. Only people can. Santa Claus may not be real but that does not mean that magic doesn't exist in this world. The little girl in me believes that magic exists within all of us and that we can channel it in order to make this world a more beautiful place.

'Tis the season of giving, and always remember that giving does not have to involve material items or money. It can be as simple as giving respect and kindness to those around you.

Happy Holidays!

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

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7 Experiences All Girls With Resting Bitch Face Have Had

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We've all had a crush before. Whether it leads to something or nothing, the process has all been the same. The awkward feelings, the stalking, and the stress of trying to keep this huge secret. The feeling of becoming a total spazz is something that cannot be avoided, and the most spazzy family that can relate to this feeling is the Belcher's.

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Why Getting Older Makes Christmas Lists Shorter

My Christmas list may be shrinking, but my faith in humanity is not.

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The struggles of having an RBF are all too real

1. People asking if you're mad at them.

2. Those people who hand out flyers don't always try to stop you.

3. Creepy guys telling you to smile.

4. "I thought you were a bitch when I first met you."

5. People telling you you'd be "so much prettier if you smiled."

6. Doing your makeup and looking great, which somehow intensifies the bitch face.

7. Regularly explaining "it's just my face."

We all go through certain stages when we have a crush, Tina just explains it better.

That moment that someone you never looked twice at suddenly makes you do a double take out of no where.

But you can't have a crush, that's outrageous. It's all in your head.

Because you don't have a crush, there's no reason to tell anyone about anything. Right?

But then they do something irresistible and you start to lose it.

Now accepting the fact you have a crush, you have to keep it under control.

Then there's the part where you tell your friends who will claim they called it.

They'll be excited and cheer you on. That's until they realize that your crush is all you'll be talking about.

Your obsession has become so bad, that your Facebook stalking is getting out of control.

But your friends will try and help move things along any way they can. That doesn't mean it will be any helpful though.

As time goes on, you start having fantasies about the two of you and it's starting to scare you a little.

You can't focus on anything because all your attention is on them and everything they do.

Anybody who comes near your crush is now an enemy, and you are willing to fight for your crush.

When you see them, you act like an idiot. Trying to hide your feelings may not be as discrete as you think.

Keeping your feelings inside will start to be harder and harder until you can't keep it inside anymore.

Who knows, maybe it will work out? Take a chance.

Everybody hurts sometimes.

May the odds be ever in your favor.

What about those of us who don't do it all in four years?

1. You feel like an elder.

2. You may feel lonely.

3. Senioritis is more real than ever.

4. You may feel a little down sometimes.

5. Fear of missing out won't be as real.

6. You are a college pro.

7. You'll have more free time.

8. You're happy you're still in school.

9. You feel like a guru.

10. You continue to grow.

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