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To My Parents' This Holiday Season

Listen, Mom and Dad, I know Christmas is nearing… but you really don't need to get me anything — you've already given me more than I could ever thank you both for.

Alyssa Gormley

Nov 29, 2018

Ohio University

173

Alyssa Gormley

Dear Mom and Dad,

When I had come home for Thanksgiving break, the first thing I did was answer the usual college questions. Yes, I have a lot of homework. Yes, I'm really stressed. No, I don't have a boyfriend. And yes, I'm happy at Ohio University. But then you, (specifically Mom) asked a question that's not normally in our interview. You asked if my Christmas list was complete. Truthfully, I haven't had a single minute to think about Christmas let alone my list. However, (just for you Mom) before I left home I attempted to create my Christmas list. As I'm subconsciously listing items that aren't essential for my well-being, I realized I don't need a Christmas list. More-so, I realized I don't need anything at all... because I already have everything and anything I could ever wish for already, thanks to you, Mom and Dad.

19 years ago, you brought me into this beautiful world. And ever since, you've provided me with a life nothing less than extraordinary. Just thinking of how young I am in this life and everything I've already done — because of you — gives me chills, every time. Not a minute goes by where I don't think of how grateful I am to be here, living the life I live; loving the life I live.

I really don't need anything for Christmas. Mom and Dad, I really don't. But if I did have a list, I'd ask for one thing: that neither of you forgets how grateful I am for you and how much love I hold for you (both). It's been beyond an honor to have been raised by wonderful people like you both. I'll never be able to thank you enough for the constant support, sincere honesty, and overwhelming love.

Sent from my iPhone

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To My Parents' This Holiday Season

Listen, Mom and Dad, I know Christmas is nearing… but you really don't need to get me anything — you've already given me more than I could ever thank you both for.

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I'm technically an adult, so I'm legally required to live a little, right?

1. Watch an R-rated Scary Movie in a Movie Theater

2. Buy a Lottery Ticket

3. Vote in an Election

4. Participate in a Run (or a Walk, Realistically) for Charity

5. Go on a Road Trip

6. Start a Savings Account

7. Get a Credit Card

8. Sign up for Spotify Premium

9. Go to a Club

10. Start a Meditation Routine

11. Go to a Yoga Class

12. Treat Myself to a Dinner for One

13. Volunteer for a Charity

14. Participate in a Research Study

15. Bake Something (That Ends Up Being Edible)

16. Go Skydiving

17. Be Called for Jury Duty

18. Figure Out What I Want to Do With my Life

The holiday classics that shaped my life

1."But what would happen if we all tried to be like Santa and learned to give as only he can give: of ourselves, our talents, our love and our hearts? Maybe we could all learn Santa's beautiful lesson and maybe there would finally be peace on Earth and good will toward men."

"Sometimes the most real things in the world are the things we can't see."

"If you won't use your heart, who cares if it gets broken? If you just keep it to yourself, maybe it'll be like my rollerblades. When you do decide to try it, it won't be any good. You should take a chance. Got nothing to lose."

"Remember, no man is a failure who has friends."

"Life is made up of meetings and partings. That is the way of it."

"If you look for it, I've got a sneaky feeling you'll find a that love actually is all around."

"Sometimes things look good on paper, but lose their luster when you see how it affects real folks. I guess a healthy bottom line doesn't mean much if to get it, you have to hurt the ones you depend on."

"'Maybe Christmas,' he thought, 'doesn't come from a store. Maybe Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more.'"

"Faith is believing when common sense tells you not to."

"There's room for everyone on the nice list."

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

1. Why are towels considered dirty when you get out of the shower clean?

2. Who closes the bus door once the bus driver gets off?

3. Why is there a "d" in "fridge" but not in "refrigerator"?

4. If you drop soap on the floor is the floor clean or the soap dirty?

5. Is the "S" or the "C" silent in the word "scent"?

6. Does expecting the unexpected make the unexpected the expected?

7. Would Lightning McQueen buy car insurance or life insurance?

8. Who put the alphabet in alphabetical order?

9. What color are mirrors?

10. If 2 mind readers read each other's minds whose mind are they really reading?

11. Is there a synonym for "synonym"?

12. If your shirt isn't tucked into your pants, are your pants tucked into your shirt?

13. Why is it called "quick sand" if you sink slowly in it?

14. If I try to fail, but succeed, which one did I do?

15. If Cinderella's shoe fit perfectly, why did it fall off?

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