What Truly Matters Heading Into The New Year | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

What Truly Matters Heading Into The New Year

The real gifts this holiday season.

29
What Truly Matters Heading Into The New Year
Pexels

It is so easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of shopping, sales, busy traffic, decorations, and material items during the holiday season.

We spend so much time running around looking for the perfect present to impress our loved ones, when truly the real Christmas presents have been by our sides the other 364 days of the year.


In a time of political chaos and environmental division, it is important to cherish those around you this Christmas and remember the real gifts.

1. Home

This can be your house, your hometown, the state in which you live, or the people you share an apartment with. Home is not always necessarily a standard house. It can be a group of people, a church, a community. Any place or group of people where you feel entirely comfortable and welcome.

2. Food, Warmth and Clothing

While you may not have the latest Jordans or a gourmet chef at home, you are lucky enough to have at least 3 meals of the day, a heater in your home, and a winter jacket and warm clothes.

In so many other places of the world, people of all ages from childhood to adulthood are left in poverty starving, or cold. They do not have the simple things we take for granted every single day.

3. Friendship and Loved Ones

As cliche as it may sound, these are the ones who support you all year round, through any kind of stormy weather or hardships you may face. They are there even after the holidays, and radiate warmth and light.

4. The Gift of Music, Art, and Power to be Creative

Messages can be spread through a variety of forms -- but my favorite one has to be through music or art. It is the most powerful source of all, and is sometimes heavier and more influential than the power of speech or vocal action.

Coming together as a community to spread cheer via music or creativity is a true gift that brings people closer and on a new spiritual level.

5. Good Food

I am a huge foodie, and I think having access to true homestyle cooking and delicious holiday and seasonal beverages is definitely a treasure.

6. Spirituality and Faith

Whether you are Christian, Roman Catholic, Muslim, Buddhist, or anything in the spiritual realm -- the connection within your soul and your respective God or Suns is extremely important in self growth and discovery.

So as the holidays come to a close, remember to cherish what is around you. And remember the true gifts of Christmas this holiday season.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
friends
Photo by Elizeu Dias on Unsplash

If I have learned one thing in my lifetime, it is that friends are a privilege. No one is required to give you their company and yet there is some sort of shared connection that keeps you together. And from that friendship, you may even find yourself lucky enough to have a few more friends, thus forming a group. Here are just a few signs that prove your current friend group is the ultimate friend group.

Keep Reading...Show less
ross and monica
FanPop

When it comes to television, there’s very few sets of on-screen siblings that a lot of us can relate to. Only those who have grown up with siblings knows what it feels like to fight, prank, and love a sibling. Ross and Monica Geller were definitely overbearing and overshared some things through the series of "Friends," but they captured perfectly what real siblings feel in real life. Some of their antics were funny, some were a little weird but all of them are completely relatable to brothers and sisters everywhere.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Types Of Sorority Girls

Who really makes up your chapter...

1886
Sorority Girls
Owl Eyes Magazine

College is a great place to meet people, especially through Greek life. If you look closely at sororities, you'll quickly see there are many different types of girls you will meet.

1. The Legacy.

Her sister was a member, her mom was a member, all of her aunts were members, and her grandma was a member. She has been waiting her whole life to wear these letters and cried hysterically on bid day. Although she can act entitled at times, you can bet she is one of the most enthusiastic sisters.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

10 Reasons Why Life Is Better In The Summertime

Winter blues got you down? Summer is just around the corner!

1618
coconut tree near shore within mountain range
Photo by Elizeu Dias on Unsplash

Every kid in college and/or high school dreams of summer the moment they walk through the door on the first day back in September. It becomes harder and harder to focus in classes and while doing assignments as the days get closer. The winter has been lagging, the days are short and dark, and no one is quite themselves due to lack of energy and sunlight. Let's face it: life is ten times better in the summertime.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

10 Things That Describe You and Your College Friends

The craziest, funniest, and most unforgettable college memories are impossible to create without an amazing group of friends.

1262
College Friends
Marina Lombardi

1. You'll never run out of clothes when you have at least four closets to choose from.

2. You embrace and encourage each other’s horrible, yet remarkable dance moves.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments