It seems as though our culture has an obsession with Christmas gifts. We are willing to fight traffic, run down a few pedestrians for a parking spot and trample a few more inside all while giving ourselves a brain aneurysm in order to find that “perfect” gift for everyone. And then after all that, what might seem like the “perfect” gift for someone may not exactly be what they had in mind.
Recently, a fellow college student of mine voiced her opinion on this matter, and I quote, “If my mom gets me clothes again, I’m going to kill her. I told her what I wanted and she just doesn’t, like, listen to me.” Yes, it is true that your mother may not, like, listen to you, but as Americans, have we really become so shallow that we only think of presents when Christmas comes around? How about we just stop calling it “Christmas” and change it to “Giftmas.” Maybe that will be more appropriate. However, I have a few ways how we can take the “Gift” out of “Giftmas” and enjoy the most wonderful time of the year.
1. Watch holiday classics repeatedly.
Rudolph, Frosty, and Buddy the Elf are some of the most influential people during the holiday season. They teach us how to make friends, be independent together, and answer our father’s business line. Some people might be annoyed about how these classics are on almost every day of December, but it puts me in the Christmas spirit every time I watch one.
2. Lazy girls rejoice
During the holiday season (the winter in general, really), lazy girls are in heaven. Why? Because it is perfectly appropriate to wear big sweaters, leggings and boots every day and still look adorable for all occasions. Especially when that shutter-happy friend, and everyone has one, shows up to the party and takes a gazillion pictures. You still look cute in your sweater and no one can tell you just ate six Christmas cookies and washed them down with a few glasses of Aunt Sally’s “special punch”. Big sweaters are honestly the key to looking thin all month long.
3. Stuffing your face is socially acceptable.
Speaking of food, the holidays are always filled with copious amounts of it. Heck, being a culinary student, I’m usually the one making all that delicious food! Baking is definitely the best, though, because it is completely acceptable to eat half the dough and then eat a few baked cookies afterwards. If your family is anything like mine, the food comes in waves. Tsunami sized waves. Drinks, appetizers, drinks, entrees with drinks, desserts, and then drinks while opening presents. By the end we are all stuffed to the brim and trying to muster the strength to get home. It is definitely worth it though.
4. Christmas Church
If you haven’t realized by now, there is the name “Christ” in Christmas. Even if you are not super religious, I still recommend going to a church play or concert. It is always so breathtakingly beautiful. The sparkling lights, gorgeous decorations, and the classic Christmas songs being sung. In my opinion, it is one of the best way to celebrate the true meaning of the season.
5. Above all, joyous family time.
Last, but certainly not least, spending time with family is the true gift of Christmas. Being all together in a warm house with a toasty fire roaring and everyone laughing and sharing memories. It’s the time of year to put all differences aside and live in the moment and treasure the time you have together. Thank God that you have a family to be with and a roof over your head because there are people out there that have a lot less.
So let us remember that Christmas should not be about material things or running a marathon through the mall. It should be a time of joy, laughter and peace on earth. Remember that Christmas doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas…perhaps…means a little bit more.
Merry Christmas everyone!
