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The True Meaning Of The Holidays

Christmas Spirit is Overrated

Milan Williams

Nov 29, 2016

Hoffman Estates, Illinois

Gates Mills Village

Christmas spirit is overrated. Yes, I said it. And no, I’m not a buzzkill. Or a religious nut who believes in partially radical Christian/Catholic hierarchies that supposedly diminish this holiday season’s worth. Okay, maybe just a little. And I take it back. Christmas spirit is not overrated. However, materialism within Christmas has become so over embellished that now during this time of year the two words are synonymous. But why? When we rave about Christmas what are we raving about? What is the true meaning of Christmas?

As a society, the focus of Christmas leans heavily towards the gifts, the music, the snow, the red cups and peppermint mochas. As it should appropriately be allocated. Nonetheless, the sentimental value in this holiday season can sometimes be forgotten. Yes, it’s nice to wake up Christmas Day and open up longly awaited presents. Yes, the music is completely sensational- though annoying after a while. Yes, the snow- wait nothing good can be said there; yet, I do enjoy a white Christmas. Yes, Starbucks red cups make a peppermint mocha look and taste better. But isn’t something missing? Besides, the celebration of Christ’s birth. Isn’t there something more?

This is the time of year where things come to a close. A time to reminisce over all the good and bad. A time to take in all our blessings. A time to rejoice in the life that we have crafted for ourselves. A time to look to our loved ones and be more than eternally grateful for their presence. A time to bond. A time to love. A time to remember the Christmas is more than just a holiday, it’s a celebration of Christ’s life and a celebration of happiness.

Let's not forget this, this holiday season.

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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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The True Meaning Of The Holidays

Christmas Spirit is Overrated

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For those long nights that turn into mornings when the struggle is real.

1. Walk in motivated and ready to rock

2. Disappointed you let it get this bad

3. Distracted: When a 10-Minute Break Becomes an Hour

4. When the Yearning for Sleep Sneaks Up

5. In the words of Lorelai Gilmore "Coffee, Coffee, Coffee"

Oh, so done.

You need sleep, but also have 13 things due in the span of 4 days.

1. When it's December 1 and you have seven things due, three exams, and haven't slept in three days.

2. So you stress.

3. And cry.

4. Then call your mom to cry some more.

5. After the pep talk, you feel determined to get everything done.

6. But, now you're tired.

7. And really hungry.

8. Suddenly, it's 2 a.m. and you have only written three sentences and your paper is due in the morning.

9. You've made it to Friday... somehow.

10. Then Sunday hits and you find yourself back at the Lib.

11. So you cry some more.

12. But, you fight through the tears to get everything done because you're determined.

13. In the end, you feel on top of the world because you made it through the last week of class alive.

14. But, now it's finals week so good luck.

"I want to thank Google, Wikipedia, and whoever else invented copy and paste. Thank you."

1. I'm so tired. I need a nap. Maybe I can sleep with my eyes open in class? Or pretend I'm not napping?

2. We have a test today? Why didn't anyone tell me? Did I know this?!

3. Can I quit school yet? It's only October, and I need a vacation.

4. The struggle is so real.

5. I'm so broke. SOS.

6. Stressed? Eat everything you own in your pantry and stuff your face with all your feelings.

7. "Did we have anything due in class today? Homework? Quiz? Test?" "Not that I know of..."

8. I need food. Where is the closest place to get food? I need it stat.

9. This is the longest day of my life. I need a drink, or two, or three.

10. Sleep? What is sleep? What a foreign concept.

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12. When the cafeteria or student center is packed and you can't find a seat anywhere so you literally have to sit in an abandoned corner.

13. When you see someone you used to hook up with. They see you, and approach you; so you have to pretend like everything is normal.

14. When you get your exam and realize you didn't study as much as you should have.

15. When you crush it on an exam or paper that you totally bullshitted.

16. I need a grande, extra strong coffee to get me through today.

17. When the professor announces you have a project due the following week with no instruction on what it's on and how to do it.

18. Is it Friday yet? Where's the weekend when you need it most?

19. It's freezing in here. I feel like I'm sitting in an igloo. I should have brought a jacket or worn long pants.

20. Did I remember my book? Damn, I forgot the book, and of course I need it for that quiz in class.

21. I would pay a million dollars to not go to class today; or actually never again.

22. I need a hoverboard to ride to class. Maybe then I wouldn't be running 15 minutes late to class every day.

23. Oh she/he's cute! I wonder if they're single. Who are they texting? They're BF/GF? I wonder if they think I'm cute. Could they be a potential new bae?

24. Why is there never any parking? I pay thousands of dollars a year for one parking spot to be open.

25. When it feels like you've been in class for an hour and you look at your phone and it has only been five minutes (I'm crying on the inside).

26. When the professor asks if there are any more questions at the end of class and someone raises their hand.

27. When you get assigned the most incompetent group of people possible for a group project.

28. I need a comfort dog so I can avoid all life and school responsibilities.

"A Christmas Story" is the star on top of the tree.

Who isn't stressing out over finals right now?

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