What We Really Should Give For Christmas | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

What We Really Should Give For Christmas

There's only so much to be placed and wrapped in a box.

27
What We Really Should Give For Christmas

Between new Apple products and the hottest clothing trends, there are numerous possibilities to give gifts to friends and family. However, it can be difficult and expensive to make them light up like a Christmas tree. There's this sense of being afraid to find the best gifts to give our friends and family who deserve the world and them. We're scared to disappoint them with a present that they may think is lame.

I succumb to that question every single year. I try to come up with something that would knock the socks off of friends and families. I still have the thought in the back of my mind that they may not like it — I know I could have done better or not have been so cheap with it. For other friends, I ask myself if they will be upset if I only send a card instead of something they can unwrap. I drive myself crazy worrying about this every year. How much money do I need to spend in order for my gifts to be considered generous? I know I'm not the only one who stresses about it, but maybe we should take a step away from Target or Walmart (as tempting as that may be.)

It's very easy to fall into the trap of wanting the newest upgrades in phones, other electronics, cars, and more. If we don't have the best of the best, we're behind everyone else and have things that can be deemed to exist in the dinosaur age within the next few months or so. Basic, well-functioning items don't satisfy us anymore--we're hungry for better, faster, and more luxurious for everything and anything that we can get our hands on.

One of my friends shared this video about taking a different perspective on the gift-giving mentality, which grabbed my attention. It may be cheesy or a little silly a few times, but the message hits home.

If we can hit a pause button on life for a quick second, let's take a look around and see what we already have. Most of us have a roof over our head for protection and comfort. We have loving parents and families who bend over backwards financially and emotionally for us to take advantage of amazing opportunities that we may be offered. We have strong, close friendships that are overwhelmed with support, laughter, and other beautiful memories that we've had the pleasure of experiencing. Some of us may have personally afforded our own cars as our mean of transportation and others may have received them as gifts. Good health and good fortune are priceless things to possess. For those that may not have car, family or friends, and/or a house to live in, waking up every morning is a gift from God.

The next time you may wish that you had the newest Apple watch or something else that someone has, stop and see what you already have. Spending time with your family and friends creates more memories and experiences that could never be assigned monetary value. Waking up every morning, filling your day with activities, and going to sleep every night can't have a price tag attached. Having faith and believing in it, as well as love, gives us more than anything we could ever buy. We're already blessed with so much that life has offered that no tangible object could ever compete. Giving a little bit of kindness, compassion and love to others makes up for anything that you could ever think of buying. Some of the best presents can't be wrapped and placed under the tree.

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

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

180988
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

7920
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

452991
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

23596
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments