With people spending more time with their families and a spirit of giving in the air, there are a multitude of reasons Christmastime has earned the nickname “the most wonderful time of the year.” However, despite the fact that the holiday season puts many people in a good mood, there are some people who have mixed feelings about this time of year. This week, I sat down with two students to discuss their true feelings about this time of year. One had very positive feelings toward the season, and another had mixed feelings about the true meaning of Christmastime.
Kirsten Wilkens (junior, business management) finds Christmas to be the most delightful time of year.
“One of the things I enjoy most about the season,” Kristen said, “is the festive decorations you see everywhere. Whether that be at home, school, or even church. They never fail to put me in a good mood.”
Wilkens noted that apart from holiday cheer, one of the highlights of the holiday season is quality time spent with loved ones.
“After a long semester, having that break to look forward to just being with your friends and family at home is the best,” she said.
Without a doubt, one of the most central parts of Christmas is gift-giving. While stores and brands are stocking up for the biggest sales of the year, it is apparent that overconsumption is a core element of this time of year. In Jalen Watson’s (junior, business management) opinion, materialism and entitlement add a crimson stain to the Christmas spirit.
“I find the idea of receiving gifts at Christmas to be self-seeking and vain,” Jalen explained. “The idea that you’re owed something by the people around you seems more like a desire for recognition than true generosity.”
After hearing his thoughts on how the common traditions at this time of year diminish their true meaning, I asked Watson what he feels is the antidote to this issue. “I wish there was more emphasis on giving to the less fortunate rather than overspending on things that most people won’t even use throughout the year,” he said.
After listening to these different perspectives, it is clear that just as in any season, Christmas time has its pros and cons. As the season approaches, I encourage all members of the 老司机传媒 community, despite their feelings toward the holiday, to find their reason for the season and explore more ways they can express love, appreciation and thoughtfulness for those around them.
The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of 老司机传媒. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, 老司机传媒 or the Seventh-day Adventist church.