Joy and Christmas cheer flow through the bodies of young children as they excitedly open their presents. To their dismay, the gift they so eagerly wanted is no where to be found.
Often seen as a time of great happiness, Christmas also brings disappointment to children across the World when their expected present is not given.
?One Christmas, when I was a little boy, I remember I wanted something really bad,? Trevor Bodi, ’09, campus worship band member, said. ?I cannot remember what it was, but I know that I held a grudge against my parents for a while. I eventually got over it, but I was really upset.?
Though some people do not always get what they want, an alternative to their wish may have more meaning to them.
?I really wanted a puppy for Christmas,? freshman Kory Thompson, junior varsity cheerleader, said. ?Unfortunately, I did not get it, but I did get a Louis Vuitton purse. Even though having the puppy would have been nicer, I love what I got. It meant a lot to me that my parents bought it for me.?
Although Justin Wilson does not always receive what he asks for, he adheres to the true meaning of the season rather than becoming upset with his parents.
?There have been times where I really wanted something for Christmas, and did not get it, but I have moved on from that,? Wilson, ’11, junior varsity football player, said. ?Even though I love getting gifts, I also enjoy being with family. The gifts are just an added bonus to Christmas; even though they are great, we honestly do not need them.?
While the lack of gifts under the tree may disappointment children, it is also difficult for the parents.
“Parents want to give kids everything they want,” Lisa Dooley, mother of Madison Dooley, ’11, said, “but sometimes items are too expensive. Kids usually focus on the excitement of presents and Santa, but you have to remind them that Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus, not presents.”
At the end of the day, families may be left elated or disappointed. But sometimes, the mere presence of a loving family rekindles the Christmas spirit in their homes and alludes them to the true meaning of the season.
