Holi-don’ts: Tis officially the season
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Well, it’s officially the most wonderful time of the year. So why aren’t you smiling? Or singing carols while walking through Kirkhof? Why aren’t you just filled to the brim with holiday cheer? Well, for one, you have finals on the horizon. You haven’t bought anyone’s present yet, and you don’t know how you are going to buy gifts and manage to pay your water bill. For all of the supposed holiday spirit- this time of year can be stressful, especially for students. I can help you there. Here’s what not to do this holiday season:
1. If you have friends, don’t buy gifts for them.
You are all in the same boat- broke. Understand this and move on. If you must do friend presents, get your friends together and do a Secret Santa swap. Now you can spend the money you have saved on that electric bill, or a beer with your present-less friends. Hey, as Mastercard’s advertisements have taught us so well, it’s the experiences that are truly priceless.
2) Stop asking for what you want, start asking for what you need.
You aren’t four, and you don’t desperately need Tickle-Me-Elmo (now called LOL Elmo – don’t get me started) anymore. That being said, you don’t need those trendy boots or new iPod, either. What you really need are socks, or perhaps a Meijer gift card for groceries. Ask mom for that, and use the money you would save on those items for your cable bill, or eggnog. Again, Experiences.
3) Don’t put off studying in favor of ABC Family’s 25 days of Christmas Harry Potter marathon.
Harry Potter will always exist as a short, slightly awkward hero, and Voldemort never fails to die at the end of Deathly Hallows. All is right with the world, so complete your homework, feel less stressed, and sit down with your friend for a cup of hot chocolate (it’s a school a night, after all).
4) This last, most important, piece of advice I can give you is a big do:
Make sure to remember what the holidays are really about. Despite having finals, besides buying presents, and ignoring the mad traffic at the mall – the holiday break is about enjoying time off from the daily routine with your family and friends. In preparation for this holiday season, study for your exams – a good grade will make your break that much better. Be smart about buying presents, physical purchases don’t necessarily prove how much you care about someone. Ask your parents, grandparents (and any other kind souls that buy you things) for gifts that will make your life a little easier. (I still say people underestimate socks.)
We let ourselves get caught up in the consumerism of the holidays. This year, while we navigate the holiday season and fight through our finals, let’s try to remember that the holidays (and life in general) are about the experiences you make with friends and family.
ccolleran@lanthorn.com
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Pictures of the Year 2012-2013
Courtesy Photo/Joe Kargula and Erik Peterson run the Marathon leg of the Ironman Triathlon
GVL / Robert Mathews Quarterback Heath Parling (12) leading the offense past Notre Dame College.
GVL / Eric Coulter Senior Jake Isaacson placed eigth in the Spartan Invitational. Isaacson's time of 25:04 was the highest among Division II athletes.
GVL/Jessica Hollenbeck Student Senate President Jack Iott speaks to the assembly during Thursday's meeting.
Courtesy / gvsu.edu President Haas and Montcalm Community College President Robert C. Ferrentino sign the transfer agreement
Courtesy Photo/ GVSU Athletic Department Sophomore Chris Cunningham lines up a putt at a past match.
Courtesy Photo / GVSULakers.com Andrew Darrell prepares to return the serve earlier this season.
GVL / Jessica Hollenbeck President Haas cooks pancakes during Family Weekend's "Pancakes with Presidents".
GVL / Jessica Hollenbeck President Haas cooks pancakes during Family Weekend's "Pancakes with Presidents".
GVL / Archive Forward Briauna Taylor (31) chases down a lose ball in a game last season
Courtesy Photo / Dean Breest Sophomore Allyson Winchester was named the GLIAC Women's Cross Country Athlete of the Year after finishing first with a time of 20:48.8.
GVL / Archive GVSU's Breland Hogan rises and fires over three defenders last season.
GVL/Bo Anderson Briauna Taylor leads the fast break during a game earlier this season.
GVL / Robert Mathews Associate Vice President for Facilities Planning, James Moyer, leading a walk through of the Mary Ideam Pew Library
Courtesy Photo / GVSU DII Men's Hockey Jeremy Christopher chases down a puck during a matchup last season.
GVL / Bo Anderson Students and faculty danced under the spectacular light show in the Devos Place Ballroom
GVL / Robert Mathews Martin L�wenberg, holocaust survivor, speaking at the Genocide Awareness Night presentation in the Grand River Room.
Courtesy / Dean Breest Senior Sam Lockhart finishes her indoor career with two individual national championships in weight throw and shot put at the 2013 National Championships.
Archive / Robert Mathews Giancarlo Brugnoni (40) rounding the bases during a previous game.
GVL/Bo Anderson Seniors Christ Koppenaal, Bill Madsen, and Mitch Weber measure the exterior of the Wesley House as part of an energy audit.
GVL / Robert Mathews Senior Anthony Campanella pitching against Tiffin University during the Lakers double header.
GVL / Eric Coulter Brother Jed Smock, a member of Campus Ministry USA, speaks with fervor to a student. Many students, all with differing views, came to watch the Campus Ministry members speak.
GVL / Sean Mouton A passing walker stops to admire some recently constructed pieces of Art Prize 2012.
GVL Archive Senior Nick Gunthorpe follows through and watches his shot at the Ardenson last year. This weekend the team will be playing in South Haven.
GVL / Bo Anderson GVSU's Katie Martin points to her teammate after safely reaching second base.
GVL / Robert Mathews Mary Idema Pew Library Learning and Information Commons under construction.
GVL / Archive The Grand Valley Rowing Team during Spring Training in Florida last spring.
GVL / Robert Mathews Judge Glenda Hatchett, keynote guest for Monday's King celebration, speaks in the Grand River Room in Kirkhof.
GVL / Robert Mathews Judge Glenda Hatchett, keynote guest for Monday's King celebration, speaks in the Grand River Room in Kirkhof.
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