Tune of the Times: The Holidays

Materialistic ideals that are often associated with the last months of the year have begun to cloud traditions that the holidays stand for. The festive season denotes a time to reflect on the year and give thanks to the blessings that are often taken for granted.

Imagine having to spend the holidays in solitude with no one to share love and laughter with. Bob Dylan expresses the sadness of simply not knowing what you have until it disappears in his 1975 song Shelter from the Storm.

“Now there’s a wall between us, somethin’ there’s been lost/I took too much for granted, got my signals crossed/Just to think that it all began on a long-forgotten morn/’Come in,’ she said, ‘I’ll give you shelter from the storm.”

Along with the excitement that comes with this time of year, focus on celebrating those around you, not only on presents.

Corporate bosses have discounted hallmark holiday cards, over-essentializing these materialistic beliefs and further clouding the importance of the holidays to boost their sales. According to statistia.com, about $830 billion dollars are spent exclusively on Christmas gifts. A survey from 2013 depicts that there were approximately 131 million shoppers in the United States on Cyber Monday, a marketing term for the Monday following Thanksgiving created and promoted by online retailers to persuade people to shop online. When you scream at your parents for getting an iPhone 6 instead of a 6S or avoid your relatives when they visit during the holidays, or only come out of your room to snapchat how great your grandma’s food looks, you are giving in to the lie that the holiday season is only about you.

The spirit of family derived from candy canes and snowflakes ignites a sense of belonging that also comes with family reunions and established traditions. The holidays are meant to be a magical time filled with wonder and little worriers. Friends and family often times do not see the size or cost of the present- they focus on the people giving or receiving them. It’s Beginning to Look a lot like Christmas, written by Meredith Wilson and now famously known through Michael Bublé’s modern version, indicates that although Christmas is around the corner and there are toys in every store, the “prettiest sight to see is the holly that will be on your own front door.”

Ranked number 12 on Billboard’s Top 100 Holiday songs, It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year by Andy Williams celebrates activities associated with Christmas, focusing on the encounters between family and friends.

“It’s the most wonderful time of the year…There’ll be much mistletoeing and hearts will be glowing when loved ones are near,” Williams sang.

Instead of rushing around, take a moment to appreciate the sights and peppermint spice smells of the season. This time welcomes the memories many wish to keep, and memories make the holiday season; they’re the important presents.

Whether one cuddles with their sweater, puppy or significant other, this time of year scouts out warmth and affection- even for those who struggle with 80-degree weather in mid-December.

“Now that you’re gone, it hit us super hard on Thanksgiving and Christmas,” Kanye West raps while reminiscing about loved ones in his moving song Family Business from his 2004 album The College Dropout.

The song holds all the elements of a standard family gathering: awkward photos, good food, spontaneous dancing and even emotional tension. The holidays consist of just that- laughter, the funny uncle making inappropriate “thigh” or “breast” turkey jokes at the dinner table and helping mom clean the endless amount of dishes while she separates leftovers for the siblings that head back for college.

The holidays also establish a sense of awareness towards the less fortunate. Numerous opportunities arise to assist and help those in need. A simple smile or a small donation may provide one with much comfort and contentment; many are underprivileged and have yet to find someone to spend their holidays with.

“Let’s give thanks to the lord and I will feel alright,” the dreadlocked reggae legend Bob Marley sang.

Be thankful for those around you who shed light on your day. Be thankful for the smiles you receive and those that are dear to your heart. Be thankful for the availability of textbooks, paper, food and shelter in your country. Be thankful for the incredible experience called life. The seasonal greetings do not solely revolve around the man with a bag.