Ducks @ Oregon - University of Oregon

Merry/Happy (Insert)/New Years

Leah C.

December 27, 2009 - 4:30 PM

I hope everyone had a lovely holiday. Christmas Day surprisingly brought good weather. Sunny skies, but very strong winds in Portland. I used to wish for snow, but I've had my fair share of winter already and I am looking forward to warmer weather. Speaking of wishes, I wonder if Santa heard me. No, I didn't ask for presents, though I am still dreaming about that SRL camera. What I am hoping for is some changes. Changes for a better economy. It's a no brainer, everyone knows what's wrong. I see the outcomes of a slumped economy in the news, on the streets, even in my own family. What will happen in the next two years? What will happen when I graduate? Will I be able to find a job? I wonder, I hope, I asked Santa if the next year could be better?

What I hope and look forward to every Christmas is different year after year. Perhaps this is what maturing feels like. I no longer expect gifts, though I do enjoy giving and receiving them. When asked what I want for Christmas, I don't really have a reply, I've kinda grown out of it. Over the years I have realized it's the thought that counts, asking for certain things just feels selfish at times. I'm not a little kid anymore who wants a bazillion things. Family and security mean a lot more to me than it ever has.

I read an article in the Oregonian recently regarding the changes in children's letters to Santa. You know the ones that are written and addressed to "Santa, North Pole," with no stamp. Apparently people collect them and read them. What they found was not always toys, ponies, and puppies. One of the letter's had asked for a Mommy, so that the kid's Dad doesn't have to work so hard to take care of the family. Christmas is marketed as a material holiday, but it's these little stories that make you remember what matters the most. I'm fortunate to have a family that cares about me. I don't need presents on Christmas, but I am grateful for those who gave them. Really, I love the new clothes! As far as that Camera, I've been saving up. That's how I've been raised. If it's something I really want, I'm the one who buy's it.