“Once the gifts are open and the excitement has settled, the energy that was expected to come with Christmas is not there.”

Brindi Janey, Staff Writer

  As the temperature is dropping, holiday events are starting. The day after Halloween, Christmas lights are already going up. Fake snow is starting to cover neighboring roofs, andred and green start to appear. Christmas is known to be a time for joy and festivities, but is it worth the extra attention?

   Christmas is a religious holiday that celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. Over the years Christmas has transformed into abundle of excess spending and overeating. This season is taken advantage of to spoil others and oneself. The religious aspect of the holiday has been stripped away over time, defeating the purpose of the celebration. Aside from that, it takesaway from other religious holidays like Rohatsu (Bohdi Day.) Buddhists celebrate this by meditation and is similar to Christmas and honoring Jesus Christ.

   Christmas is salt in an opened wound for those who lack/lost close family. The overwhelming amount of attention Christmas gets can be triggering for people celebrating alone or not celebrating at all. A way to counteract that is bringing attention towards mental health and self-care throughout the holiday season. It is the same with people who are less fortunate, when they cannot afford items to gift the holiday may be depressing for them. A large amount of money is already going towards materialistic things, but the gift giving is a part of the holiday to spread joy and love where it is needed. An example of that would be giving to charity or donating to a children’s hospital.

   There are plus sides to the overhype, everyone’s spirit is lifted and kindness fills our hearts. Unfortunately, it is still a game of spending way more money than necessary. The smells and decorations surrounding the city of Gulf Breeze force your mood to be better, but can make it unbearable for some.It seems unfair to assume that everyone will be celebrating the same holiday when there are other important events during that time. As the traffic grows, the family plans seem slightly less worth it. To be fair, the experiences are the most memorable part of the holidays. Seeing the sights and loved ones matters the most out of everything.

   Every year standards are set for a huge, joy-filled Christmas, but these expectations cannot always be met. The picture-perfect scenery for Christmas would be a warm home with family and snow falling outside. Once the gifts are open and the excitement has settled, the energy that was expected to come with Christmas is not there.

   No number of gifts could live up to the general energy of the holiday season, deeming this holiday overhyped.

“Even if a lot of the holidays is built around consumerism and material items, it is worth it for the love that is spread through the simple act of giving someone your love and attention.”

Emma Hartman Sumrall, Sports Editor

  The end-of-the-year holiday season is one of the best times of the year. Families get together, people are in a better mood, and the food is much better!

   While there is something to be said about missing summer barbecues, warm holiday drinks quickly fill the gap. Starbucks releases fun holiday cups and drinks for consumers to enjoy, and many people look forward to hot chocolate all year round!

   Holiday movies abound, new and old. Movie marathons that take place on the couch during cold days will always inspire great memories, whether you’re with your loved ones or by yourself. Fun parties and games with friends will leave you with a bellyache, both from laughter and delicious food.

   Even though presents are fun to give, receive, and even look at, people are not quite so superficial as to base the whole holiday on material items. Though consumerism seems to be one of the driving forces behind the holidays, many people are not so swayed. Many people look forward to this holiday season for the kindness people show, and the familial bonds that are built.

   People cross countries and oceans to be with their loved ones to celebrate the real meaning of the holidays: being together. Many people are in much better moods being around those they love.

   People are in a mood to be kinder to each other, and it quickly takes on a snowball effect. One good act becomes two, two be-comes three, and so on and so forth. It wasn’t named the season of giving for nothing.

   Even taking the time to think of something people really want and carefully wrapping it show how much you really care about them. And when you receive gifts of your own, you are sure to feel a deep sense of appreciation that this person is in your life.

   Even if a lot of the holidays is built around consumerism and material items, it is worth it for the love that is spread through the simple act of giving someone your love and attention.

   Some people can go overboard, but that’s true of every holiday and cultural phenomenon. You may not agree with when the holiday music should come on or when it’s time to put lights on the house, but when the time comes to celebrate with those you are grateful for, you will be happy with your holiday season.