Christmas presents are frequently seen as toys and gadgets, but for many Central students, it appears that practical needs have become the more important gifts.
Children all around the world write letters asking Santa for gifts. They ask for things like stuffed animals, baby dolls, toy trains, race cars, video games, and new pets. Yet it seems as kids get older they want different things, things that are actually useful to them. Niesa Engesser, a junior, said, “I would ask Santa for lots of food, or maybe a vacation.” She asked for stuff that would enhance her life in ways that were important, as opposed to toys of youth. Holden Jackson, a senior, said, “I want my college tuition to be paid.” Tori Henry, a senior, said something similar, “I want stuff for college.” These kids are becoming adults, and they want their future loans paid off. They want to be ready for the future. Bailey Johnson, another senior, said, “I just want money.”
It seems as kids get older they want things that are actually useful to them. The trend here is that all these people asked for stuff that would enhance their lives in ways that were important. As they get older they’ve learned the unfortunate truth that toys and useless things aren’t important. The gifts they want now are turning into more adult gifts. As they’ve grown up the gifts have changed more from wants to needs.
Photo: Christmas present by Craig D on Flickr
The Pine Needle 