By Lillian Gutsch,
Managing Editor.
Around the world, millions celebrate the winter holidays in their own way. Most Americans celebrate Christmas, which brings a merry tradition of giving gifts to loved ones. Growing up, kids received gifts from their parents that brought them joy. When you’re younger, you’re much more wrapped up in the receiving rather than the giving; as long as your name is on the tag, you’ve fulfilled your duties as a child. It’s the thought that counts, anyway! However, as you get older, it’s expected that you put a lot of thought and effort into giving gifts for your parents. Yet that doesn’t make it any easier.
Some parents don’t want their kids to feel that they are obligated to buy them a gift for Christmas. “[My parents] do so much for me all year long and especially during the holidays that it feels like I can’t repay them,” said sophomore Elouise Rygiel. Once you reach adulthood, it’s a lot easier to just buy whatever you need or want, making it harder to get gifts for adults on any occasion. “I usually just ask [my parents] exactly what they want so that I know I’m getting them something they like,” said Rygiel.
Actually acquiring the gift is also a common struggle. High school students, especially those under the age of 16, typically need a parent or friend to drive them to the store. If they don’t have a source of income, it may be a struggle to obtain the amount of money needed to purchase a gift. “Sometimes I’ll do a babysitting job or I’ll make the gifts handmade,” said Rygiel. If you are able to get yourself to the store and have the money, that issue is solved. Also, if you’re having trouble hiding gifts from your parents, you can hide it under your bed. Or, Rygiel suggests to “put them wrapped under the tree if I need to.”
Whether you get your parents the perfect gift or not, it’s the thought that counts.
