The winter holiday season in the U.S. is typically associated with buying tangible items to show a person’s appreciation. This is apparent with the slew of advertisements for sales and discount days like Black Friday and Cyber Monday. However, holiday cheer and the love shared between people can be showed in more than just wrapped gifts and cold hard cash. While some students favor a new phone or car, others greatly prefer to spend with their family and friends.

Senior Tanyra Blackmon has a strong desire for a new phone, a designer backpack, and boots.
“I feel like the material things are more important because they make me happy and proud,” said Blackmon.

Kaitlyn Douglass, senior, hopes to have a new console and video games, but she’d much rather be off work and spend time with her family.

“The intangible things matter more to me,” said Douglass. “I can just get all of the video games and stuff I want later, but the time off that I have with my family is special.”

Senior Alonzo Jenkins agrees with Douglass. He’d rather have a higher ACT score and time with his family than a new car.

“Some things, like time with your family and getting higher test scores, are a once-in-a-lifetime opportunities,” said Jenkins.