“What do you want for Christmas?” It’s the age old question asked by relatives, friends, and the big man in red. When we were little, we would reply with: “I want a pony!” or, “I want a GI Joe action figure!” Or perhaps maybe we were a bit more imaginative, saying, “I want a purple stuffed beaver that’s as big as my bed!”

However, much to our parents’ annoyance, we now often say, “I don’t know. Get me whatever.” Why is it now, at perhaps one of the most significant points in our life, we don’t have any ideas on what to ask for? Does it even matter if we get gifts?

One reason for our gift-brain-block could be our unimaginative minds. As we’ve progressed from kindergarten to elementary to middle school to high school, we have progressively gotten duller, to say the least. We rarely have classes that promote creativity solely. Since we aren’t practicing our creativity, we can’t be using it for the future things, like our present lists.

Another reason could be that we just don’t “need” that much. Sure there are things we want, but cash goes a lot further than that sweater your aunt knitted you. We often also find that things we detested as children are things that we’re asking for now. Clothing is one. I used to hate getting clothing for Christmas and birthdays. I used to think that receiving these types of presents was awful. Back then, I would have rather had a cool toy instead of clothes. Now, it seems as if my list is full of that stuff I used to hate.

So what are some of your fellow DCHS students asking for this year? While some seniors are going the old fashioned money route, senior Kelsi German is asking for what every girl wants, and is going for the good old fuzzy socks. Freshman Haley Nelson decided to go for a more athletic gift, and asked for a fitbit. Junior Skyler Lyons wanted to go the expensive direction, and asked for a computer. But Isaac Dekalb took what some may consider a dangerous route and said he is letting his parents get him whatever they want. He captured one of the true meanings of Christmas, saying, “Spending time with family is more important than getting presents.”

So, if you’re still stuck on “What could I ask for for Christmas,” here are some suggestions:

1. A trip somewhere fun: Your gift doesn’t have to be a physical thing. You could ask for tickets to King’s Island, or maybe a concert. And if you get your family in on the action, maybe you could go giftless this year, and save up for a big vacation somewhere that is totally new to you guys!
2. Movies or games: Movies are always a great choice, and they’re always in constant supply. Games are too! You can have family or friend bonding time with this gift idea, and it’s a great way to keep your boredom in check throughout break.
3. A gift for another family: If you’re really feeling the holiday spirit, you could ask for a gift for someone less fortunate. There are plenty of organizations that help people around Christmas time, both in country and out. You could buy lots of toys and donate them to your local Christmas Baskets operation. Or you could ask for a pair of ducks for kids in third world countries from organizations like World Vision, and have it given in your name. These kinds of presents make a lasting impact on others.