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The North Wind

The North Wind

The North Wind

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Molly Birch
Molly Birch
Social Media Editor

My name is Molly, and I am in my second year at NMU. I come from Midland, MI, probably one of the most boring places on earth. However, we do have the only Tridge in the world, so that’s pretty nifty...

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The North Wind is an independent student publication serving the Northern Michigan University community. It is partially funded by the Student Activity Fee. The North Wind digital paper is published daily during the fall and winter semesters except on university holidays and during exam weeks. The North Wind Board of Directors is composed of representatives of the student body, faculty, administration and area media.

NEVER STOP RUNNING — Many people turn to the treadmill once temperatures start to drop. The truth is, with proper protection, you can keep running outside as long as youd like.
Opinion — Outdoor exercise in the chilly seasons
Harry StineDecember 5, 2023

Dreaming of a throwback Christmas

Christmas, like so many other things, has changed before our eyes as we grew up. When we were younger it meant making memories, eating good food and listening to traditional music. The worst case scenario involved getting a whitewash from an older cousin.

Now that we’ve reached the age of gift-giving as well as gift-receiving, we’re feeling the pressure to spend money on presents for other people.

Gifts are overshadowing all of the things we love most about the holidays more and more every year. When we were younger, simple toys would suffice and it was always the thought that mattered most. Our parents talk fondly of those times, when they would make wooden birdhouses and tree ornaments for their parents. We made those when we were little, and those are the things our parents have hung on to.

Now, everything you buy comes with a gift receipt in case that person doesn’t like what they got so they can return it. Gift cards dominate now, making it even more impersonal.

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The warm feelings of being around family and friends is giving way to worries; is the gift I bought going to be adequate? Does everyone like this brand of eggnog? Am I going to have enough money to drive back across the Mackinac Bridge after I buy my dad this Bluetooth speaker?

Maybe. But we’d all be better off if materialism wasn’t the end-all be-all of the winter holidays.

It doesn’t all seem to be going downhill, though.

We’ve grown to appreciate the sentimental aspect of gifts and for the most part, we would much rather get a family heirloom or finely-made hand-me-down than something new.

Another thing we have grown to appreciate is how people change their attitude, if only for a few weeks, during the Christmas season. Somehow, people are just a little bit nicer and more willing to help each other out. It’s important not to lose sight of the family traditions and the general positivity that Christmas brings out in us.

In spite of the obnoxious commercials from department stores and everyone posting photos of their Apple-branded loot, we’re going to do our best to enjoy the laughs, the food and the warm company first.

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