A Mercer student’s ‘grown-up Christmas list’

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Graphic by Jacqueline Lamothe

Editor’s note: We asked Mercer Marketing Communications intern and social media ambassador Jacqueline Lamothe to take on a special creative assignment for the holiday season. If she wrote a Christmas list to Santa, what would be her grown-up wishes, whether serious, silly, trivial or monumental? Here’s what she had to say and a graphic that she designed to accompany her words.

Hi Santa,

Season’s greetings! I hope you’re well up there in the North Pole, and I hope Mrs. Claus and the elves are doing OK. This is the time of year that you’re working overtime by sorting out the nice-and-naughty list, getting your appetite ready for milk and cookies, and catching up on calisthenics to prepare for the chimney trip to every home around the world. I know there are so many people dialing up your line, but there’s no harm in telling you what I want.

1. A white Christmas

Lately, the weather has been quite temperate. Now, I understand Georgia’s weather is naturally this way. However, we haven’t seen a white Christmas since that snowstorm a few years ago with the icy roads. Missing a few days of school and being stuck in the house back then was (unironically) the most amazing feeling! It makes absolutely no sense that I can wear a short-sleeved shirt right now during a time where I’m supposed to be dressed like an Eskimo. Although I’m kind of enjoying this, some nippy weather never hurt anyone!

2. A smooth transition into my 20s

As I write this, I can’t believe that I’m 20 years old. Yes, to others this may seem so minuscule. However, this has been a big milestone I’ve been grappling with for quite some time. I will always be my mother and father’s child — that will never change. Yet, my life is moving so fast. I’ve blinked, and I’m almost done with my college education. I fondly remember the childhood moments where I would compile a Christmas list longer than a receipt at CVS, filled to the brim with My Little Pony and Littlest Pet Shop toys. Now, my playthings of choice are printers, vacuums, clothes and money. I’m so grateful for the knowledge my life experiences and faith have afforded me, but I can’t help feeling a bit nostalgic.

3. More tea, please!

Throughout the past two years, my love for tea has increased dramatically. The endless flavor combinations, meticulously blended over hot water, are like a warm hug to my heart. Some of my favorites include passion tea, chamomile and lemon tea. If I had a lifetime supply of heaven’s nectar, I really wouldn’t know how to thank you.

Even through painful self-awareness, this has been a very cathartic release. Hopefully, this doesn’t get lost in the mail, and the Reindeer Postal Service can get this letter to you in time before the big day.

Signed,
Jacqueline Lamothe

 

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