Holiday Special
December 8, 2017
Give thoughtfully, spend responsibly with Amazon gift ideas Lauren Dorey contributing writer
There is no time like the holidays to merrily remind you of your dwindling college bank account. Gone are the innocent days of buying gifts with your parent’s money (sometimes even to buy them for your parents). As scary as it sounds, you are an adult now. So what better way to act the part than to surprise your family and friends with gifts? Here are some Amazon Prime-friendly options for college students tight on time and money.
1. Aromatherapy Essential Oil Diffuser with 7 Color LED Lights: $17.95
Essential oils are a natural way to enhance physical and psychological well-being. Diffusers are a simple way to reap the benefits of these oils while creating a soothing and aromatic home space.
2. Essential Oil Sampler Set of 8: $19.95
What good will the diffuser be without a little kick-starter. This 8-pack of essential oils include eucalyptus, lavender, lemongrass, peppermint, rosemary, frankincense, tea tree and orange. Allow these scents to elevate your mood, or at the very least make your space smell sweet.
3. ‘The Sun and Her Flowers’ by Rupi Kaur Paperback Book: $7.18
Rupi Kaur’s simple yet profound words will move the hearts and minds of any teenage/young adult woman. Kaur’s second book of poetry, “The Sun and Her Flowers” recounts her journey falling in and out of love with a lover and with herself.
4. Night Sky with Exit ‘Wounds’ by Ocean Vuong: $10.87
For the true poetry-lover in your life, you’ll want to pick up Ocean Vuong’s 2016 collection of poetry. The tales of familial love express immigrant triumphs and laments in an authentic fashion. In 2016, Vuong’s honest book made it to The New York Times Top 10 Books of the Year and the Huffington Post’s 12 Great Poetry Books to Read lists.
5. Darice 80-Piece Deluxe Art Set: $18.67
We all have the opportunity to be artists, whether we draw stick figures or full-on portraits, and this kit will supply your loved one with all the tools they need to channel their inner artist. Color pencils, oil pastels, watercolor cakes, paintbrushes, pencils and other accessories come packaged in a portable wooden carrying case.
6. Men’s Ultra-Thin Quartz Analog Date Watch with Black Leather Strap: $24.78
If you have a watch-lover in your life, this beautiful, slick and minimalistic addition to his or her’s collection will not break the bank.
7. Burt’s Bees Men’s Gift 5-Pack Set in Giftable Tin: $25.00
You cannot go wrong with a good line of natural skin and shaving products for the men in your life. This Burt’s Bees set includes shave cream, aftershave, body wash, hand salve and beeswax lip balm, all packaged in a reusable tin container that can be easily wrapped.
8. Unisex Bluetooth Winter Beanie/ Knit Hat: $17.99
This hat is perfect for someone who loves music and enjoys being outside no matter the weather to
Time and money constraints can make holiday shopping feel like a chore for students. Amazon Prime offers great deals. PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY DECLAN INTINDOLA run, ski, snowboard or simply walk to work. It allows you to listen to music wirelessly without the hassle of tangled chords or earbuds falling out while moving.
9. Remote Control Ocean Wave Projector with Music Player: $24.99
This projector will turn the walls and ceilings of your loved one’s room into a soft scape of dreamy ocean waves. It is a great alternative to the typical string of Christmas lights that are usually used to create that particular bedroom aesthetic, and it also has a built-in speaker.
10. Crochet Mermaid Tail Blanket for Adult or Child: (prices range depending on size & color)
Look like a fish (or mermaid)out-of-water while keeping warm and watching movies. This is a fun gift for both children and adults that come in various sizes and eight different colors.
11. Double Portable Camping Hammock: $23.99
While this gift may not have immediate uses because of the cold weather, it is a convenient way for people to relax between two trees wherever and whenever.
12. Oliver Rocket 6-Piece Bath Bomb Set: $23.95
Who doesn’t love watching the colorful fizz of bath bombs unfold and then submerging themselves in a warm tub? These are a great alternative to LUSH bath bombs and they include 6 scents — lavender, cucumber melon, rose, grapefruit tangerine, black raspberry vanilla and cool water.
13. Clip-On iPhone Lens 2-Pack Super Wide Angle and Macro Lens: $17.99
These are a great way to enhance your photographs without the purchase of an actual DSLR camera. The wide angle will allow you to capture beautiful landscapes or fit more people into a
group picture while the macro lens enables you to take a crisp picture of your subject from only 1.18-1.57 inches away.
14. Thai Tea Bubble Tea Kit: $19.99
Know a bubble tea enthusiast? Now they can easily make bubble tea in the comfort of their own home with this kit that includes Thai tea powder, tapioca pearls and straws.
15.Elf Earbuds: $19.99
These earbuds are a cute accessory for that quirky friend of yours who isn’t afraid to make a statement in public. They are a fun way for people of any age to look like an elf while listening to music.
16. Amazon Gift Card
Although this is the safest and least thoughtful option, it’s understandable if none of the above gifts have sparked your interest. Take the easy way out and allow your loved ones to pick out a gift for themselves!
NYE kissing tradition invokes love, anxiety at midnight Marissa Scognamiglio contributing writer
Three … two … one … cue the confetti, champagne, noisemakers and no matter where you spend your News Year’s Eve night — the age old tradition and ever
anxiety-inducing question — who are you kissing at midnight? Bridget and Mark in “Bridget Jones Diary,” Chandler and Monica on “Friends” and even Charlie Brown — who got a peck on the check from Marcy — received a kiss when the ball dropped. A
lot of our favorite shows, movies and other parts of pop culture constantly display and enforce these romantic notions of having that special someone to hold, and hopefully kiss, into the New Year. Whether you are in the middle of Times Square cheering along
The NYE ritual of giving someone a kiss at midnight is hard to avoid as the tradition has become a staple of bringing in the new year. PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY DECLAN INTINDOLA
with the crowd or at a party of moment of intimacy will transyour own, the performance of this late into a joyous 12 months for age-old intimate ritual brings you the happy couple. There are also elements into the future. The sacred New Years Eve kiss of superstition attached to has a couple of possible origin sto- this tradition. If you kiss ries and may your signifihave began cant other at in Europe. the stroke of To cele“Legend has it that midnight, it can brate the strengthen your coming of the first person you relationship for the new the next year. year, Ancient encounter in the New if you are R o m a n s Year will set the tone for But single and not held an annual festithe rest of your year ...” puckering up at midnight, it val called projects a lonely Satur nalia, year, most likely in which the filled with variend of the year was celebrated with quite ous location-based dating apps. Despite the folklore and pop a lot of partying, and of course, culture prevalence of the faslight debaucher y. This lip-locking tradition may mous midnight smooch, a kiss also have its roots in English is simply an expression of love and German folklore. Legend and affection. So if you have not has it that the first person you found that special someone to encounter in the New Year will ring in the New Year with, do set the tone for the rest of your not panic. Surround yourself year. The midnight kiss is all with love and friends, and celeabout strengthening that rela- brate in an environment where tionship and hoping this brief you feel safe and comfortable.
January 21, 2015 December 8, 2017
Holiday Special
Hanukkah celebration reflects on past oppression, endurance Elizabeth Leoce Contributing writer
The eight-day Jewish celebration, Chanukah — or more commonly known as Hanukkah — commences on Tuesday, Dec. 12 and ends in the evening of Wednesday, Dec. 20. To help celebrate, Rutgers Hillel will be inviting alumni, parents, friends, family, students and supporters to dine with them as they rejoice during the Festival of Lights over brunch. More than 2,000 years ago in Israel, a Syrian king named Antiochus IV Epiphanes was in control of the region. He oppressed the Jewish people, forcing them to follow the Greek gods. Antiochus prohibited the practice of Judaism, massacring Jewish people and desecrating the temple by requiring the sacrifice of pigs — a non-kosher animal. Two men named Judah Maccabee and Mattathias the Hasmonean joined forces in revolt against the Syrians and made them leave the temple so they could once again worship their god. The Jewish people decided to clean all the Greek symbols out of the temple, and on the 25th day of the Jewish month, they finished. They lit an eternal flame, meaning that once the light was lit, it would never be put out. There was only enough oil to burn for one day, yet miraculously, according to the Torah, it burned for eight days. Today, people celebrate Hanukkah to remember defeating the Syrians and the eight days the oil burned.
Not only do people celebrate the Festival of Lights, there are many traditional Hanukkah rituals that Jewish people participate in.
Lighting the Menorah
The centerpiece of the Hanukkah celebration is the hanukkiah or menorah. The menorah has nine candles — eight candles symbolize the number of days that the temple was lit, and the ninth is a helper candle used to light the others. The menorah can be store-bought or handmade.
Music to Celebrate
The best part of having holiday parties is the music. Hanukkah has many songs that are great for dancing or listening to during dinner. Many of these songs celebrate the glory of God and the ancient Beit HaMikdash. One famous song is “Ma’oz Tzur,” which translates to “Rocky Fortress.” Another is “Mi Y’malel.” The opening line states, “Who can retell the mighty feats of God.” Lastly, a popular Hanukkah tune is, “Chanukkah, Oh Chanukkah.” This song has an up-tempo, catchy rhythm that anyone can sing.
create a decadent dish that is plentiful and easy to make. Another favorite food is sufganiyot, which means jelly doughnuts. By adding sugar, warm water, flour, cinnamon and strawberry preserves, this deep-fried dessert makes the family and neighbors come knocking on your door.
Dreidel, Dreidel, Dreidel
It is customary to play with dreidels (spinning tops) during the holiday. A dreidel is a spinning top with four sides, each marked with a different Hebrew letter. According to chabad.org, children began playing with
dreidels during the time of Maccabees. Under this rule, Jewish children were forbidden from studying the Torah, but they would defy the decree and study anyway. When a Greek official would come close, they would put away their books and take out spinning tops and claim they were just playing games. Used with coins, candies or even food, this game is fun to play, especially if you receive the pot.
Gold Coins and Gifts
Gift giving is not a traditional part of the holiday, but a common gift is a Hanukkah gelt, which is
Yiddish for money. This is popular among Jewish people because their ancestors’ ability to make their own coins was a symbol of the independence that they gained in the battles that the “Festival of Lights” commemorates. Today, some families prefer to give smaller gifts on the first few nights and larger gifts toward the eighth night. While this holiday is focused on going to the synagogue and reading scriptures, it is also about spending time with your loved ones at home while eating great food, playing games and enjoying good music around the menorah.
Delicious Food
When it comes to Hanukkah, the food is not a disappointment. One of the main dishes is Latkes, which are made from shredded potatoes, eggs, onions and salt. Matzo meal, flour or breadcrumbs are often added to help bind the ingredients together. Herbs and spices are sometimes added for flavor. Together, these ingredients
No Hanukkah celebration is complete without a menorah, which is used to commemorate the oppression Jews in Israel endured more than 2,000 years ago. PXPHERE
Sing, sway, dance along to festive, modern Christmas playlist Elizabeth Leoce correspondent
Not in the holiday mood yet? Do not be a cotton-headed ninny-muggins. The best way to help the holiday spirit come to life is through music. As Buddy the Elf said in the movie “Elf,” “The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.” With that in mind, here is a playlist of holiday songs that get you feeling jolly, joyous and festive.
1. “All I Want for Christmas Is You” by Mariah Carey
Many say Mariah Carey is only relevant during the holiday season, but that may be because she is known for singing one of the best-selling holiday singles. This upbeat love song includes synthesizers and bells to emphasize a dramatic mood throughout the lyrics. Carey explicitly mentions that she does not want a lot for Christmas, except to spend Christmas with her lover. Not to mention, we are all guilty of singing the introduction of the song just as theatrically as she sings it.
2. “Last Christmas” by Wham!
This song is sentimental and a Christmas classic that will put you in the holiday spirit. With its frequent radio plays, there is no way not to want to sing along to with the power-pop duo.
3. “Feliz Navidad” by José Feliciano
“Feliz Navidad, próspero año y felicidad” means “Merry Christmas, a prosperous year and happiness.” This holiday track claimed its place as a classic not only because is it catchy, but also because it is known around the world. The use of traditional Latin guitar and trumpets make it impossible not to channel your holiday parranda mood.
4. “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer” by Johnny Marks
Do you recall the most famous reindeer of all? If you guessed Rudolph, you were right. This song was written by Johnny Marks in 1949 but remains timeless. It is best known for being played in the 1964 movie where Burl Ives performed the song during the credits.
5. “A Holly Jolly Christmas” by Burl Ives
Many have given Mariah Carey the informal title of “Queen of Christmas” because of the timeless success of her classic hit “All I Want For Christmas Is You.” PEXEL
Speaking of Burl Ives, this track became one of the season’s top songs because of Ives’s rich voice that exudes joy. Ives, also known as “Mr. Christmas,” may also sound familiar from his role as the voice of Sam the Snowman.
You can’t get much closer to the holiday spirit than that.
radiates the warmth of holiday cheer all around.
6. “Underneath the Tree” by Kelly Clarkson
9. “Santa Tell Me” by Ariana Grande
This song is featured on Kelly Clarkson’s first Christmas album “Wrapped in Red.” This song rings out loud with gratitude and holiday cheer and enforces that love is all you need underneath the tree. The best type of present is being around the people you care for. With its incorporation of sleigh bells and bell chimes, this song brings new light to the holidays.
Written in 2014 for her Christmas album, “Christmas Kisses,” this album brings a different beat to your holiday party. This Christmas song made with R&B influences also creates a fun atmosphere for you and your friends to dance to during the holiday time.
7. “Santa’s Coming For Us” by Sia
Ever think the holiday season could have a country twist? This song features a duet between Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton, who both capture the true meaning of Christmas. This song is about the special holiday moments that we grew up with and love. This song demonstrates Stefani’s infectious spirit and style that she shares with her audiences around the world and to country lovers alike. We’d like to envision you spending your time drinking hot chocolate and baking grandma’s special cookie recipe while the fireplace is illuminating the room, not stressing over what song to play next. These songs will make your holiday a little more magical. From the classics to pop hits, these tunes will create those unique holiday moments a little more special.
Sia came out with her first Christmas album this year called “Everyday is Christmas.” The songs Sia produced are what the title of the album suggests. “Santa’s Coming For Us” mixes pop, rhythm and holiday cheer into a dance track ready for any party. Some songs from the album can also work for a New Year’s party or just chilling by the fire roasting chestnuts.
8. “It’s Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas” by Michael Bublé
Best known for his soothing, romantic voice, Michael Bublé transports listeners to the most picturesque winter wonderland. Whether you are sitting around the dinner table with your family or building a snowman, this song
10. “You Make It Feel Like Christmas (feat. Blake Shelton)” by Gwen Stefani