THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, December 2, 1994 TAG: 9412010083
SECTION: DAILY BREAK PAGE: E14 EDITION: FINAL
COLUMN: TEENSPEAK
SOURCE: BY VANEE VINES, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 55 lines
'TIS THE SEASON to spend big bucks. At least that's what retailers said Monday, after the first weekend of the 1994 Christmas shopping season.
Business types said consumers scooped up jewelry, TVs and other top-dollar products, a sign that folks are more relaxed about spending freely for Christmas.
Polo and Tommy Hilfiger outfits, as well as Power Rangers, are the rage. But a group of Kellam High School students said today's teenagers still appreciate the non-material aspects of the holiday season, like family get-togethers and upbeat attitudes.
Asked what Christmas gift would make their lives easier, most said ``money.'' But they wouldn't spend it on frills. Instead, they said, they would use it to buy things to make others happy or to ease burdens on their families.
``Money to cover college. . . . That would help me and my family a lot,'' replied Dannie Diego, a 17-year-old senior.
Senior Marquia Gale, also 17, said she would ``take the cash'' to buy a car. Having her own wheels would make it easier for her to get to work, she said. Senior Alison Crosby said she'd use a financial gift to buy or do things for relatives and friends.
Miguel Oliver, 17, had something a little different in mind. He said he'd want anything to help his mother quickly recover from surgery.
``Right now, things are kind of hard for my mom, because she had back surgery and it didn't turn out right,'' said Oliver, a senior. ``I would want to get something that would help her feel 100 percent again.''
The students weren't implying that they're goody-goodies who shun nice clothing or other must-haves of teenhood.
``I like the attitude of people trying to benefit others,'' Crosby said. ``Everybody is trying to be in a good mood. Everyone's doing things for other people, that's like the whole point. My favorite part about Christmas is not necessarily getting the gifts.''
``Getting gifts and all . . . that's cool and everything,'' Oliver added, ``but decorating the tree, singing the songs, cooking with the family - that's what I like.''
Senior Alexandra Callahan, 17, said: ``I think part of the spiritual part of Christmas is gone. Maybe Christmas would be better if it were less commercialized and more drawn to the spiritual meaning of it.''
Besides, said 15-year-old sophomore Michelle Alexander, some of the gifts teens may need most can't be given. Like more time to juggle homework, extra-curricular activities and a social life. ILLUSTRATION: Photos
by CNB