As December’s frosty chill settles over Webb’s campus, the air stirs with the sound of Mariah Carey, the smell of hot chocolate, and the collective countdown to break. Between final projects and late-night study sessions, faculty and students alike carry their own quiet wishes for the holiday season.
From private manifestations inked in Medieval journals, to magazine cutouts taped onto bedroom walls in the 2000s, to the endless scroll of Amazon shopping lists today, wish lists have always been a testament to what we value most— the hopes, comforts, and the small joys we dream of inviting into our lives.
While some wishes are best kept sacred, others deserve the space to be heard and celebrated by those around us. To capture the spirit of the season, we asked students across campus to share what was currently on their holiday wish lists, along with the holiday favorites that make December feel complete.
Fashion, Comfort & Cozy Picks
When the temperature drops and finals creep up, students know the only way to survive is with a mix of style and comfort. This year’s most requested items prove it: cozy hoodies, boots, and bags that can hold everything from textbooks to snacks for late-night study sessions.
On one wish list, a Coach bag tops the chart for those who want to combine function with fashion, while Ultra Ugg Minis promises warmth for when the dining hall hot chocolate fails to do the job. The Happiness Project Hoodie also makes an appearance, which is perfect for snuggling through study sessions while reminding its wearer to keep their holiday spirits up.
More than just accessories, students find themselves searching for relaxation through self-care. One student wishes for a red-light therapy mask and a bath robe to fully immerse themselves in the spa experience from their home. Another wishes for a Revlon blow-out brush.
“I always borrow my friend’s blow out brush, so I would love to have one of my own,” Jayden said.
Whether designer or a small joy, these picks show that survival this December is all about being comfortable…and looking good while doing it.
Hobbies, Entertainment, and Experiences
For many students, holiday wishes expand beyond cozy hoodies and stylish bags—they’re about the things that make free time feel special. This year’s wish lists were full of items that reflect personal interests, from music and photography to small experiences that bring friends together.
K-pop fans were quick to name Stray Kids albums and photocards as must-have, a nod to both fandom culture and the joy of collecting. For those more focused on artist creation, things like a Canon Camera and an iPad for drawing topped the list.
Other students prioritized experiences over physical objects. A Christmas movie night with friends, baking, and ice skating were highlighted, showing that sometimes, the best gifts aren’t items at all, but rich memories to cherish.
Even small additions, like specialty art supplies, concert tickets, or new board games, reflected students’ desire for activities that provide a break from academics while still fueling their passions. In these requests, it’s clear that students value hobbies not just as pastimes, but as a means to recharge during the busiest times of the year.
Meaningful and Reflective Wishes
Wish lists don’t just have to be material. Sometimes, the things we want the most can’t be labeled with a price tag. While the holidays are a celebration of the life we have now, they are also a reminder of the new year to come. This is a time of deep introspection, which is reflected by the wishes of the student body.
One student, for example, wished for clarity on who they are and who they want to be in the New Year. Another underlined passionately how they want to obtain a romantic partner in 2026.
Many students, specifically seniors, are thinking further into the future when it comes to their wish lists.
“I want to start building a routine. I’m organized now, but because I know that I’m going to college next year, I want to make sure I’m really sticking it in right now,” said Sochika Ndibe (‘26).
Other students are taking simpler approaches and asking for one thing—kindness.
“All I wish to receive is kindness from those around me, and respect,” Andres Caballero (‘26) said.
These student wishes show that the heart of a holiday list isn’t measured in boxes, but in intention. In these lists, we see not just what students want, but who they are, and who they hope to become as the new year begins.
Holiday Favorites That Shape the Wish List
What’s a gift without a tree decorated with family, home-made baked goods, or Christmas song classics? These familiar comforts often shape the gifts students hope to unwrap, making their wish list a reflection of seasonal rituals and personal joys. Need song recommendations or updates to your Christmas cookbook? Take a look at some of examples from students in these holiday favorite wish lists:
10 Favorite Holiday Songs Voted by Webb Students
- “December” – Ariana Grande
- “Santa Baby” – Eartha Kitt
- “Happy Xmas (War is Over)” – John Lennon, Yoko Ono
- “The Christmas Song” – Nat King Cole
- “All I Want for Christmas” – Mariah Carey
- “Winter Things” – Ariana Grande
- “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” – Darlene Love
- “Last Christmas” – Wham!
- “Mistletoe” – Justin Bieber
- “Wonderful Christmas Time” – Paul McCartney
10 Favorite Holiday Foods Voted by Webb Students
- Eggnog
- Pozole
- Hot chocolate
- Pumpkin pie
- Tamales
- Cranberry relish
- Mac and cheese
- Mashes potatoes
- Christmas cookies
- Pierogie
Why Wish Lists Matter
At first glance, wish lists may appear to be a material relic for kids to give to “Santa” for Christmas. However, as exemplified by the diverse wishes of Webb students, wish lists are a window into a person’s values, comforts, and culture. Regardless of whether one is on the Nice or Naughty list, everyone deserves to have a wish list.
What began as lists of gifts becomes something else entirely: a record of what this community is holding onto as one year ends, and another begins.
