A Trend Towards Elaborate Presentations
Children have long used Microsoft PowerPoint or Google Slides for gift requests and school projects, but this year’s wish lists appear more sophisticated than ever. They now include links, photos, decorative themes, and even QR codes. Madison Earl, a director of a medical spa from Brighton, Mich., recently witnessed a 12-slide presentation created by her 14-year-old niece.
“I have a background in marketing,” Ms. Earl explained, “and this was a very high-tech presentation with hyperlinks and color codes. My grandfather, who was also in attendance, found the whole slideshow amusing. He commented, ‘Oh my gosh, kids these days’.”
Similarly, Alyson, a 14-year-old from Topeka, Kan., employed her school-acquired PowerPoint skills to compile a deck for Christmas. “I had nine slides divided into different categories like ‘jewelry’ or ‘clothes,’” she recounted. Her mother, Samantha Ralph, who works in human resources with the Department of Veterans Affairs, expressed appreciation for the effort put into the presentation.
“It made it much easier, eliminating the need for brand guessing,” Ms. Ralph said. Alyson’s dedication impressed her, and she added, “Maybe I will do this again for my birthday.”
Not Everyone’s Cup of Tea
While elaborate digital presentations have gained popularity, they might not resonate with more analogue-minded family members. Peyton Chediak, a 22-year-old college senior from Orange County, Calif., received criticism after presenting her Hanukkah list in a PowerPoint format.
“Some of my family members, especially my dad and cousins, thought it was a bit excessive,” she admitted. Similarly, Ms. Miller-McNair’s daughter faced mixed reactions from their extended family. “McKinley tried to send the presentation to her grandparents, and they had no clue what it was,” Ms. Miller-McNair shared.
Despite differing opinions, Ms. Miller-McNair appreciated her daughter’s boldness and dedication. She concluded, “I was impressed she went this far.”