Christmas: A Season of Giving

Eric Sevareid once said, “Christmas is a necessity. There has to be at least one day of the year to remind us that we’re here for something else besides ourselves.” From the time I was a little girl, the Christmas season has always been filled with happiness and joy. Everyone seems to be in a good mood, ready for some quality time with their families, and overall, there is a sense of calmness and relief. Personally, Christmas is a time where I look back on the year that has just passed to reflect on all the positive things that happened and how I have grown from the negative ones. I also never fail to forget that it is also a time for giving. By giving, I don’t necessarily mean giving gifts. There is more to it than that. It is not about how much money you spend on someone; giving of oneself can also mean being a kinder person, breaking a bad habit, spending time with one of your long lost friends or family members, volunteering, or helping someone who is going through a rough time. All of these have one thing in common; they have the ability to put a smile on someone’s face this holiday season. While getting a new iPod or cell phone is wonderful, let us not forget the true meaning of Christmas. With the semester coming to an end, I leave you all with one simple message I hope will make an impact on all of you: Whatever religious beliefs you may follow, we are all united in one way: We celebrate Christmas as a joyous occasion to spend with our loved ones, and the most we can do is give ourselves.