Originally, for this article, I was going to ask people what they thought about the holiday season. Unfortunately, I had gotten responses that lead to answers dealing with money, but they were not the answers I was looking for. I wanted them to dig deep when it came to the reason. They did not feel comfortable sharing for this article. The deadline had approached fast and I could not find the answer. So I decided to look within myself and share my personal opinion.

I realized I would write this article on my beliefs about the holiday season when I was sitting in the Chapel. I was performing for Lessons and Carols at Stonehill College. And it hit me when I thought about my reasons. I had never wanted to voice what I believed about the holiday season. Being a Roman Catholic, I find it very personal. I also find it hard to express to people my take on the holidays due to the fact that majority of my friends don’t associate with the religion I do. Growing up, I was taught that the holidays are Christmas. Not Christmas as in the commercial viewpoint, but Christmas as in Christ is born. And there is no point in arguing about if Christ is real or not. I don’t really care what anyone says about it at this point. What matters to me is what happens inside my heart during this time of year.

I love the time before Christmas. I know Advent is my favorite part because lighting a candle every Sunday brings me that much closer toward a blessed day. And I am able to send out my prayers to those I love. Also, it is a time when I begin giving. Due to the fact that I am basically a poor college student, it is hard to give material possessions. Instead, I give in another way. Another tradition during Advent is placing beads in a bowl. This is done whenever you purposely go out of your way to give to those around you. I place a bead in the bowl whenever I give. And on Christmas Eve, you count all the beads and place them next to the statue of Jesus in his manger. I can almost always recount all the moments when I had given to the people around me. And I remember their facial expressions and words. It means a lot to me to see how happy it makes them. Also, I really enjoy the excitement of reading Biblical passages that pertain to the birth of Jesus. It reminds me of how important it is to be there for those around me and never lose hope.

Christmas Eve is my favorite time. I like to stay up and say the rosary next to the Christmas Tree. I think it is important to give grace for everything that has been presented in my life. I want to be able to give as much as Jesus had. It is hard to give my full self at times, but during this season it is not too difficult. There are constant reminders for me. Also, there are constant symbols that are represented in my personal life.