I, like many other people, love Christmas and the Christmas season. Why? It's simple: people generally tend to be so much nicer around the holidays.

What is it about Christmas that makes people want to be kind and giving? For me, it is knowing what I have compared to what some less fortunate people have is nothing to complain about. I have a loving family (most of the time), a roof over my head and a job that I can depend on.

Some do not have anyone to spend Christmas with, some can't buy presents for their family and some have to fight every day just for something to eat and drink, much less presents for loved ones.

Christmas truly is the season of giving. A childhood friend's mother gets a list every year of children from the local grade school who wouldn't have Christmas if it weren't for the presents her generous friends buy them, and after contacting people via Facebook, she has two car loads full of gifts for these children. Some just wanted something warm to wear for winter. When we get assigned a child we don't know who they are or what their story is. Even though we don't know that information, it's still heartbreaking to know that that many families need help.

When I was younger my family was one of those families, and now it is only right that I give back to the community that gave to me.

Christmas to me is giving, it is seeing the joy on someone's face when you give them a gift they weren't expecting, it is spending time with your loved ones you don't normally spend time with. Above all, it is about spreading joy to others.

Merry Christmas, everyone!