The start of December marks a month of sheer chaos, offset by the overwhelming feeling of holiday spirit. Often times the pressure to buy Christmas gifts, complete finals for college students, somehow save money, and still manage to be filled with Christmas joy is a bit taxing.
Unfortunately, these are the things that mask what this time of year is really supposed to be about: spreading the love. I know that sounds a bit cliche, but really that is why this holiday is celebrated. Regardless of religion or culture, universally this time of year is structured around giving back to our community.
How many of us remember that someone, somewhere, will not be receiving a Christmas gift this year? Or that someone may not be able to give one to the person they love. A mile from your house may be a shelter filled with people that don't have a home to put a tree in, or a family to share a Christmas with. A time of great joy also comes great sorrow, which is the exact reason we need to remember why it is we celebrate Christmas.
We celebrate Christmas because we want to give to someone else, whether it be a tangible gift for a loved one, singing a song or two around the neighborhood, or just donating your time to a place in need. The older we get, the more tempting it is to be lost in the materials of the holidays. I fear sometimes people may forget how important giving back to our community really is, especially during a time so focused on joy.
Take a moment this holiday season and realize the blessings in your life. Go through the day taking notice of everything you have, and how far you've come. Once you realize how blessed you truly are, I hope that you will take that feeling and pass it along to someone else.
I just recently finished a volunteering experience working with homeless teen mothers, and this is what I realized: It may seem like you have nothing at times, but there is always something to be thankful for. I sat around a table and listened to these mothers talk about how blessed they are. They spoke graciously about their families, health, shelter, wonderful meals, and great company. They smiled over the accomplishments they have made with raising their children, and the accomplishments they have made for themselves.
I have never been more humbled than I was sitting at that table, listening to them talk of donating old clothing to shelters, when they do not even have a place to call home.
Christmas is about giving love to those around you. It does not matter if you know them if you are different races or religions, or from the same social classes, we all deserve the same love. We all deserve a holiday filled with love and compassion. We have the power to give someone a Christmas, to let them know they are loved, and that it will be okay.
Everyone has a story, and everyone deserves the chance to share that story. The greatest gift you may receive this Christmas could be the chance to listen to someone remarkable, or meet someone you would have never expected too. Give someone the gift of your time and strive to pass the love this holiday, you may then receive one of the greatest gifts of all: friendship.
