As you grow older and meet new people, it's hard to get a real sense of how another person lives until you've actually seen life through another person's eyes. Someone could come from a extremely privileged family and never have to work a day in their life and there's nothing wrong with that. On the other hand, someone could come from an extremely underprivileged family and barely be able to put food on the table on a regular basis.
Growing up in an urban area, I see the effects of homelessness and a poor economy on families especially during Christmastime. There is nothing wrong with accepting help or asking for help during the holidays and I believe that the holidays should be for being able to give gifts instead of focusing on what you receive.
I'm not saying gifts have to be about spending money but should be more focused on the emotion given with it and the time chosen for that gift. Even if it is a cheap card from the local store or little things like DIY gifts, it still comes from a living person that cares and thats the thought that counts.
The holidays can be a time to give back, if you are able to. I urge you to think of other's during the holidays. Maybe there is an old woman walking by herself through the store struggling to carry her bags; you can offer to help her. Maybe you have the time to volunteer and you can work in local shelters or collecting donations. Maybe you even want to donate a few dollars or clothes you don't wear to a charity. Even the littlest things count.
Christmastime should not be focused on consumerism and what comes wrapped up in a bow under the tree on Christmas Day. It should be about showing your love for other people and feeling blessed for what you have. It should be a day for being humble and feeling loved by the people you are surrounded by, not greed over what you did or didn't receive.
I urge everyone to at least do one good deed for the holidays. Even if it is something small, you could be brightening another person's day. The coat in the back of your closet that you never wear could be donated to someone who cannot heat their house at night. The spare money you will probably spend buying Starbucks or Chick-Fil-A could easily go to someone to be able to have a home-cooked meal for the holidays.
Please consider other's over the holidays. Stores and local charities are looking for donations of different sorts in every area. Even you cannot physically donate something, please consider going out of your way to be a positive variable in someone else's day!