Vanessa Hulse
Contributing Writer
Christmastime is usually a time for celebration, a time to spend with our families, relax, catch up, be happy. There is a reason that it’s known as the “most wonderful time of the year.” But is it really?
For so many people, Christmastime is a happy time, but for so many that are forgotten about it’s not such a happy time. In the area that most of us live in, Christmastime is a very cold, harsh season—a fact that is easy to lose inside the warmth of our homes. But, for the people so often forgotten in our world, Christmas is a time of frigid, unforgiving cold and hunger. Not only is there no shelter from the storm but there is no remedy for the pain. The pain of being pushed aside in society for the sake of our own selfish, happy, Christmastime needs.
How often have we passed right by the Salvation Army bell ringer not even making eye contact because we don’t want to put our holiday money in the bucket? Or the countless other charities that collect at the time of the holidays.
Instead of focusing our attention on the people who need food, clothing, or shelter, basic needs, we worry about what our friends and family would want and spare no expense for them. While there is no problem with appreciating those around us, there is a problem in thinking that materialistic objects will prove our love.
Love isn’t something that you can buy, it can’t be contained in an object; it is an idea, not a thing. It can be shown, in the way we act and behave, not bought at a department store and wrapped up in a box or a bag. It is something intrinsic and therefore cherished so much more. And if we’re being honest, the only reason the recipients like the gift so much is because it came from you and therefore it doesn’t matter how much money you spent on it; it really is the thought that counts. The thought shows the caring, and there is no correlation between how expensive a gift is and how much you care; it’s about how much thought you put into the gift.
Instead put the money that you could save, by actually caring and thinking about your gift, toward a person who needs it more. A person who needs it to survive. Maybe this holiday season, instead of rushing by in your busy life, trying to have everything picture perfect, be mindful of those around you; those who are less fortunate than you are. Because isn’t the holiday season really supposed to be about spreading joy and happiness, not just to people we know, but to everyone?
hulseva13@bonaventure.edu
