Alec Sanchez Staff Writer Thanksgiving is over, our Black Friday sprees are completed, and now that we are back from our Thanksgiving break and back in school, many are in the Christmas spirit again. We seem to have more cheerfulness and joy when the holiday season comes, and more than any other annual holiday. How could this be? Is there more to this holiday than people anticipate, or could the simple holiday celebrations have more effect on us than we expect? There has been generations of traditions, stories, and customs people have adopted year after year. There are more donations and charitable acts involved in this holiday than any other; thus, this holiday is known as the season of giving. The biggest question of all: What does Christmas bring into our lives? Those who are Scrooges need a Christmas boost to understand the gift of selfless charity. Many elements of this celebration have affected people as a whole. Popular carols, stories, and icons give meaning to the holiday. For example, “Winter Wonderland” is a beautiful song that resonates with the joys of winter and the greatness of the season. The children’s story “The Night Before Christmas” is the best representation of the anticipation many children have on the fateful Christmas Eve. Also, there is something more spiritually meaningful: the nativity that has been the center of the holiday where we celebrate the birth of baby Jesus. All of these traditions that we pass on from one generation to another have become the standing stones of this holiday and what make it beautiful. But are there more reasons why we have the grand celebration within the Christian countries of the globe?
Gifts and charity are another great tradition celebrated as an exchange of toys and socks. In America, we have the opportunity to serve whether it be at Bear Hugs or just donating change at the Salvation Army in front of every supermarket. These two acts of giving and receiving have been a central part of the world's celebration of Christmas. Of course, the receiving of gifts is a great contribution to the iconic Santa Claus, the one who has children snuggled in their beds patiently, as he stuffs the stockings and puts presents under the tree for the children to laugh and play the morning after. The charity of the season was made famous by “The Christmas Carol.” Those who are Scrooges need a Christmas boost to understand the gift of selfless charity. Mr. Isom, a board member of the Bear Hugs event, said even though he was assigned to do the project, it is always nice to help people. These celebrations and traditions all contribute to our overall jubilee of this holiday, and yet there is one thing still missing: It is the people that have the most effect on us this time of year. It’s the family and friends we hold so dear. Despite the number of times we see them a day, or how subtle their influence may be in our lives, without people to share them with, the elements of Christmas above would have no meaning. Every year our hopes are a little bit higher and our smiles a bit bigger because of the people around us. This year take appreciation of those around you and have the great celebration you have every year. Enjoy the gifts and the food, the carols and the stories, enjoy all the things that make December great, and have a Merry Christmas.
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