Charles Dickens once said: "I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year." Of course, this notion extends beyond Christmas to all of the holidays many celebrate this time of year - Hanukkah, Kwanza and everything else.
It is the holiday spirit that Mr. Dickens was speaking about, and that comes from a communal atmosphere. It is true, however, that the holiday season does coincide with the busiest time of the semester - which makes the realization of that communal atmosphere more difficult on a college campus.
Nevertheless, the holidays take on an important role in all of our lives whether we recognize it or not. It is a time to let people know you care about them, a time to give, a time to participate in acts of charity and a time for personal reflection.
There is something about the cyclical nature of the holiday season that prompts introspection - how can you not think about where you were this time last year and where you hope to be this time next year?
That may be one of the reasons it is one of the times a year many people go to the movies - for the seasonal aroma induces us to consider human issues relevant to our lives.
And it also happens to be when a lot of the best movies come out, as the industry anticipates this surge of moviegoers. It may be worth noting that the holiday season is also an elevated consumer season - we are not so na??ve to believe it is only and purely for the sake of spirit and goodwill.
It has a great deal to do with money.
But, in addition to being consumers, we are all humans first. And that means we should think about human issues first when considering the role the holidays will play in our lives this year.
It may be clich?(c), but, like most clich?(c)s, which seem obvious on the surface, it does possess a deeper, more profound meaning: The holiday season is about doing things for other people.
This is a perfect opportunity help out at a local soup kitchen or homeless shelter - dedicating just a little time for those who are most needy. In fact, many people are compelled to do that this time of the year. But the holiday season is not the only time of the year the less fortunate need help.
People who actually go out and help should remember the feeling of satisfaction that comes from serving others - and they should continue to do so at all times of the year.
Many local charity organizations have ample help during the holidays as they get an influx of volunteers, but, during the rest of the year, they are understaffed. Those who do make the decision to help this season should continue to do so afterward, as serving others is one of the noblest causes.
As there is a lot of activity going on around Buffalo during the holidays, there are many international students here at UB unable to return home. Imagine being in a foreign country knowing few people, being unfamiliar to many of the customs and not being able to see your family for the holidays.
Sometimes, there is an empathy deficit in today's society - not that it didn't exist in the past - but American students should extend their spirits to international students and perhaps provide one of those students company during this time.
Here at UB, with approximately 17 percent of our student body from foreign countries, we pride ourselves on our multiculturalism and ethnic variation. Well, we should all really prove our pride and reach out to those on campus.
With that in mind, it is important to understand the healthy function of the holidays each year, which is to stop us in our tracks. The main question you should ask yourself as the season approaches is, 'What will I do with it?'
email: editorial@ubspectrum.com
Photo: The Spectrum Archives
