During the holiday season one expression permeates throughout the public psyche. That phrase is “Christmas is the season of giving” and for many people it’s what makes holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas possible. Giving back to the community does not have to be a giant act of kindness like gifting a car or cleaning a park, but can be something simple like talking to someone or helping them with daily tasks. The opportunities to give back are plentiful during the holiday season, from toy drives organized by charities to volunteering at soup kitchens.
For some, celebrating the holiday season is not possible due to not having enough resources available to celebrate them. “This time of year, you have a lot of people that don’t look forward to Christmas or don’t look forward to Thanksgiving or the holidays in general because they may not have those,” states Youth Alive advisor and government teacher, Paul Hernandez.
The joy of the holiday season is a joy unlike anything else and for people to not be able to experience it is a tragedy. Offering help to those who are unable to celebrate the holidays, we can change their outlook on the holiday season as well as open up the opportunity to celebrate the season. “Theres a lot of people in a lot of need, a lot of hurt. And to be there and have conversations with people, talk to them, and let them tell their story is great,” voices Hernandez.
Giving back during the holiday seasons doesn’t have to be a big act either. Simple, smaller acts can have the same effect on people as bigger acts of kindness. Opportunities to give back this holiday season are more common and accessible than some people may think. “There’s certain parts of Bakersfield where there’s a lot of people that are in need and you can go and hand out coffees or other essentials,” explains Hernandez.
While we may not be able to see it, many people during the holidays may be feeling dejected or gloomy during the season because of an event in their personal life that could have occurred during that time. Acts of kindness can help to lift people out of their sadness and help them to enjoy a season they may resent or not look forward to. “I’ve had friends and family who knew that I was in a time of need or depression and just gave their time, took me out to breakfast or just did a simple act of kindness. And it can be uplifting in those times where you’re feeling sad or sullen,” expressed Elliot Hopkins, a member of the Ridgeview teaching staff.
Moreover, it seems that benevolence is on the rise. The holiday season and the lessons that many were taught during it, typically bring a wave of people looking to donate or volunteer their time. “I feel like people tend to give back to the community more during the holiday seasons than any other day,” says senior, Aubrey Jamison.
Donating or volunteering during the holiday season also helps the person who gives back. Volunteering can help to make the volunteer more humble or appreciative of the resources they have in their life. “I’ve walked away from it every time thinking, man, I get to go back to my car, back to my air conditioned house. When they’re taking public transportation, which sucks here. And then a lot of them are living on the streets, when it’s hot outside,” voices Hernandez.
People need people in their lives, not just to socialize with, but to help lift them up during their depression and help them to succeed. “People are really going through it, and they need each other, they need people to be supportive,” remarks Hernandez. This holiday season we should be thinking about what we can do for others regardless of whether or not we can gain something from it.
