Now that December is upon us, I feel it is finally appropriate to celebrate the Christmas season and partake in all of the festive holiday cheer. I love Christmas because of its meaning to my faith along with a meaning that is often overlooked: the opportunity to be a blessing to others.

We have grown up thinking that Christmas is the most wonderful time of year. We sing the songs, we get photos taken with Santa and we wake up Christmas morning ready to unwrap presents hopefully containing everything we asked for. But the most wonderful time for some, is the absolute worst for others. We cannot forget that while we may be enjoying and partaking in this festive season, others are suffering. The Christmas season is the time of the year where people are hurting the most. Due to a variety of circumstances, whether that be the first Christmas celebrated without a loved one, the loss of a job or fear of not being able to afford the bills and presents, Christmas is the time of year where many people feel at their worst.

Since the hurt and pain others are feeling is more pronounced during the season that is supposed to be one full of joy and cheer, what can we do to help those who are lost, sad, hopeless or even lonely? For one, we can be a friend. Make yourself available to them and listen to their stories and the problems that plague them. Sometimes all someone needs is a generous ear and some wisdom for them to begin the healing of their hearts.

We are college students and our funds are low, I know, especially during the season when we want to buy our family and friends presents. The purpose of Christmas is not to bury those who are unhappy with gifts, because the majority of the time people are not hurting because they are without gifts, they are hurting on the inside. We have heard it time and time again, money does not buy happiness, you can have all the gifts in the world and still not be happy.

With that being said, reach out to your friends and maybe plan a fun night out or stay inside watching Christmas movies. Many out-of-state students will be unable to fly back home for the holidays, leaving them to celebrate Christmas without their families this year. Invite them to spend Christmas with you and your family, craft a present for them, help them decorate their dorm room or apartment or even bake Christmas cookies. Let them know they are loved and that they do not have to let the problems or struggles they are dealing with prevent them from enjoying the Christmas season.

Make an effort to reach out to someone who is going through a particularly difficult time this season. Offer them your ear and be there for them whenever they need you. I cannot begin to explain how much it means to someone when they realize that you are invested in their happiness. When we stop focusing on ourselves and start focusing on the needs of others, there is an unexplained warmth that settles within us. This is what I think Christmas is all about; selflessly serving others and 
sharing the love and warmth of the Christmas season.

Vel Lewis is a junior studying political science and public relations. Her column runs biweekly.