Laura Maginley
Assoc. News Editor

You’re either somebody that can’t wait for Christmas music to blare through your car speakers or you just want to throw your car radio into an acid pool at the sound of it. Well, I’m definitely a fan of the holiday season. For the half of you still reading, I think that this time of year is a bit more cheerful than the other 11 months of the year. I’m not sure about you, but I could use a 30-day break to feel excited or hopeful about the season of giving. I get it; there are still people out there to use the excuse of Christmas to be materialistic, greedy and self-centered. The goal of the holidays shouldn’t be to land the coolest new gadget or cry over those UGG boots you didn’t get. Instead, at least for me, it’s a reminder of how lucky I am and showing others how lucky I am to have them.

Yes, I do enjoy the Christmas movies, red and green sugar cookies and luminaries, but there’s a reason behind my love for this holiday.

I’m not religious in any sense of the word, so I don’t even have that going for me in this pro-Christmas argument. For the fourth of you still reading, I understand that I should be thankful each and everyday and not limit myself to one time of the year. I am, but I recognize this time of the year to give back, too. I’ve always been that person that feels awkward receiving gifts. I pretty much look like a cat with a peanut butter and jelly sandwich saying, “Err, what am I supposed to do with this?” It doesn’t feel natural to me to receive something, but I sure as hell love giving people what they deserve. Whether it comes in the form of a letter or a simple reminder of how important they are to me, it’s important to show appreciation. Sometimes this does come in the form of a present, but it shows that I am a good listener and can do something a little extra to make them smile.

I think that if your intentions come from a good place, there is no shame in loving the holiday season. Most importantly, if you’re in a comfortable place, it’s always nice to think of others during the holiday season that are struggling. Whether this be physically, emotionally or spiritually, it’s nice to show them that you care and lift their spirits. There’s always a deeper reason that explains why someone hates the holidays, and it’s not just because they hate Will Ferrell in the movie “Elf.” Something is making them this way and it’s all the more reason to show them that you’re here for them. To me, Christmas is about giving and this comes from a genuine place to help those in need and celebrating those that you have.