What do you think of when someone says Christmas? Does your imagination run wild with the thoughts of twinkling lights, delicious cookies, and presents under the tree? Or does your mind wander to another side of the joyous season? When many kids are growing up, they perceive that Christmas is all about receiving gifts, eating sugary food, and having no school; however, as they mature, they soon realize that there is another viewpoint on the season; a whole other meaning to Christmas. The season of Christmas is an important and favored holiday in America as a time of giving and a time of gathering; however, Christmas is a traditional and historical celebration in the Catholic Church as well.
Many people in America have Christmas spirit and are compliant to give to those in need. During the holiday season, the rate of money given to charity increases. A USA Today article published in 2011 stated that holiday donations have increased 25% from 2010. An increase in donations occurs during the months of November and December, especially during Christmas. In addition to, more people are willing to do service with the poor. East Point Academy, an elementary school located in South Carolina, holds a toy drive each year to help disadvantaged students; however, this year, the toy drive was cancelled due to an atheist group threatening to sue. Nevertheless, this school still tried to give to the poor during Christmas. Moreover, the mood of the season promotes people to help those in need. My family and I give service to the Kansas City community. We annually participate in sorting food for Seton Center or buy a gift for a child during Advent. This is one small way people can give.
Besides a time of giving, Christmas is a season t...
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...in the Catholic Church. The two sides of Christmas are very different from each other. Many people, especially young children, see Christmas as a regular “holiday”; they fail to recognize the deeper meaning throughout the season. A season of giving. A time for family. And, a celebration of a birth long ago. So, what is the true meaning of Christmas?
Works Cited
http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20101217005205/en/ http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/news/nation/story/2011-12-28/charity-holiday-giving/52253398/1 http://youngcons.com/elementary-school-cancels-annual-christmas-toy-drive-for-poor-children-after-atheist-group-threatens-to-sue/ http://www.eauk.org/culture/statistics/christmas-facts-and-quotes.cfm http://money.msn.com/saving-money-tips/post--how-6-families-went-gift-free-for-christmas
http://www.simpletoremember.com/vitals/Christmas_TheRealStory.htm
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"BGCA Helps Parents Inspire Their Kids to Give Back During Holidays." Boys & Girls Clubs of America. N.p., n.d. Web. 04 Dec. 2013.
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