You’re a little kid just waking up in the morning. Just a young, impressionable mind still pure to the soul. Stepping out of bed and into the living room, you see a well lit Christmas tree, some of its branches bending from the flamboyant decorations. But it is not the tree, but the contents under it that catches your eye. Tightly wrapped gifts. It’s a fun day overall. You get to open presents with your family, play with all the new toys you got, and even eat a Christmas dinner. You think to yourself that Christmas can never get old as you slip back into bed, already impatient for next Christmas.

As you get older, however, your interests change. Sometimes you might already have everything you want. You learn more as you get older. You learn that the big man in red isn’t actually real, and it’s your parents who do the gift delivering. Sometimes, the holidays don’t bring the family together. Sometimes people don’t even celebrate Christmas outside of religion.

The holidays are advertised as happy, jolly, whatever you have it. They usually portray upbeat bells, Santa hats, Christmas themed pop songs playing in the store, red and white decorations. You get the point. Holidays are seen as whimsical and exciting, mostly for children though.

I can remember long ago as an infant, my mother would take me through the neighborhoods to see all the pretty and bright Christmas decorations. Any child would enjoy doing such an activity, but what about now? Interests change, people grow older, and the vicious cycle repeats for the next generation of parents. This is not a feeling exclusive to those who just lost the magical touch of the holidays.

Sometimes you’re just unfortunate enough to have a poor set of cards dealt to you. Some people just feel sad knowing others are happy and thankful for what they have in life. Those who are sad might not have hit it big or don’t have as much as the average family. The homeless and orphans, just to list some examples, see the holidays this way. Sure, they might get help, but a soup kitchen isn’t the same as supportive family or friends.

Christmas shouldn’t just be for family exclusively, but for everyone. Everyone deserves a chance at being happy at least once during the holidays. The holidays are about gifting and sharing, so why not extend that to those who need it most?

There exists public events for interaction, however. Many townships, such as Hammonton, have annual tree lightings. Winslow Township has many seasonal events at their local police station, big parties and celebrations. Malls and department stores often have a “Santa” to talk and interact with children and parents. It even goes as big as Times Square in New York with it’s large variety of events. People like to talk, whether it seems like it or not. It won’t hurt to get along and converse with other people. They might have a situation in their life, and a little human interaction will make them feel better. Recognition to their existence or simple small talk will make them feel happy enough.

What are your ideals for the holidays? Do you want to reserve such a time just for your closest family, or do you think the holidays are for everyone?