It’s that time of year again for jingle bells, sleigh rides and chestnuts roasting on an open fire. Right about now, Santa’s making a list and checking it twice. Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer and Frosty the Snowman soon will be on center stage, too.

The holidays are right around the corner, and although I really dislike the cold, I really like this time of year.

When I think of Christmas, I think of hot chocolate, decorating Christmas trees, bright-colored lights wrapped around windows, Santa Claus, friends and family, the crowded malls, Christmas caroling, advent calendars, spending hours watching Christmas specials on television … I could go on and on.

One of the things I think is most fun about Christmas is the holiday spirit.

Thanksgiving was a week ago now. That holiday is a time to be thankful, and we can continue to give that thanks all year. Christmas is the season of giving and sharing.

The Friday after Thanksgiving is considered the first shopping day of the season. Although finding the perfect gift is sometimes hard to do, and the malls can be crowded, I really enjoy Christmas shopping. It’s a good time opportunity to spend time with friends, and it’s nice to make someone happy with a gift for Christmas.

Many people don’t like the idea of Santa Claus and argue over whether parents should let their children believe in him, but I think Santa is one of many good examples of the holiday spirit. And children like to believe in him. I know from experiences with children. Santa does sometimes bring some of the best presents. I know my parents saved some of the better gifts to be Santa gifts, and that was a good move especially when I was two and scared to death to go to sleep Christmas Eve because I didn’t want a strange man coming into my house at night. After I got that Strawberry Shortcake doll, Santa was good in my book.

But that’s not the reason why I think children love Santa and why Santa is good. It’s the idea behind Santa that is good.

Santa exemplifies someone who is selfless, giving, kind, and jolly. Although Christmas is a time to celebrate the birth of Christ and to give to others, many do get caught up in the idea of themselves and what they will get. Don’t be like that.

Remember this month to think about what Christmas means and take time to partake in the holiday spirit. Drop some change into the red tin outside the mall. Be more patient with the people who get on your nerves. Smile and say “Merry Christmas” to them; make someone’s day.

Spread some Christmas joy by going Christmas caroling. Make some Christmas cookies or candy to share with your family and friends. Send out Christmas cards with personal messages. Let the people in your life know you care about them. Society has secularized the holiday, but Christmas has obvious religious implications behind it too. Because of the religious implications, everyone doesn’t celebrate Christmas, but everyone can share in its spirit.

Michelle Jones is a junior journalism and English major and a biweekly columnist for The Daily Eastern News. Her e-mail address is [email protected]. Columns are the opinion of the author.