The holiday season is a great time for family, relaxing, enjoying the snowfalls we are expecting, drinking hot chocolate, and simply enjoying the happiness that is felt by everyone through this joyous season. The holiday season is great for these reasons and countless more.

There is something great that we can all do in order to make this holiday season the best and most full-filling year yet: giving.  Everyone loves getting presents, but remember to give presents. Gifts are not the only thing that can be given. You can give simple things that cost nothing, but are worth so much. These things include giving friendship, lending a helping hand, giving someone your time, and offering a smile to someone who looks upset.  Those are only a few of the extensive list of things to give.

If you are ever hesitant about helping someone or doing a good deed, put yourself in their shoes. If you were having a bad day and you looked at someone and they smiled at you or your friend tells you that they like your outfit, it would make you feel better. Everyone can make each other feel better, but we can only do that if we so choose.

Giving is not a one way street. Although it is a selfless act that causes one to act for someone else instead of doing things only for themselves, it gives you something back in return: happiness. The joy that is felt when you help someone for no other reason but to truly help them, is the best feeling.

Another way to give is through charity and tangible gifts. There are numerous drives and fundraisers that occur this time of the year. Our very own Bel Air High School has a Toys for Tots drive during the holiday season.

This season is not the only time in which we should give. We all should give all year long. This way everyone can feel joyous and happy when they do something that helps other. Simple things can go a longer way than one may ever know.

Our world today is very fast paced and everyone always has a million and one things to do, so we often forget to give the gift of giving. We forget that other people have bad days too, but more importantly, we forget to think about others. This holiday season give, not for yourself, but to simply help others.