It's the little things that matter

Once again that time of year is upon us, a time when Christmas carols are sung, stockings are hung and mad throngs of people flock to the malls like frenzied sheep hoping to nab the biggest, baddest bargains in the barn.

Yes, the Christmas season has become way commercialized. That is a fact that has been stated more times than Keith Richards has played a show with the Stones under the influence of numerous questionable substances (I've seen him, I know).

But the whole point of this rant is not to complain about the bastardization of the jolly, holiday season by bigger than life corporations like Hallmark or Wal-Mart.

The point is to bring back home what the holiday season is all about.

I personally would like to think that there is still a shred of humanity left to this season, which has traditionally encouraged peace on earth and goodwill toward men.

But while staring through the windows of ritzy, downtown boutiques or strolling through the often congested and crowded aisles of shopping malls, this sentiment may be lost on some as they gaze in awe at flashing neon signs advertising the lowest prices on the hottest new video game systems or that leather jacket that you know you can't afford but you just can't live without - yes, admit it, you buy Christmas gifts for yourself as well sometimes.

But thankfully, those rare specimens do exist who still understand the true meaning of the holiday season.

And I'm very proud to say that I come from a town where the true meaning shines brighter than a star on the top of a Christmas tree.

Look around you and you'll see kindness and generosity overflowing from the people of the area more than the Northeast Arm during tropical storm Chantal.

On Saturday, Nov. 17, all one had to do was visit the Placentia Mall to get a sprinkle of the holiday spirit as throngs of people, packed like sardines, gathered together to offer Christmas gifts to the Happy Tree, gifts that will go to families who can't necessarily afford to give their kids dory-loads of presents for Christmas.

Projects such as the Happy Tree and Operation Christmas Child are proof that the Grinch has definitely not stolen Christmas, or the true meaning of the season, from Placentia and the surrounding area.

I just hope that a smidgen of this generosity rubs off on other people all across the island, country and the world.

And remember, you don't need to wait for the snow to fall on the ground or for the Christmas lights to go up to show this kind of generosity to your fellow man, or woman.

If you're ever walking around downtown St. John's and you see a person holding a sign looking for some change - and chances are you will - throw them a few cents. Really, are you going to miss it? And who cares about how that individual wound up on the streets or what their circumstances are.

I'm telling you, offering even the smallest bit of help to someone who needs it will do wonders for your soul.

I'm not saying you have to go throwing 20s at everyone you see, but some day, instead of buying your usual morning coffee, why not give the money, or even buy a coffee, for someone that seems like they're down on their luck.

They'll probably appreciate this small gesture more than you know.

This brings to mind the lyrics of a great song named "Mr. Wendal" by one of my favourite groups from the early '90s, Arrested Development:

"Here, have a dollar. In fact no brother man here, have two. Two dollars means a snack for me, but it means a big deal to you.

"Be strong, serve God only. Know that if you do, beautiful heaven awaits. That's the poem I wrote for the first time I saw a man with no clothes, no money, no plate."

It's the little things in life that really matter. Remember this during the Christmas season and always.

editor@thecharter.ca