MEET THE BAUMANN SCHOOL BUS DRIVERS
SCHOOLS
122101The reason for the season
(It's NOT Jesus according to this writer)
By LAURA LEFKOWITZ
As the holiday season reaches its peak and shoppers compete for last minute gifts, not to mention parking spots at the mail, the feeling of cheer often gives way to another tradition: holiday stress.
Often it is easy to get so wrapped up in the quest for producing the perfect holiday that the season itself becomes stressful, rather than enjoyable. For most people, however, the holidays are times that precious memories are created, despite the moments of
anxiety and pressure.
"I always get stressed over making sure I'm happy and making sure everyone else is too, but it always backfires. I feel like
I can never relax enough to get into the spirit," explained Fox Lane junior Sarah Stern. "But it's really nice when people can come together, even
if just for a few days a year. There is Something magical about that."
The hustle and hustle of shopping and travel often can cause us to lose sight of the spirit of togetherness. Sarah is not the only one who expresses this frustration however. When the wrapping paper lies in heaps scattered across the floor, the stressful acts of preparation seems worth it, as Charlie Waln explained.
"The all-around feeling of the season is just happy. I love it!" said the Fox Lane sophomore.
"Even though most people probably think of the phrase as a joke, giving is better than
receiving. It's fun knowing you made a person happy."
"Giving" does not always have to mean something that is purchased. Often the mysterious feeling of Decembers merriment comes from within through loving and thoughtfulness.
"What makes me happiest is all the good deeds being done and all the giving that goes on,"
junior John Levene said. "There are things like the Christmas caroling that I'm doing this year. just doing stuff' that's nice for others and seeing other people
smile is what makes me smile."
I like to focus more on watching people relax and be happy as the new year approaches," said sophomore Lucy Carson. "it sort of makes the spirit of
the holidays come to life in even the most unreligious families. And within (a few) clays we all start a new beginning."
It is clear, in our society today, that this season is about more than the religious celebration of Hanukkah or Christmas. While today's holiday season may often seem like an orgy of
commercialism it is also about good times with friends and family, whether scripture is believed literally or not at all. Neighbors, or even complete strangers,
help one another out of the goodness of their hearts more readily than usual. And after the stores have sold their last Tickle-Me-elmo or Furby, what it truly comes down to unity, bliss and being
grateful .
Laura Lefkovitz is a junior at Fox Lane High School.