Like the honeymoon phase after the NAMES program which ends after about a month or so, it seems as if kindness and charity ends after the holidays when February rears its ugly head.
First off, why do families need an excuse to fly in from all around the world to see each other? And why do people need an excuse to give each other presents?
I for one, would much rather get a present out of the blue, because that shows true thoughtfulness rather than getting one because it’s expected. Families should spend as much time together as they can and not only meet up for the holidays.
Who said that Christmas can’t be everyday and that sharing love and good spirit is a seasonal thing? The Jews had the right idea when they made Hanukkah an eight-day ordeal.
Sure, Christmas is supposed to be twelve days, but most Christians only celebrate one, at most two days. Family get-togethers shouldn’t be confined into such a small section of the calendar, and kindness should be a year-round thing. You don’t need an excuse to be nice to anyone.
Even then, there are only so many people that keep that happy and cheerful spirit after the holidays are over. But why? The holidays really do teach us the importance of our families and surrounding ourselves with those we love and those who love us. This is something that should always be important though, regardless if its Christmas, Kwanza, or May 23.

The holiday season also highlights the importance of charity and helping those in need, but once its over you only hear about benefits and food-drives every now and then.

I point the finger at myself as well when I say that the gift of giving applies outside of the holidays too. It’s really not that hard to skip hanging out with your friends to go help those who are struggling to get by.
Although Thanksgiving is a great reminder to be thankful and shove turkey in your face, being thankful is something that you should be every morning and every night, regardless if things are rocky in your life or if they’re spectacular.
The hard times teach us lessons and the good times teach us to love life. Just because Thanksgiving is over does not mean that you have to stop being thankful.
The world seems like a better place during the holidays, but who says that the holiday spirit has to be gone once they’re over?
All in all, thoughtfulness and a kind-heart is something that everyone should keep in mind every day. Reminding someone you love him or her is something you should do frequently, not just because it’s in season.
It may seem cliche, but we all know its true. Recieving random acts of kindness is one of the best feelings in the world. You never know when someone needs a pick-me-up after a hard week, especially because we’ve all been there.
So remember, the holidays is a great time to give and share kindness and joy, but once they end the spirit of the holidays should continue. It makes the world a better place, which is something we all need. So don’t forget to remind your mom that you love her everyday. And buy her a gift.