As we enter into the holiday season, people often mention giving as “the reason for the season.” Giving doesn’t just mean giving someone possessions or material items, but giving someone your kindness and empathy; maybe even giving someone your time. These simple things that you do create a bigger impact than you think. Giving should not be a thing that takes place only during the holiday season but during all times of the year.
According to an article by Harvard Business School, “Positive emotions can reinforce positive actions, so you are then more attuned to seek out other similar opportunities across time. If giving has made you feel good in the past, you are more likely to give again, or seek out these opportunities in the future.”
Freshman Hannah Tieri also commented, “Personally I love gifting because I love to see people’s reactions to what I get for them.”
When people give you appreciation for giving them a present or being kind to them, you will be encouraged to do it again. Positive reactions lead many people to live a life of kindness and giving.
Sophomore Autumn Missilk expressed, “It is important for me to be kind because I know that it makes me feel good which means it will make others feel good.”
Some gifts you receive leave a lifetime of memories, making you thankful for receiving them and also wanting to give gifts in the future. People want to see positive reactions from other people and gain a sense of achievement when making someone smile.
An article written by the National Public Radio (NPR) comments that “The notion that you can smile your way to happiness is an enduring one.”
Although smiling doesn’t guarantee happiness, it gives people several physical effects that brighten their mood and when you see someone smiling (such as when they received a gift from you), it will brighten your day as well. Also showing appreciation for a gift you receive makes other people happy as well, which is what the giving season is all about.
Giving is not just important during the holiday season but during all times of the year. Giving shows appreciation to people you care about on days such as birthdays, Father’s Day and Mother’s Day.
Sophomore Evan Jones pointed out that giving year round “shows that you are kind not only when you’re expected to be.”
No matter the season it is important to share kindness with people, not only in the form of a gift but giving someone your time and lending them a helping hand. Possibly being a shoulder to lean on in a time of struggle. You never know the power of your actions, so always make sure to have a positive impact!
