DRIVING THOUGHTS
It’s the morning after Christmas and the world is still around me. I hear rain and nothing else, not even the occasional broom-broom sound of the tricycle or a motorcycle, or an engine revving up to go. After the noises of movement in the past days, the quiet morning was a pleasant surprise.
But a thought hits me — has someone turned off the spirit of Christmas which brought joy, generosity, and kindness? It’s too early for the spirit of Christmas to leave, which usually stays until the Feast of the Three Kings in early January. As usual, we will hope that the Christmas spirit will stay throughout the year. Wouldn’t the world be a better place if kindness stays every day?
But as the decorations come down and the festivities fade, many of us find ourselves slipping back into the hustle and grind of daily life, leaving behind the spirit of kindness and goodwill that defines the holiday season. The question is: Why should the essence of Christmas be limited to a few weeks in December?
Keeping the spirit of Christmas alive year-round is not just about extending holiday cheer — it’s about fostering a culture of kindness, generosity, and connection in our daily lives. Here are some ways to make this vision a reality.
Do small acts of kindness. One of the simplest ways to keep the Christmas spirit alive is by practicing kindness in small, everyday ways. Hold the door open for someone, compliment a stranger, or lend a helping hand to a neighbor. These actions may seem minor, but their cumulative impact is profound. The joy of giving doesn’t have to come wrapped in shiny paper; sometimes, it’s as simple as sharing a smile or listening to someone who needs to be heard.
Making kindness a habit means being intentional. Start by setting a goal: perform one act of kindness each day. Over time, this practice becomes second nature, spreading positivity and inspiring others to do the same.
Support a Foundation. Christmas often inspires people to give to charities and organizations that help those in need. However, the struggles faced by vulnerable communities don’t vanish after the holidays. By supporting a foundation or cause throughout the year, you can make a lasting difference.
Choose a cause that resonates with you, whether it’s feeding the hungry, supporting education, protecting the environment, or advocating for mental health awareness. Set up a recurring donation or volunteer your time regularly. Even if you can only contribute a small amount, your consistent support can provide stability and hope for those who depend on these organizations.
For instance, you could sponsor a malnourished child’s nourishment through a feeding program. I suggest the Negrense Volunteers for Change (NVC) Foundation’s Mingo Meals Nutrition program. NVC manufactures Mingo, a nutritious instant complementary food made from locally sourced rice, mongo (mung beans), and malunggay (moringa). Mingo can be purchased by organizations, institutions and LGUs for their own feeding programs. One Mingo Meal costs only ₱9. Sponsoring an undernourished child in the one-year program costs only ₱8,000.
Volunteer your time. Volunteering is one of the most meaningful ways to embody the spirit of Christmas throughout the year. Unlike monetary donations, volunteering allows you to directly connect with those you’re helping. It’s a chance to build relationships and gain new perspectives.
Create traditions of generosity. Holiday traditions are one of the reasons Christmas feels so magical. You can create traditions that extend generosity throughout the year, like making it a family ritual to donate clothes and toys in July like a “Christmas in July” event.
Why not start a “gratitude jar” where everyone in the home writes down acts of kindness they’ve experienced or witnessed. At the end of each month, read them together as a reminder of the good that exists in the world. These traditions can help keep the spirit of giving alive long after the holidays have passed.
Embrace community. Christmas often brings people together, whether through family gatherings, caroling, or community events. To sustain this sense of connection, make an effort to engage with your barangay or homeowners groups. Attend their events and get to know your neighbors. When people come together, they can achieve remarkable things—whether it’s organizing a charity drive, starting a neighborhood garden, or supporting local businesses.
The spirit of Christmas isn’t confined to a specific season; it’s a mindset, a way of living that prioritizes compassion and connection.
So, when the lights and décor are taken down, let’s remember that the true meaning of Christmas—kindness, generosity, and love—has no expiration date. Let’s keep the magic alive every single day. Do an act of kindness today.