It’s that time of year again. Not that it’s hard to notice. Festive music plays from almost every radio station. Trees and decorations abound. Stores and websites are pushing last-minute sales for the have-to-have gifts. We even had a blitz of snow to top it off. In summary, another holiday season in Minnesota.
Every year, it’s always amazing to look around and wonder just how this all got started. How could one possibly live in a state where the record high for that day is still below zero degrees? Yet we still do it. The citizens of this great state bring “Minnesota nice” into everything we do, especially when the weather turns cold. It seems like the holidays were almost invented just to ease the ravages of the icy snow.
Families gather around trees and dinner tables to celebrate, children are amazed by constant sights, and the new year is rung in with cheers. Presents are exchanged, and people grow closer together. It’s a common cliche that Christmas is the season of giving, but in my experience, it rings true.
Minnesotans are among the top volunteers in the nation, and it’s easy to see why. Thousands turn out to work at food shelves, dinners and shelters. Agencies and student councils collect food, clothing and other items for those in need. We are also generous with our contributions. I remember working as a bell ringer with my student council back in middle school, and all the warm friendly faces that would greet us as we stood out in the cold. I am very proud to live in such a state. We may not have the most favorable climate, but I’ll wager we have some of the best people.
Growing up all my life in central Minnesota, I’ve seen this first-hand. Getting older, my appreciation for the holidays continues to grow more and more. Working with organizations such as student council and church, I’ve been able to join in on this tradition myself. One of my favorite memories from middle school was our annual food drive. It was always organized as a competition between the grades, and for one week students would aggressively bring in non-perishable items to try to put their class on top. More importantly, this made the amount of food we brought in truly astounding.
When it was all done and over, we would load hundreds if not thousands of items into trucks destined for local food shelves. The hustle and bustle of the week, collecting and counting all of the donations, was worth it knowing just how much good they would do.
I think we forget that sometimes. People will say “What difference can I make?” The answer is always more than we think. I have had the honor of meeting and hearing about many people who give their time and energy to service. Many volunteer for hundreds of hours with little recognition or notice. But every one of them makes a huge difference. For all of those volunteers, I give a big thank you. The world would not be the same without your selflessness.
The true meaning of the holidays to me is about family, friendship and giving. They make everything worth it. After a cold winter day, coming home to your family, doing something with friends or giving back to those who need it are sure comforts indeed. No matter what holidays people celebrate, this season is one of generosity and togetherness.
I wish everyone a great holiday and a happy new year. May your families grow closer, your friendships stronger and your hearts merrier. When the days are so dark, it’s easy to forget that soon they will be getting brighter again. Our words and actions make a difference, it’s never too late to get involved or to do something we’ve been meaning to do. One person or one act of kindness can change the world forever.
This season is many things, but it shouldn’t be one of regret or sadness. The end of the year brings new hope and new chances. The next year may be a rough ride, but I know we are ready for it. Our towns, our state, our country and our world can always use more hope and cheer. This change can start with us, and if we do so, marvelous things could be just around the corner.
Connor Kockler is a Sauk Rapids-Rice High School student. He enjoys writing, politics and news, among other interests.
