It’s the season to give and share

It’s the color of the leaves that rest in peace on the pavement below the naked trees lingering above. It’s the thick, dense cloud of fog we exhale as the sky deviates from its radiant, summer-like shade. It’s that eager anticipation to give and receive, and the smell of the roasting fireplace alongside the savory scent of recently baked chocolate chip cookies. These are the annual, consistent symbols that beckon the transition to the “most wonderful time of year.” It’s the month of December and the holiday season is underway.

The communities of Hewlett and Woodmere include a myriad of different races, ethnicities, and religions. This diversity is what makes our towns even more beautiful and distinct. We appreciate such variety. Regardless of the holiday we each individually observe, we are all celebrating that common love for one another.

Hewlett High School senior Ifrah Ansari does not observe a holiday during the month of December, yet her holiday spirit is undeniable. “I celebrated Ramadan during the months of July and August this year,” Ansari said. “But December still symbolizes happiness, joy, and a time when people of all religions come together with their families.”

There’s a certain vibe, a mentality we each possess during this month that allows us to forget the stress of work, the worry of upcoming bills, or the angst of an overwhelming schedule. This is the month that we think about others.

“I celebrate Hanukkah. This holiday reminds me how special my family is and how important it is to be surrounded by those who love you, care for you, and strive to make you a better person,” Hewlett High senior Emily Cohen said. “The holiday season also marks a time when I give back to the community. I volunteer at the Pancakes for Parkinson’s event, hosted by my friend, [fellow] senior Sydney Epstein. I donate to the organization as well. It makes the holiday season important.”

Such acts of gratitude are contagious and certainly noteworthy. More importantly, they are rewarding and they teach us more about our morals and ourselves.

Senior Anthony Iannaci looks forward to Christmas every year. “The most important part of the holiday season, for me, is eating with my family. At the dinner table on Christmas night is where we come together to enjoy all the cooking that was done on the previous days,” Iannaci explained. “That’s when I realize, each year, how much my family means to me.”

As for me, I not only celebrate Hanukkah with my family, but I’ve been fortunate to spend Christmas Eve each year with my best friend, Briana Mastronardi, another senior. From this tradition, I’ve learned that it’s not the holiday you are celebrating or the religion you are observing, but it’s about the togetherness and the value of friendship and family.

Perhaps that gust of bitter wind that December brings is more like an unavoidable, annual reminder of what life is really about. It’s a cold, wintry wakeup call that hollers, “Remember your love for others and give back because you can.”

Although the holiday season may mean something different to each of us, there is one common thread between our divergent beliefs; appreciating and valuing others this holiday season is by far a greater gift than any tangible item we may give or receive. It’s the gift of love. And there’s no better time to share it.