Essentially speaking, the real philosophy of Christmas, a season of good spirits, cheerfulness and merriment, demands ‘help the poor and needy’. The legend of birth of Jesus is the epitome behind Christmas festivities and celebration. Try to support at least one poverty-stricken person during Christmas and see what wonders it creates.
Staunch Christians and followers of Bible believe that Jesus came on the earth to rescue the humankind from transgression by preaching the Words of God. Sacrifice is the core-underlying tenet of Bible and crucification of Jesus. Christians loyal to Bible should endeavor to help the destitute and spread the message of sacrifice.
Data form studies and research carried out by several non-profit organizations all over the world substantiate the fact that Christmas is the season when large number of people – people without any material means and socially as well as financial poor people – become the target of mental depression. These people just cannot digest why they should not be part of the crowd in the celebration of Christmas. Don’t you think it makes sense in promoting sacrifice by way of helping the poor so that they can also enjoy Christmas?
Every year, thousands of children send letters to Santa pleading him to fulfill the earthly demands of their families especially during the holidays. It is not difficult to visualize what could the fate of these letters, as miracles rarely happen. Often, the requests of all these poor people are ignored. Stories of Santa Claus bringing toys, sweets and gifts during Christmas season are heard around every corner through out the globe. It is rare a child isn’t aware about the fancy stories and fairy-tales of Santa. It’s not surprising why thousands of young children send Santa letters every year, as they cannot distinguish between facts and fictions.
Several social service and charitable organizations put in the best efforts and resources to provide all the necessary help to the deprived class of children and their families. Salvation Army is one of the most noteworthy charitable organizations that render extraordinary services to the needy and poor people.
‘About us’ section on the website of Salvation Army mentions that the organization, as is known today, was started in 1865 by a Methodist Minister William Booth and his wife Catherine. William Booth, Catherine and other like-minded people formed a group with a noble goal “food for hungry, shelter for homeless and clothing for all”. The group, earlier known as ‘Christian Mission’, started the noble activities in London’s eastern suburbs. Christian Mission changed the name to Salvation Army in 1878. Volunteers of Salvation Army, dressed as Santa Claus, collect the donations from several merchants and holiday shoppers to help the needy and deprived lots during Christmas.
Several persons in their individual capacity rise to the occasion by posing as Santa Claus to collect donations from their employers and other business establishments in turn to be disbursed as sweets and gifts to the underprivileged children and their families. Individuals and organizations keep a box or a container at selected locations where people can drop off gifts, sweets, clothes and other items with an ultimate aim to deliver it to the impoverished class during the festivals.
There is another class of social service people. Their objective is to educate the public about the evil effects of overspending with credit cards. January, with couple of outstanding debts and bills, is the month when the after effects of Christmas blues can be easily spotted on the faces of tons of people.
These ‘class apart’ groups of people deliver the message that happy and cheerful memories of Christmas should not become a nightmare in January month. They aim to help people in understanding the judicious use of credit cards. Besides, they try to explain what havoc borrowed money can create.