| It is incredible how Christmas can be an | | | | to the project. On the assigned day they sing |
| excuse to partake in various activities. Some | | | | carols for the patients they visit, followed |
| for physical pleasure, while some to reach | | | | by a shopping spree for their adopted family, |
| that blissful state through our philanthropic | | | | who are usually anonymous to them. Some |
| acts. It's an occasion to spread the message | | | | students in another school, every year take |
| of goodwill and happiness through our words | | | | an effort to spread cheer and joy in the |
| and more so by our actions, for actions | | | | lives of the destitute by organizing a |
| undoubtedly speak louder than words. | | | | holiday party for the women and children who |
| | | | live at a local battered women's shelter. The |
| In fact, during Christmas the whole of | | | | residents are invited to the school, where |
| America transmogrifies into a quintessential | | | | the students play games with the kids, make |
| winter wonderland as all adults and kids go | | | | sweets and let them feel special as the poor |
| berserk being a part of all the fun and | | | | kids are given the liberty to sit on Santa's |
| excitement that lies in store for them. | | | | lap. Gingerbread Express, organized by the |
| Sports like Alpine-ski, ice- skating, cross | | | | student council members at one of the |
| country-skiing, ice hockey, snowboarding and | | | | schools, is yet another interesting way of |
| many other make a beeline in this | | | | displaying one's concern for the |
| spine-chilling season filling the heart with | | | | underprivileged children. In this, the paper |
| mirth and the soul with joys undulated. There | | | | ginger-bread figures have names, hobbies and |
| are umpteen sports that add warmth to this | | | | size of the kids whose parents can't afford |
| cold and dull season. Basketball is a very | | | | to buy them Christmas presents. So the |
| popular winter sport which combines the | | | | students and faculty members wrap toys and |
| fast-paced excitement of football with the | | | | clothes for these children, which is |
| concentration and athletic prowess of | | | | delivered to the kids with the ginger-bread |
| baseball. Those who belong to the rowdy, | | | | figure attached on it. |
| beer-drinking group, usually tend to have a | | | | |
| fascination for Hockey. Snowmobile is another | | | | The student council at a renowned school in |
| game which is in fact a motorized sled | | | | South Dakota also has a unique way to help |
| carrying one or two people over ice and snow. | | | | the underprivileged people. They arrange a |
| It is used both for work and recreation and | | | | "sock tree" during the holiday period, |
| is a popular winter sport in Canada, in the | | | | whereby a tree is set up in the lunchroom |
| Northern United States and in the colder | | | | area for students and staff to decorate with |
| regions of Europe. | | | | new socks, gloves, hats, and other items |
| | | | which are then donated to a shelter for the |
| While most may be making the most out of the | | | | homeless. Christmas Bazaar organized by The |
| time they get to revel and enjoy the season, | | | | St. James NJHS in Arlington Heights is among |
| some may not be fortunate enough to do so. | | | | the few successful charity fundraisers. |
| Thereby, some altruistic souls embodying the | | | | Children of the lower grades get a chance to |
| very spirit of fellow-feeling and sympathy, | | | | purchase inexpensive gifts for their family |
| make sure that they make a positive | | | | members and the collections made are donated |
| difference in the life of the suffering souls | | | | to the local charities. On the other hand, |
| in their own small way. In fact, some schools | | | | The National Honor Society at Ogemaw Heights |
| in USA undertake the noble task of ensuring | | | | HS in West Branch, MI, organizes a dinner at |
| that they diffuse the spirit of festivity in | | | | the local country club with a Christmas |
| the lives of all and sundry. | | | | theme, which is a perfect blend of the |
| | | | holiday spirit and the fundraising effort. |
| For instance, some student councils in some | | | | |
| famous schools in America have proved to be | | | | Citizens here, thus not only enjoy this |
| exemplary in their drive to serve the needy | | | | occasion but also take some time off to |
| family by adopting one such family from one | | | | indulge in certain humanitarian activities by |
| of its feeder schools each year, for the | | | | ensuring that Christmas days are rendered |
| holidays. Each student who wishes to | | | | special for the rich and the poor alike. |
| participate raises at least $50 to contribute | | | | |