With December only hours away, Christmas Spirit is often the topic of our conversations, and there is a new kind of warmth despite the chilly zero-degree weather. The thoughts of family coming together, rosy-cheeked children unwrapping their presents and of course, the succulent roast dinners that make our mouths water at the thought. For many of us, this is our Christmas. It is what makes up for the grumbling throughout the gruelling, wintery weather, it makes the seemingly long days till the seasonal celebration feel short. However, it is not uncommon to have different connotations of Christmas, where the days are cold and cruel, and the nights are worse, because its dark and you don't know what is around the corner. Alongside this, your entire body is numb, your fingers are pale grey with tinges of purple because of the frozen roads that you have to lie on - but its your only option, because there is nowhere else to go. It is common that what is ignored during this time are those who suffer the most. 

Unfortunately, there are people who cannot truly celebrate the beauty of such a festival in all its grandness. Not because of any other reason than the situations they have no control over. It is during these times that spending is at its highest, that food is made in bulk and thrown for waste, that we buy expensive gifts without a second thought, because this is just Christmas, and this is what is expected. There is nothing wrong with these expectations, in fact, it’s a great part of the Christmas celebration and it is completely fine to celebrate however you want to. However, what needs to be taken into consideration, is the luxury that many are provided with by being able to put a roast dinner on the table, to buy six or seven gifts for their children, to even have a home to celebrate Christmas in...

Meanwhile, there are families who struggle to put food on their tables on a daily basis, parents who starve so that their children can eat that evening but haven’t had a meal for the past two days, there are children who may have never received a Christmas gift, but what is most heart-breaking is that, in the cold, dark, winter, with little warmth but a jacket, a blanket and if they are lucky perhaps a woolly hat and gloves, many are expected to stake out these months in the cold. How is it that one is expected to survive a night in this weather when some of us can't even tolerate the few seconds we step outside of the cold?

It is worth realising that Christmas is not only about celebrating, but giving back to the community and taking the time out of one's busy schedule to help another. Though this should be something routinely and no one should suffer from these awful scenarios, it is the perfect time at Christmas to truly reflect and relish what you have around you and do your part as well. 

The high school I attend are raising money through a raffle prize to provide for the charity, Crisis. This charity focuses on homelessness and especially during Christmas. It is hopeful that, so many young people care so greatly for such noble causes, and through the use of social media, volunteering and other means of sending messages to help those in need, you can do your part in giving this Christmas. During this time of year there are various adverts on the television promoting ways you can help this Christmas, and unfortunately it has become commonplace for these to become unnoticed, so instead take the time to consider the options presented to you, the opportunities to give back and acknowledge your privileges and provide a glimpse of hope and prosperity to those in need. Perhaps you don't have the time for volunteering or fundraising, but there are other options, donations being an obvious starting point, however, simply voicing your concerns on social media platforms, spreading the word and getting others involved can help immensely, and before you know it, you will have made a change.

This December, take the chance to appreciate the precious home you live in, the amazing, friendly people you are surrounded by, enjoy the snowfall and warm up by the cosy fire with a cup of hot chocolate and finally, make a change, because it is a difficult time for some and your actions may make a world of difference. So please, help someone today, and celebrate this festive season in a way like none other, by giving and loving. 

By Anjali Narbheram, Woodford County High School for Girls