A Christmas wish for fewer taxes

“Maybe Christmas,” he thought, “doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas … perhaps … means a little bit more.”
—Dr. Seuss, How The Grinch Stole Christmas

First, I would like to say happy holidays to all. Though it is cold and miserable outside, this is by far my favorite time of year.

This is a time for snowmen and mistletoe, for reindeer and sugar cookies. It’s a time for family, friends and all those things that make the season jolly and bright. As many do, I have some of my best memories with my family during this time of year. It is a magical time in many ways. But this is not true for all.

The holiday season can be rough for some people. There are men and women overseas and people right here in our neighborhoods that have to go without basic needs. The reason this is my favorite time of year isn’t the presents and time off work, it’s the fact that so many people come together to help those in need.

Going into stores, you see people fighting over gifts, and there are long lines everywhere. Everyone wants to get the best gift for their loved ones, whether it is clothes or games like Rock Band. We all get caught up in giving to those we love. But it is in the small moments that we see true humanity and love for one another.

The Toys for Tots bins are always full, and people are always putting money into the Salvation Army buckets at the entrances to stores. And with the Salvation Army, you see people volunteering to help deliver food to those who might otherwise go without. The College Republicans and the UNR student government organized gift drives to send presents to troops overseas. Under all the frustration and anger, there is so much love and caring in the air during this time of year.

Moments such as this are rare and go past anything personal, mental or political. This kind of goodness comes from the heart, and it’s there to show us there is some hope left in humanity, especially during the hard times that have fallen upon all of us.

People give without being forced to give. They donate time, goods and money because they care—proof that people are humanitarians when their fellow man is in dire need. It’s proof that raising taxes to force humanitarian effort upon society is unnecessary. Society will come through when it must. And it is not the government’s job to tell us that we must be kind and giving to people. I would rather my extra money go to a neighbor in need than to the government’s vaults, where it is likely to get lost and never find its way out.

My faith is in the people. Though I don’t agree with the person they elected president (or into the Senate and Congress for that matter), I still believe that the people will ultimately do what is best for their community and for the people around them. All the proof I need of this comes during the holidays. There are so many people out there making an effort so all families have warm clothes and food, and so all the children can have toys for their special holiday. It is this kind of effort that shows me that I am not unfounded when I put my faith in the people.

Dr. Seuss had something right. The holidays aren’t about the gifts we give people or the food we gather for other families, it is about the love and effort that are behind those things. That is a miracle indeed.

Happy Holidays! And Merry Christmas!