Around this time of year, we begin to see advertisements for the picturesque holiday season. The fireplace ablaze, the snow gently falling, everyone is gathered together, sipping eggnog and hot cocoa. It is a time for frolicking in the snow like a seven-year-old, going to festive parties and exchanging presents.

Of course, that isn’t how it works at all. For most people, the holidays are a hectic time; trying to get all of the last minute errands run, finding the right present for that hard-to-buy-for person on your list, frantic cleaning in order to get ready for family and friends, all while doing everything else in their daily schedule. Let’s not forget finding time to reflect on the person that is central to Christmas. No, it’s not the big red guy who brings presents, it’s the little baby who brought the promise of deliverance.

For us students, exams are wrapping up right as the holiday season gets into full swing. As soon as our exams are done, we get swept up in the hustle and bustle of coming home, meeting with friends, and seeing family.

There are those, however, who won’t be able to enjoy the company of family and friends during Christmas. Our soldiers abroad will be celebrating their holidays on foreign soil while doing what they can to protect our nation and bring peace to others. While they will not be celebrating in an orthodox manner, they are the ones who embody the holiday spirit the best – spreading peace and acting as exemplary role models of self-sacrifice.

I completely agree with those of you who are thinking that I am crazy to be talking Christmas when we have not even reached Thanksgiving yet, but it is never too early to get into the giving spirit of Christmas, especially when an on-campus group is looking for donations to give to American soldiers scattered throughout Iraq and Afghanistan.

Our men and women in the service do not have the luxury of celebrating Christmas at home, so it is time to bring a touch of home to them. I spoke with the President of the Arts and Sciences Student Council, Jacqueline Keidel, about the drive for Any Soldier, Inc. they are sponsoring. They hope to gather hygienic products, nonperishable foods and things like magazines, games and anything else the soldiers can use to pass the time.

Keidel made a passionate argument for the drive and looking out for those who are looking out for us; “it’s important to remember that war involves human beings – men and women with families and hopes and dreams… this is why the Council and I chose this project. It is a completely non-partisan effort that seeks to recognize and maintain human dignity, even in the face of violence and hatred.”

Especially with the holidays ahead drawing nostalgia and thoughts of home from the soldiers, it is important to remind them that they are on our minds. Having written two letters to soldiers already, Keidel notes that the soldiers “seem happiest just to know that we haven’t forgotten them.”

It is hard not to get into the giving spirit after talking to Keidel. Her enthusiasm is contagious. In fact, I chose to write a letter to a soldier. The Any Soldier, Inc. website notes that soldiers just want to be connected to the home they left and a letter is a great way to do that. I admit, it was hard to start because I didn’t know where or to whom the letter I was writing would go, but soon, the words just poured out of me. There is so much to say; a mere thank you wouldn’t do. Two and a half pages later, I had a letter ready to go out with the rest of the items collected to go overseas.

If you would like to donate but are unsure of what to give, you can go to the Any Soldier, Inc. Web site to see lists of requested items from soldiers themselves along with recommendations from the website. Another resource is the Facebook group, College of Arts and Sciences Any Soldier, Inc. Service Project. No money? No problem. A letter is always welcome.

Items can be dropped off in the College of Arts and Sciences office on the second floor of Marquette Hall or in a box in the lobby of 2040 Lofts. If those places aren’t convenient, Keidel and the rest of the Council will happily meet you somewhere on campus to pick up your donations.

While it’s too early for commercial Christmas and the buying frenzy, it can never be too early to remember the true spirit of Christmas and join in giving joy to others.

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