The sounds, sights, smells and sensations of Christmas have unmistakably entered the atmosphere. Everything from lights to charity drives to cookie trays and hot cider, Santa letters, parades, school pageants and church cantatas fill the days and weeks ahead with a seasonal signature.

Something is available for everyone who wishes to partake of this wonderful experience.

And it may be a trite expression, but the best way to be at ease with one’s own enjoyment of the season is to reach out a bit, and to help other people enjoy it, too. Many would welcome the attention:

—Fund drives to provide emergency assistance to residents;

—Canned food and coat drives;

—The people who can’t afford Christmas for their children … look for tags on "angel trees" found in many spots;

—The shelter animals needing a new home; and the animal shelter, welcoming donations of food and cash;

—Local merchants, your own neighbors, who hope to welcome local shoppers, as many of them rely on Christmas sales to get them through the bleak winter months;

And so many more.

Christmas means many things to many people, but at its core, it celebrates the birth of Jesus, the central figure in Christianity. And as it is a time of making and receiving gifts, the generosity shown to strangers, to the poor, and to those who might be struggling with personal or business problems is something of a birthday gift to that Messiah. As He himself stated, and as is found in the gospels (Matthew 25:40):

"Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me."

Whatever one’s religion, whatever one’s personal take on Christmas, its glitz, its commercialism, its omnipresence, that’s a philosophy that would benefit the world.