Christmas – The Season of Giving by model April Jackson

The Christmas season has passed and a new year has begun; its now time to return to work, prepare to take down the decorations and begin to lose the pounds we gained from eating our favourite comfort foods. Christmas is popularly known as the season of giving; in Jamaica it is common practice that people visit a children’s home, have an orphan stay with them or bring Christmas dinner for the less fortunate.

This Christmas I deliberately did not visit any of the children’s homes that I am familiar with, not only because I knew the children would have enough company but more importantly because I don’t believe that the gift of giving should end once the Christmas spirit dwindles. I am sure the kids are grateful for the extra attention at this time of year and the reality is that most children living at home with their families also receive a little more TLC at this time of year; for some, their parents have a more relaxed attitude concerning house rules, others are permitted to go out with friends more often and stay out till later in the night, however in my opinion the difference is that the amount of attention the children who are in the care of the state receive goes from a lot in December to none for the remaining 11 months of the year.

My aunt had a young girl stay with her for a week during the Christmas holiday. The girl usually resides at a state owned institution because her parents are not willing to raise her, however during the holiday she received presents, joined my aunt’s family for dinner and played with children her age. Although she thoroughly enjoyed herself during her stay, when it was time to leave she resisted vehemently, bawled and pleaded as she was returned to her home. This incident made me wonder whether when people give of themselves and their family to someone less fortunate is it better or worse for the child? Furthermore, this little girl returned with many gifts and it is possible that other kids will be jealous and that she may be victimised by them and even staff for being seen as better off than they are.

The bitter-sweet moment of being loved, receiving gifts and treated kindly but knowing that soon all this will end as though you are waking up from a fairytale or a good dream; does this do more damage?

Is it better to experience a better life or is it better not to know the feeling so that you don’t know what you’re missing?

Or is it better to have a taste of happiness that will forever remain in your memories?

I don’t think there is a general answer to all these questions; in speaking with my girls the responses are varied some look forward to the Christmas visits while other would rather people not pity them at this time of year as it is a painful reminder of their different reality. However, one thing is constant, they appreciate regular visits from people who make them feel that they are loved, important and believe in their abilities.

Depending on what your interests are you can volunteer at a local animal shelter, hospital or become a member of international service organizations such as Kiwanis Club.

When I decided to get involved in charity, I knew I wanted to work with children in care so I called all the homes in my area that were listed in the telephone directory and asked how I could help. With technology today information is at our fingertips, start thinking about how you are going to make a difference and that will lead you in the right direction. Also, as models there is always a cause that you can support, for example I took part in a video shoot aimed at encouraging Jamaicans to act in a way that is environmentally friendly.

Think outside the box and use your talents to achieve not only personal success but success for others as well. With that being said I hope that the spirit of giving will not stay to rest until the following Christmas in December 2010.