We all know Christmastime is the season for giving. And even with the holiday sales starting over a month earlier than anyone usually begins even thinking about Christmas, we also know that the only day the great majority of us actually give is Dec. 25.
In fact, Christmas has become the time not of sugarplums and holly, but of parking-lot rage and mall madness.
I realize there are the humanitarians out there who donate Bratz dolls and LEGO Bionicle kits to Toys for Tots, and who drain the contents of their change purses into the Salvation Army buckets in front of department stores. And I would never argue that those less fortunate don't deserve or warrant our generosity.
But what have you done for one another lately?
For those of you who request sustenance for caffeine addictions in your stockings, the java fairy is playing Santa Claus for the season.
My aunt, Jill Souba, shift supervisor of the Chanhassen, Minn., Caribou Coffee, told me a tale of generosity that's good to the last drop.
On a few occasions, she witnessed customers who stopped in for their morning double-shot, half-caf, whipped, no foam latte (or whatever your poison) and paid with a $100 bill, and told her to treat the next few customers to drinks.
"These customers give us the extra change and say, 'Pay it forward,'" Souba said. "Of course, these are the customers who can afford to drop $100 on strangers, but it's always a welcome gesture."
Some do-gooders even started giving out homemade gifts for the holidays:
College student Jon Nickell, 19, stood on a Baker City, Ore., street corner with a sign offering free hugs to holiday shoppers, said a Sunday USA Today article.
"Thanksgiving is a time of giving back to people," he said to USA Today, "and what better way to give thanks than a hug?"
Many passers-by welcomed the gesture with open arms (quite literally), though a few abstained and accused him of being a Communist, Nickell said.
Sometimes, all anyone needs among the stresses of the holiday season is a warm hug. Stranger or not, every once in a while maybe we can invade each other's personal space.
And closer to home, The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf on Baseline Road and Val Vista Drive boasts a sign above the cash register: "Ask about our free high fives." It's just one of the perks of getting your morning percolate.
So where is your generosity this holiday season? What have you done to lift the spirits of the stranger on the street?
You bought an iPod for the new friend you met a week ago, your dog will be the proud owner of a water-purifying food bowl and your mom will love the diamond pendant that will be wrapped for her under the Christmas tree.
But a hug is free to give and receive, and one size fits all (cheesy but true).
When battling for a parking spot at the mall this December, offer it to your opponent with a smile and a wave - and since karma is strong during the season, you'll probably find a better spot soon after anyway.
So spread the cheer this Christmas. Give out plenty of hugs and high fives, and if you can't pay for someone else's coffee, at least hold the door for her on your way out of the shop.
Kirsten Keane is a journalism sophomore who says when Santa Claus gives you coal in your stocking, have a barbecue. Send barbecue invites to her at: Kirsten.Keane@asu.edu.
