The holidays are often described as a season of joy, gratitude, and rest, but for many families, they are also a season of stress.

Throughout childhood, many students grow up unaware of the financial realities behind the holiday season. While some children are able to enjoy the excitement of opening gifts without worry, others must carefully consider what they ask for, focusing more on what they need rather than what they want. As each generation grows older, most eventually realize how stressful the holidays can be for families. 

For most students at Haverford, the weeks leading up to winter break are filled with festive decorations, the smell of freshly baked cookies, and the excitement of their holiday celebrations. These traditions create a warm and comforting atmosphere that many associate with the season.

However, not every family is able to experience this comfort. Some students prefer being at school during the holidays because of reliable heat and electricity. Others open few, or no, gifts, or write Christmas lists full of basic necessities that many would never consider luxuries. For these families, Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa can bring overwhelming pressure, as parents struggle to provide for their children while facing limited time and financial resources.

Across Delaware County, food drives attempt to help ease the burden. Programs such as the Delaware County Veterans Memorial Holiday Drive and the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office Holiday Food Drive support thousands of local residents each year by providing essential food supplies to families in need. 

Haverford students and clubs also played a vital role in supporting these efforts this holiday season. Fords Forward ran a holiday drive benefitting women and children at a local Philadelphia shelter. Members of Haverford Against Hunger volunteer monthly at the Media Food Bank, while Interact Community Service held a huge food drive in November for Haverford families. In addition, the National Honor Society organized a gift drive to help provide holiday presents to families in need. Through these initiatives, Haverford students helped to ensure that local families experienced a more hopeful holiday season. 

Another major source of holiday support is the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program, which helps provide gifts for children and senior citizens whose families cannot afford them. Participants create lists of items they want and need, which are then distributed to community members across America who select a family to shop for. Each year, this program helps hundreds of thousands of individuals receive gifts that might otherwise be out of reach (Salvation Army). 

As we reflect back on the cheer of the holiday season, it is important to continue to recognize those who continue to struggle. Financial stress can weigh heavily on households, even during what is often known as the happiest time of year.  By remaining aware and supporting local and national efforts, students and families can help ensure that the spirit of the holidays extends beyond decorations and celebrations into meaningful acts of service and kindness.