The Goodness Around Us: Finding the Real Meaning of the Season

By Muneeb Nasir

The month of December often feels like a whirlwind of noise. 

For many people, it is a time defined by a rush of "stuff"—bright lights, busy malls, and a level of spending that can feel a bit hollow. 

For those of us who do not celebrate Christmas due to our religious beliefs, or for anyone simply tired of the commercial side of things, it is easy to become critical. 

We see the waste and the surface-level activities and feel a sense of detachment.

However, if we look past the shopping bags and the frantic sales, there is something much deeper happening in our neighbourhoods. 

Despite the commercialization, this time of year brings out a wonderful spirit of giving and kindness that we should all recognize.

I had a beautiful reminder of this just yesterday. 

A volunteer from a small, local food bank stopped by my house simply to say thank you for a donation we had made a few months ago. 

It wasn't a formal letter from a big, corporate-style charity; it was just a neighbour taking a moment to show appreciation.

This food bank is a "grassroots" organization—run entirely by volunteers who live nearby and want to help. 

There is something uniquely powerful about these small, local initiatives. 

Unlike large charities that can sometimes feel distant or bureaucratic, grassroots charities are the heartbeat of a healthy community. 

They are built on the simple, yet profound idea of looking out for one’s neighbour. 

They know the faces of the people they serve and understand the specific struggles of the families in the local community. 

In that brief visit at my doorstep, I was reminded that while the "holiday season" may be short-lived, the local bonds it strengthens are what truly sustain us.

Beyond the charitable acts, there is another beautiful layer to this time of year: the coming together of families. 

While the rest of the country might be focused on traditional festivities, the Muslim community and other faith groups also utilize this time of rest to reconnect. 

With the pace of work slowing down, many of us gather for family dinners, organize community gatherings, or attend educational conferences. 

It is a season of renewal—not just of our charitable commitments, but of our personal relationships. 

Whether it is over a shared meal at home or a gathering at the local mosque, these moments of connection are vital for our well-being and social fabric.

I often think about what it means to be a "good" person. 

Sometimes we get so caught up in our religious differences that we miss the goodness happening right in front of us. 

It is okay—and even healthy—that we have different understandings of Jesus (peace be upon him) or of the historical and theological meaning of Christmas. 

We don't have to agree on everything to appreciate the beauty of a community coming together to serve those in need or to celebrate the strength of the family unit. 

There is a universal value in helping others and honouring our kin that goes beyond any specific faith or tradition.

In the Qur’an, we are taught a powerful lesson about charity: "None of you will attain true piety until you give out of what you cherish: whatever you give, God knows about it very well." (Qur’an, 3:92).

That volunteer at the food bank reminded me of this truth. 

True goodness isn't just about giving away things we don't want anymore. 

It’s about giving things we actually value—our time, our energy, and our care. 

When a volunteer spends their weekend or evening helping others instead of relaxing at home, they are giving something they "cherish" to make someone else’s life a little easier.

When we focus on our neighbours, we move past the "corporate" feel of charity and return to something more authentic. 

Looking out for one’s neighbour is a core principle in our faith, and it is a value shared by almost everyone, regardless of their background. 

Whether it is making sure the senior or a homeless person has a warm meal or ensuring a local family has gifts for their children, these acts of neighbourly love are what bridge the gaps between us.

If we only focus on overconsumption or our theological disagreements, we miss the chance to be part of this collective kindness. 

We shouldn't let the "stuff" distract us from the "service." 

The real light of this month isn't found in a shopping mall; it’s found in the quiet work of people helping their neighbours and the warmth of families renewing their bonds.

So, as we go through these final weeks of the year, let’s try to change our focus. 

Let’s look for the good things happening around us. 

Let’s celebrate the volunteers who work behind the scenes, the families gathering to support one another, and the people who give what they can to help a stranger.

We can hold onto our unique beliefs while still finding common ground in our shared humanity. 

We don’t need to see the world exactly the same way to join hands in making our neighbourhoods a little warmer and kinder.

This season, let’s try to attain that "true goodness" by giving of ourselves. 

Whether it’s a small donation, a few hours of volunteering, or just a kind word to someone who is struggling, every bit of it matters. 

Let’s focus on the goodness this month brings and keep that spirit of service and connection alive in our hearts.

To our Christian neighbours and all those celebrating the birth and legacy of Jesus (peace be upon him) this season, we wish you a time of peace, joy, and meaningful reflection with your loved ones. May our shared commitment to charity and neighbourly love continue to bring our communities closer together.