Why do bad things happen during the holiday season?

Statistically, this may not be true, but in my estimation, it seems that way. For the past nine years I've been working in the journalism field, every year just before Christmas a family faces a tragedy. This year, it was two.

Last Friday afternoon, a Hanging Rock family lost their home to fire, and then on Monday morning, a family in Fayette Township suffered the same tragic fate.

Any time something like this happens, it is disheartening. But at Christmastime, it is like pouring salt in a wound.

Such misfortunes remind me of what Christmas is really about - giving to others. Most of us have been programmed to believe the meaning of the holiday is

exchanging gifts with family and friends and celebrating with those near and dear to us. While this is partly true, the spirit of Christmas goes far beyond that.

Christmastime has always been the season of giving. The reason we celebrate Christmas is Jesus Christ, God's gift to us. That meaning, however, is often lost in the hustle and bustle of holiday shopping.

Because of this, many of us lose sight that so many other people in our communities are forced to go without. To many of them, Christmas is just another day they have to face a hard life.

Even though we should take care of our family and friends, what of those who are less fortunate than us? What about those organizations and individuals who volunteer our time and need our help to continue their worthwhile work? The Christmas season is a perfect time to remember all of them.

So many worthwhile Christmas drives are taking place in our community. For example, the Lawrence County Domestic Violence Task Force has a toy drive for needy children as well as an adopt-a-family program, the Ironton City Welfare Mission will distribute food baskets and toys to needy families and the Briggs-Lawrence County Public Library is conducting its annual Mitten Tree.

These are just a few of the many, many organizations that do worthwhile work during the holiday season. The good thing about all of these endeavors is they benefit folks right here in our communities.

You don't have to be rich to donate to these organizations, either. By merely buying a toy for a few dollars, you can bring a smile to a child's face. Your donation, along with others, can give a whole family a reason to wake up Christmas morning.

One way you can help is by getting together with family members and co-workers and pulling your resources together. For the second straight year, we here at The Tribune plan to adopt a family. We all will donate

toys, clothing or money so that a less fortunate family can celebrate Christmas.

For some people, seeing the wrapping paper, a simple card that accompanies a gift or a smile on their child's face is

enough to make their Christmas worthwhile. This lets them know that someone out there cares about them

- even if they are a stranger.

Shawn Doyle is managing editor of The Ironton Tribune. He can be reached by calling (740) 532-1445 ext. 19 or by e-mail to shawn.doyle@irontontribune.com