The UNF student population has been tested really hard during the last few semesters.

The way the economy developed left many students facing the dilemma of their future at school and how they will make it during the upcoming holiday.

Christmas is now less than a month away and is filling many people with a bitter taste of worry and uncertainty.

Those who lost their homes due to the economy will spend their first Christmas at someone else’s place.

And besides the financial burden Christmas brings, it also obligates people to resolve their old family conflicts or display at least some sort of solidarity, which they might not display otherwise.

The end of the year is also a time when people close on their last deals, change work, move or finish classes and graduate.

There is a lot of expectation and pressure on each individual during this time of year, and unfortunately there are way too many people who are desperately waiting for Santa to appear and save them from their misery.

But despite these worries, the majority – including myself – does enjoy Christmas.

These people are able to overcome all the negative experiences and focus on the positive.

So what is it about Christmas that makes people change who they are and makes them smile despite the fact they all have good reasons to cry?

Why can’t that happen all throughout the year?

Simply put, it’s the collective happiness to which even the most independent individuals conform.

It is the atmosphere in the air that pressures everybody to get along, to be kind, and to be tolerant. And even if it only lasts a week or two, a week is still better than nothing.

And if it offers a chance to relax and regain some strength, we can say it has met its purpose. Giving your body and mind the time to rest is extremely important with respect to your future performance.

Each one of us has difficult moments to deal with, but unless we maintain a healthy balance, we are  destined for failure.

Christmas is a very unique time of year. Not only because it’s so closely tied with religion and culture, but because it also brings people together. That’s something that has diminished from our lives a long time ago.

And while it might not last very long, if you’re wise, you will make the best out of it.

E-mail Andrea Farah at staff2@unfspinnaker.com.