Why America Gives

As we approach this holiday season, more and more Americans give back in the ‘season of giving.’ Captured by Giving Tuesday, Christmas Eve soup kitchen volunteering, and Christmas gifts, giving back has become a holiday tradition in the United States. But why do we give back, especially during this time of the year, and how did all of these traditions start?

Why do we give?

Historically, the last two months of the year are a hot time for charity donations, but why is this? There are plenty of explanations for this, including end of the year bonuses, tax deadlines, and religious activities. However I believe that the inspiration we have for giving originates in the spirit of the holidays itself. Common sayings like ‘Christmas is about giving’ create a notion around simply giving back to people. Pair this with the good feelings the holidays bring, and the thankfulness thanksgiving brings, it comes to no surprise that people donate this time a year. Giving back is a mood, and when are you more likely to give back then when you are in an exceptional mood?

The summer has a similar happy mood to it, but there is no gift giving spirit engraved into it. Without that aspect, people in the summer just dont feel as inclined to give back to the community, and thus dont do so.

When did this start

Donations during the holiday seasons steem from age old traditions. Christmas steams from the gift giving bishop Saint Nicholas, who was known for his secret gift giving in the 4th century. The Salvation Army, which was founded in 1891, would annually provide free christmas meals, starting a nationwide tradition. Finally, the 92nd Street Y started Giving Tuesday, the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, which focused on charitable giving and donations after Thanksgiving. All of these traditions remained with the American public, and over centuries evolved into the gift giving holiday spirit that we can see today.