From Black Friday to December 26th, I find myself in some kind of funk. Commercials make me angry, Bing Crosby gives me a headache, and searching for the perfect gift leaves me in a stupor. On Christmas day, as my mom's family gathers around the moving picture box to watch Jimmy Stewart wish his life away and regain his sense of worth within a span of about two hours, I groan at having to watch It's a Wonderful Life. Even the opening of presents, the quintessential Christmas experience of our day, leaves me feeling guilty and strange. Needless to say, I've lost a sense of joy somewhere along the line, and I've been left feeling like Clark Griswold after his jelly-of-the-month bonus arrives.

So you're thinking that I'm a Grinch, eh? Well, for most of the season, I'll agree with you. Outside of one day in December, my sense of Christmas yada yada yada lags behind the typical exuberance of normal people.

That is, except for December 8th.

Whoever thought of having Dayton schoolchildren visit UD for one day of songs, craziness, lights, gifts, cookies, Santa Claus, and craziness certainly changed my perception of this ridiculous holiday. Every single aspect of this wonderful event quashes all doubt in the human spirit of giving and service.

For starters, the numbers astound me. Thousands of UD students, Dayton schoolchildren, professors, parents, and members of the community turn out for the event. If you haven't seen it yet, you're in for something pretty amazing. Hearing Dr. Jim Farrelly read the nativity scene blows my mind. Seeing a child's eyes light up in joy and surprise throughout the entire night makes me feel like a kid again. And experiencing Santa's arrival urges me to go as crazy as Will Ferrell in Elf when he sees the big guy.

A part of me wonders how much of a difference one day can make in the life of a child, or even a college student. Taking into account the scope of the event, it's easy to see that the difference can't be measured because it's so huge. COC goes beyond merely one day'look at the committed, Herculean efforts of Sandy Borchers and the entire committee to plan this event throughout most of the year. This group works without pay or frills to bring a unique, amazing phenomenon to our little campus. If you know people on the COC committee, make sure you give them plenty of hugs. Their final week of school consists of planning, putting up lights, and making sure everything goes well, all while studying for exams. Talk about sacrifice.

So, from a man who has been through the Scrooge complex and looked badly upon Christmas, I would like to thank everyone who participates in COC. You're rescued my love of the season, and you've ensured that hundreds of children won't look back at their early Yuletide memories with a sense of disdain.

My name is Eric, and I love Christmas on Campus.