Floating light displays illuminate Salem Pond during Salem’s annual Pond Town Christmas celebration Friday, Nov. 29, 2019. Isaac Hale, Daily Herald

Sparkling lights are everywhere, a sure sign of the holiday season. Many communities have recently held tree-lighting ceremonies, and the local main streets, neighborhoods and homes are charmingly brightened. No matter what holiday people celebrate, the lights are symbols of joyful times and sharing light with others.

Where did this tradition of lighting trees come from? A quick internet search brings up a variety of explanations. One is that the lights on a Christmas tree represent Christ as the light of the world. Another is that during the Great Depression, people found comfort in traditions, such as using decorative lights at Christmas. Other explanations include lights symbolizing hope and joy, lighting up darkness and bringing happiness, luck and protection against misfortune.

Lighting others’ lives with caring and kind deeds is another hallmark of the season. My neighborhood held a get-together and food drive this past week, gathering bags and boxes of food to be donated to local food pantries. Another neighborhood held a coat, gloves and hats drive, gathering those items in order to donate them to others in need.

During this past week, the Daily Herald has been sharing stories of people right here in our community who are struggling and could use help providing Christmas gifts for their children. Through United Way of Utah County’s Sub for Santa program, hundreds of families are served every year by local generous sponsors. The reasons people need help are varied: loss of job, single parenting, illness, house fires and more.

Here’s a way many local people share light with others every year – the Forgotten Patient Project at the Utah State Hospital. Dozens of patients are given Christmas presents every year through the donations of strangers. This wonderful project brings some holiday joy to patients, both children and adults, who may not normally receive gifts or even have visitors. Those wishing to donate are matched up with patients and given a list of items the patient would like. What a beautiful way to share light with people whose lives are so difficult.

Whether you donate gifts, food or money, or perhaps you simply share a smile or plate of cookies, stop by someone’s home for a visit or enjoy the beautiful Christmas lights, there are many ways to lighten and brighten during this holiday season.

For more information about the Sub for Santa program, visit https://unitedwayuc.org/get-involved/sub-for-santa/ or text or call the Sub for Santa hotline at 801-356-6300. For more information about the Utah State Hospital’s Forgotten Patient Project, contact camiroundy@utah.gov.