Furby, Playskool, Barbie, Santa.

Christmas cookies, sledding, roaring fireplaces, friends.

There are wonderful aspects and not-so-wonderful aspects of the holiday season.

First, the good stuff.

As the semester and 1998 come to a close, we can take a much needed break.

We can reflect upon our accomplishments and make goals to improve upon our mistakes.

Much has happened in 1998. We watched the fate of our president being decided. We debated a dry Veishea — again — and we witnessed the hog producers’ struggle as prices dropped to an all-time low.

Now is the time to figure out what it all means.

The holidays also are a time to share time with the ones we love.

Whether you see your family once a year or once a day, the holidays make your time together special.

Now, the bad stuff.

Depression cripples many who can’t get home or have no family or friends.

Revelers who have had a few too many don’t hesitate to get behind the wheel, with often disastrous consequences.

Children who have everything get more, while those who have nothing are lucky if they have a warm coat and something to eat.

Enjoy winter break, but don’t forget to call that cab if you need one.

Don’t forget to take a moment to express your love and reflect on your life thus far.

And, most importantly, don’t forget to give as well as you receive.

Even if you think you have nothing, there is one thing that almost everybody can contribute — time.

It only takes 20 minutes to stop at a nursing home and brighten an elderly person’s day.

You need to clean out your closet anyway, so why not take the decent stuff down to your local charity?

It’s been a great semester. Let’s make next one even better.

Happy Holidays.