Today’s theme: Christmas

Christmas day is finally upon us. It is only one day away now. Christmas is both a sacred religious holiday and a worldwide cultural and commercial phenomenon. For two millennia, people around the world have been observing it with traditions and practices that are both religious and secular in nature. The Christmas season is a time when people come together with charities and organizations as a way to share in the festivities. We get into all the history and culture behind this celebratory day, as well as ways we can give to others in need.

>>>The Conversationalist with

Professor Abraham Shragge

from business communications group at KAIST school of business, studying public policy and civil society

“Can you first tell us how charity organizations operate as vital parts of modern society?

We have many philanthropic organizations working hard to promote their causes, but the actual amount of donation is estimated to be lower than countries with similar GDPs. How can we increase participation in philanthropic causes?”

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Dr. Ruth Shapiro

founder and chief executive of the Center for Asian Philanthropy and Society

“Korea's non-profit sector’s close relations with the government can be healthy or unhealthy depending on how we look at it, but clearly last year's scandal involving Mir and K-sports foundation and alleged bribery to presidential office has shadowed the reputation of these non-profit foundations and their link with the government. How can the non-profit sector of Korea become more independent?”

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Dr. Stephen Law

philosopher and teacher at Heythrop College, University of London, and the author of The Xmas Files: The Philosophy of Christmas

“Your book speaks about the philosophy of Christmas. But before we delve deeper into the philosophy, can you tell us a bit about how the holiday has become a global and worldwide phenomena?”

>>>Media Monster

Christmas with a Capital C

>>>Next week: 2017 A Little of a Lot Recap