With this holiday season in full swing, it's easy to let little things slip by. But one thing not so little, but somehow lost in the shuffle of decorating, baking and wrapping, is that 52 years ago on Dec. 1, Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on the bus to a white passenger.

So how does this all tie in to the holiday, you might ask.

That answer is simple.

The holiday season, whether you are of the Christian faith or something else, is all about giving and sharing. It's about celebrating and appreciating loved ones who have impacted our lives. Parks has impacted each of us.

By standing up for her own individual rights, she stood up for each of us in some way, shape or form. She was defending the unborn child, the single parent or the AIDS patient.

And just like the lights that shine down from the tree or the candles glowing away, she shone a ray of hope to anyone who faced adversity.

One could argue that Parks was actually the North Star for the Civil Rights movement, guiding leaders toward a resolution that would treat every individual fairly and equally in the eyes of the law.

But I challenge anyone who thinks we are all created equal. In fact, Ms. Parks would likely argue that same point, too.

Rather, consider the argument that we are all created unequal, but deserve an equal chance to prove our skills on a level playing field.

Similarly, the holiday season provides each of us a chance to prove how unique we are by purchasing or making a gift that tells our family members and friends that they are special to us. They are, in essence, unequal to anyone else in our lives.

To be sure, the Civil Rights movement has produced some controversial legislation, such as Affirmative Action. However, Parks' actions pushed leaders in government and business to make serious, significant changes in policy and procedure during the past 50-plus years, much of which has had a positive impact on not just the United States, but the entire world.

The holiday season also pushes each of us to make changes in our own personal policies or philosophies. It's a time to reflect on the past year and re-evaluate where we are in this world and where we want to go.

Our nation is experiencing this right now, as we are going through a myriad of presidential hopefuls from a multitude of races and genders. What a great country that boasts of candidates that are women, men, black, white and Hispanic! It's tremendously gratifying to pound my chest and say this is my country, and these are my candidates. My country is the best in the world!

Cynics will no doubt argue with me, and that's OK. In fact, that's their right, a right that Rosa Parks quietly, but earnestly defended, more than 50 years ago.

During this holiday season, take a moment to stop and look around at the freedoms we enjoy. Stand up and be proud this year, just like Rosa Parks did.