As the holiday season fills the air with cheer, there’s another kind of buzz circling conservative corners these days: the legacy of a certain well-known conservative figure. Charlie Kirk, the outspoken defender of free speech and fervent believer in, well, believing strongly in things, has left quite an impression on folks like Genie, who stood up to share her admiration recently. If Kumbaya enthusiasm with a dash of First Amendment flair is your cup of tea, then Genie is clearly sipping from the same pot.

Genie seemed to hold Kirk in high esteem, not just for his ability to get his point across to wide-eyed students, but because he wrapped it all up in an envelope of faith. It’s clear to see why she and others gravitated towards his message. Believing in God’s guidance is all well and good, but being able to think independently while doing it? That’s the kind of sermon that packs a pew with conservative nods.

Now, back to the business of generosity, it seems supporters have been opening their wallets wider than Santa’s waistline on Christmas Eve. Over a quarter of a million dollars have been raised by fans of Kirk. That’s some serious sleigh-full of support, tipping the scales of gratitude with no shortage of “thanks.” And in this season of giving, Genie sent her thank-yous skyward, hoping everyone would heed the simple call to be nice to one another. After all, isn’t that what the season—and the spirit of Kirk—aims for?

But it’s not all about just getting along. Genie pointed out a crucial part of the legacy, which is the response to negativity. She saw Kirk as someone who urged people to answer the “worst of them” with the “best of us.” While some might enjoy a good political sparring match, Genie—and she claims Kirk would too—seems to think fighting fire with good humor and a civil smile is the way to win the day.

And so, as the season of good cheer rounds the corner, Charlie Kirk’s tale echoes from platforms to pine-laden parlors: courageous stands, independent thought, and the never-ending story of common decency. Whether you’re decking the halls or debating the issues, that’s a legacy that might just see us through many merry seasons to come.