TIMMINS – The Christmas season is a time of celebration, but it's also a period when student finances can get tight. In recognition of this, Northern College in Timmins is kicking off the holiday with 12 Days of Christmas bursaries.

In the spirit of giving, the college has already provided over $70,000 in bursaries to students, and with its 12 Days of Christmas bursaries, it will be providing an addition $4,200 each day.

College officials say the motivation to give comes from the fact that students can experience both financial and emotional stress during the winter months.

"Many of our students have families that they take care of and they're also trying to prepare them for the holidays. So it is a stressful time, but of course, extra funding during that time eases a lot of people concerns," said Amanda Farrow, Northern College.

Students apply for the grants by submitting a 300-word essay about their experience in the north, whether they're born and raised here or new to the region.

Northern College President Fred Gibbons says the bursaries offer relief to not only fresh students but also those who choose school later in life.

"Indirect learners generally have families and other commitments, mortgage obligations, car payments and things like that. So, this can get to be a very stressful time of year while you're going to school and not able to earn income," he explained.

Officials at the college say giving during the holidays is the foundation of the Christmas season with the addition of getting everyone into the Christmas spirit with a classic carol.