Every year for Christmas, instead of giving gifts, my great-aunt takes all the adults in our family out to a fancy brunch. Finally turning 18 and being invited to brunch was a milestone for me. It meant I was finally grown-up, and I finally got to see what went on at those annual outings.

Turns out, it's not that different from any family gathering we have, except we're a little fancier, and a little more civil - being in public and all. This year I attended my second post-Christmas brunch, and was amazed yet again at how something so seemingly simple can mean so much.

We went to a small waterfront restaurant in Irvington, New York, on an early January Sunday morning. Unlike other holidays, where there are sometimes people missing because they are at other parties, brunch is one sure time that my entire family can get together. Being able to get us all in one place at one time is a blessing in and of itself.

Of course, the food was amazing and delicious, but the best part of the meal happens in between courses. The chance to laugh and talk with my family, without the stress of holidays, or the interruption of cooking and cleaning and preparing, is truly something that I had underappreciated in the past. This family meal makes me remember to be grateful for the time I am able to spend with my family.

My family, never ones to let the party end, move from the restaurant to a local bar, a familiar place for some of us. Being with my family in public isn't always easy, as we are a loud, often embarrassing, bunch. On that day though, I relished in the chance to prolong the day, to stay together for just two or three more hours.

Especially in college, it is very easy to feel like you don't have the time to spend on family. There are classes to take, parties to attend, and tasks to complete. This brunch is such a special gift to me, because it reminds me to step back from my life once in a while and just enjoy the time I have with the people most important to me. I am glad to forfeit a gift card or a new coat for the opportunity to be with people that I love for a little extra time.

This year, set an intention to spend more time with the people in your life - your friends, your partners, and especially your family. Recognize the importance that they hold over trivial things like gifts, grades, or money. In the end, it is these people who stay with us, these people who support us, and these people who bring us true joy and comfort.