My family is the most important thing to me, besides my faith of course. I grew up constantly surrounded by my cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents, and even great-grandparents. Needless to say, we're all extremely close and that happens even more so during the holiday season.

I've come to learn in the past few years that our long-standing traditions are going to have to change slightly, now that five of the eight cousins are out in the "real world."

I, for one, do not like changing traditions. I like things to be kept the same, everyone is together and no one has to miss out. But, I had to learn the hard way that my feelings about tradition had no effect on being able to take off work or book a flight.

Last year was the first year I was "by myself" on Christmas morning. It was just my parents and me, which is fine, but I didn't like the attention just being on me. And to be honest, I was incredibly sad. It had dawned on me in the middle of opening presents that my sister and her husband weren't there to celebrate with us. I had never spent a Christmas without her and I always enjoy spending time with my brother-in-law, so not having them there was difficult.

My mom and sister tried to explain that because they have a life together, they were going to start making traditions of their own and they would have to find a way to split time between both of their families. I understand that, but it's hard having things change after they have been a certain way my entire life

It's also still hard to get through Christmas without my dog, as simple as it sounds. Buddy was the first one down the stairs Christmas morning and he was more excited than my sister and I combined. He loved sticking his head into the box of toys and pulling each one out, or ripping open his box of treats to eat. No longer having him there to fill our morning with lots of laughter and kisses, is one of the hardest things for me to do.

This year, to spare me from dealing with the crises, my mom decided that we would have our own "Christmas Morning" when my sister and her husband come into town for our family Christmas. While it may not actually be on Christmas day, it will feel just as it should with music, the fireplace on, and my family together under one roof.

The holidays are about so much more than what you get wrapped in a bow or what delicious food you gobble down at Christmas dinner; it's about being with family and enjoying every second you have together.