The most talked about thing at the end of each year is the holidays. Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve is all anyone worries about. Parents worry about getting presents, cooking dinner, and hosting family from out of town, while some kids worry about whether or not they’ll be getting the IPhone 7 in their stocking. People forget the purpose of the holidays because they are so focused on traditions and rushing to make the day perfect. The true meaning of the holidays are forgotten so easily.

1. Quality time with family

The holidays are always fun, but they’re better when spent with family. Not everyone has a family to be around for the holidays and that is something people who do have one take for granted. Eating dinner with your family is one of the best parts. You get to catch up and eat a great meal that God helped make possible. It is best to just forget about the craziness of the holidays and relax with your family. Watch some football, play some board games, and watch movies with them. Your family won't be here forever, but the stores will.

2. Christmas is the day that Jesus was born

Although it is great to receive gifts from “Santa” people forget the true meaning behind Christmas. Christmas is possible because it is the day that Virgin Mary gave birth to Jesus. Everyone gets so “wrapped” up into getting gifts for everyone and making sure that the kids have their wish lists made so you know what they want. The true meaning behind Christmas is that Jesus was born to save us from our sins and many people forget that because they are focused on other things. Take the time to go to Christmas mass and remember why we have Christmas in the first place.

3. Remember the less fortunate

While people worry about giving and receiving gifts they forget about those who don't even have a family to share a meal with. We pass up the little red bucket because we don't want to take the time to search our pockets for some loose change. You're excuse? You’re to busy shopping for presents. Many men and women are homeless with no warm clothes and no food to eat, but that doesn't cross our minds because we have all of that. They pray that one day they can have family and friends to spend the day with and soon not have to worry about where they’re going to sleep for the night. Everyone should take the time to do something for the less fortunate, whether it's with your church or on your own. The holidays are meant to give back and help those who are less fortunate.

So during the holidays this year take the time to remember the things that we forget. Volunteer at a soup kitchen, don't stress about giving gifts to everyone, and take your family to Christmas mass. The holidays are meant to give back and be stress free. Try some new traditions. Most importantly, always remember the true meaning of Christmas.