As the holidays make their way around again, all of the stress that comes with them is fast approaching. Are you prepared for the immense amounts of people shopping on Black Friday, Christmas Eve and all the way up until Christmas from here on out?

Despite the stress, the real reason for this is to remind those of you who are already panicking about money and gifts to relax. It's not all about that stuff.

The holiday season brings with it so much happiness and cheer. Probably what you hear every year, right?

It's very important to remember this. Whatever holiday(s) you celebrate, you've got to remember why you're celebrating.

Photo by Toa Heftiba

Some holidays are marked to celebrate gods/goddesses, historic people, objects, etc. While gifts are a fun addition, family and spending time together are the main focal points.

You can't put a price on happiness. Whether you choose to believe someone who says money can buy happiness or not, the reality is that it can't. Could money buy you a new mom or dad? Could money buy you a new brother or sister?

Nope. The physical things that money can buy are endless - but memories, experiences, and time are things that it can't buy. It just doesn't compare.

If you're thinking that you can show how much you care about someone by what you buy them or how much money you spend on them, it's not worth it. Reality is that physical things like clothes, purses, wallets, jewelry, etc. can, over time, become worn, outgrown, rusted or lost.

Comfort things like food, flowers, or cookies/sweets are temporary but are worth the money because food can be shared with others that you love. And who doesn't bond over good food?

Having a "Friendsgiving", potluck or holiday celebration of some sort as a bonding event are the best types of things to consider; why? Because they create memories that are etched into our minds and lives until the end of time. Pictures are also worth a thousand words that money can't buy either.

Photo by Sabri Tuzcu

If you're able to spend time with your family for the holidays that you celebrate, go visit them. They'll only be around for so long (not wishing death on anyone here), and they love you.

For those not fortunate enough to have a family to see or spend time with, show those around you who could be a family how much you love and appreciate them. Friends and significant others are there for you too.

The best gift that could be given to someone would have to be your time. If you spend time with those whom you love, it shows them that they're so important to you that you found a block of time in your day to see them and catch up with them. If that's not enough for you, you've got it all wrong.

Monetary items are nice to have for gifts and gestures, but the real picture is so much happier and brighter with people and time. Go show your friends and family that you love them.

Happy Holidays.

Photo by Ben White