In the aftermath of retail door-busters and Black Friday sales, it seems that the true meaning of the holiday season becomes more and more difficult to find. People are so concerned over finding the perfect gift, that they ultimately lose sight of what is truly important, family and friends.

Over 300 years ago, the people of Plymouth and a Tribe called the Wampanoag created a wonderful feast, sharing a plethora of foods. A few hundred years later, the day of "Thanksgiving" was marked as a holiday. Coincidentally, the state of New York was the first state to adopt this this tradition.

However, as each year progresses, I worry that our own state will soon forget our past time. In the early 1600s, Black Friday and Cyber Monday did not exist. There were no malls, shopping plazas, or department stores. People were not worried about finding the perfect gift. So, the real question is, why are we spending so much time in these stores when we should be spending time with our families?

But, this is not the only thing that concerns me.

In 2014, 25.6 million people left their homes to shop on Thanksgiving day. But with the large crowds of shoppers, comes severe injuries. On Black Friday in 2012, two people were shot in a Walmart parking lot. They had been arguing over a parking space. In 2008, a Walmart employee was trampled to death by a group of angry shoppers.

Seriously? We're talking about tangible goods here. There are no items that possess more value than a human life. This story was absolutely heartbreaking.

Furthermore, what makes me even more angry is the fact that a majority of stores are open on Thanksgiving day. So, while most CEOs and CFOs sit at home with their families, their employees are missing Thanksgiving dinner. Some have to cut their trips short, while others aren't able to leave at all. Where has this "tradition" gone? People need to realize that buying gifts are not important. There is no guarantee that your aunt, uncle, brother or sister will be sitting at the table next thanksgiving. Life is short, and anything can change in a blink of an eye.

If there is anything that life has taught me so far, it is that you should never take anything or anyone for granted. The holiday season is meant for spending time with our loved ones, and sharing memories that will last a lifetime.

So, let us take the time to be thankful for everything, and everyone in our lives. But most importantly, let's put down the shopping bags, and make this year's holiday season the best one yet.