As the season of giving comes closer and closer, this makes certain people feel more anxious. It makes some families worry about how they are going to afford these things their children want. Other families are going through a tough time with the loss of a job or the loss of a friend. While these things may cross your mind or if you have things or events stressing you out this time of year, try and let it go and just think about the things to be thankful for. There are so many.

I am thankful for my family and the support they have given me throughout my whole life. I would not be the same person without them.

I am thankful for my friends that have stuck by me through thick and thin.

I am thankful for love, and for the gift of the most caring boyfriend I could ever ask for.

I am thankful for being able to finally love myself, when I couldn’t before.

I am thankful for the opportunities that I have been given as a student and for the community service opportunities that the Salvation Army gives me.

When you go home for winter break, think about the things that you may be thankful for, it could be anything, and here are some things for you to think about.

1. Your family.

They're there for you and love you and support you. Cherish them!

2. Gingerbread men.

Even if you are not a fan of gingerbread, just think about how fun it is to make them and how cute they look!

3. Your home.

There's always a place for you to go back to.

4. The food on your table that some may not receive this holiday.

Food! We forget how important it is, but definitely be thankful on this holiday for all of the food you'll be eating!

5. Hot cocoa.

Because who doesn’t love hot cocoa on a cold winter night?

6. The beautiful Christmas lights that you can go around and look at with no cost.

This is such a fun thing to do, highly suggest it!

7. The company that you will be surrounded by this holiday time.

All of those people love you and love spending time with you, embrace it.

8. People are grateful for you.

So don’t stress about the gifts you feel you should buy because people just enjoy being around you for their holiday.

9. Sitting bundled up by the warm fire.

This is the most relaxing thing you can do on a cold winter night.

10. The love in the air that you can experience in the house on such a happy holiday.

Take a look around on Christmas and look at all the smiling faces, if that doesn't brighten your mood, I don't know what will.

11. Any of your pets that produce compassion and stress relief for you.

How can you not love snuggling with them on a cold night?

12. Your health.

There are so many struggling with various health issues, be thankful for health.

13. Snow ball fights and snowmen.

You may hate snow, which I can say I am not particularly a fan, but how can you resist a little fun in the snow?

14. Christmas decorations.

When my house is all winterized and looks all full of warmth and Christmas, it’s one of the best feelings. Go decorate! It’s more fun than you think.

There are so many important things in our lives that do not revolve around money or gifts or stress. Take a step back and look at the big picture of life and how important it is to count your blessings and to be thankful for the things and people you do have instead of worrying about those things you may lack the possession of.