The best time of year is from the end of November to the end of December. Families from all around the world come together to celebrate different holidays and family traditions. Even though it is the time for giving and not as much receiving, sometimes people tend to forget forget what the holidays are all about. Here are a few things to remember this holiday season.

Staying humble is important. There are always people that are going to have more or less than you. Even if you're not happy with a gift someone got you, just remember that it's the thought that counts. Teaching kids to stay humble is also very important. This helps avoid the situation of bragging about their new gifts they got for Christmas and making fun of another kid that didn't get as much as they did.

Be kind to others. This should be an all around year thing but it's pretty significant during the holidays. You never know what someone is going through. If you know someone that doesn't have a family to go home to during the holidays, invite them to wherever you're going! There were times where my family wasn't really doing anything for the holidays and I would go to one of my friend's houses and spend Christmas Eve with her family.

Take advantage of quality family time. Life is never guaranteed and I always feel so lucky knowing I have a great family to spend the holidays with. I always try to tell my family how much I love them and how grateful I am for everything they do. Let your friends and if you have a significant other know you love them too!

Taking time to make or buy a thoughtful gift can sometimes be more meaningful than buying the most expensive thing. Money does not buy happiness! Putting some thought and time into a gift tends to get a bigger reaction.

I know that these are all simple and obvious things, but I've noticed in the past in myself and others around me that these values are forgotten about. I believe in good karma and I also believe in treating others the way that I would want to be treated. One of my sorority's core values is respect. I try to abide by this value throughout my everyday life, and even more so during the holidays. Let's make this year's holidays the best ones yet!