Think back in time for a minute. Remember how when you were in grade school and someone would ask you your favorite holiday. Whoever said Christmas gave the obvious reason...presents. Christmas has always been my favorite holiday, but it’s past the point of the getting presents—it’s for so much more.

When I was younger, I remember Christmas Eve and Christmas Day being surrounded by nothing but family. Don’t get me wrong, it still is spent with family, but things are different now. Christmas Eve used to be spent with my dad’s side of the family and Christmas Day was spent by my mom’s family. Christmas Eve is now spent with both sides of the family, while Christmas Day is spent with immediate family.

The older I get, the more I learn how to appreciate the holiday for what it truly is. It’s more than just a day...it’s an entire season. This time is not about the count of how many presents have your name on them under your tree, it’s about who you gave to and what you gave to them. Presents shouldn’t be a top priority, and they definitely should not define your Christmas. I was too young at the time to fully realize this, but if I could change anything, it would be to have my grandmother here with us celebrating. This is the time of year we should put greed for ourselves aside and focus on our family and loved ones.

Family will always be number one in my life, so to properly care for them and give back to them what they’ve supplied to me throughout the years on at least one day out of the year is the least I can do. Just remember that even if that Apple watch you most desperately need isn’t wrapped all nice with a pretty bow this year, it’s not the end of the world. Try to keep in mind the true meaning of the holiday.