It has been a debate as to what the true meaning of Christmas is, usually the main topic of religion coming into play. But it should not have to be whether you celebrate a religion or not, and even if you do not celebrate Christmas at all. This season is about giving--not just material items, but giving love and enjoying the company of your closest family and friends.

Growing up I was raised to have a Catholic Christmas, and I have always enjoyed that aspect of Christmas, because that is in my definition of Christmas. But what is also in my definition of Christmas is the value of spending time with the people I love.

So many people I know, especially this year, are trying their best to scrape together money so that they can buy presents for loved ones. I hate that is has become an expectation to buy the biggest and best gifts each year. I will admit that I enjoy getting them every now and then, but sometimes we all get so swept up in this commercialization and expectation that we forget why we're buying gifts in the first place.

We love our family and friends and of course want to buy them the best and only the best, but at the same time, we forget the greatest gift of all; simply letting others know what it means to have them in our lives. I think that is taken for granted all year round, and we have forgotten to practice it all year round.

By just telling someone you appreciate everything they do for you, it can really reach someone and make their day. I know that personally. My family members have been telling me that they are so glad I am home from college, from the minute I came back. It has made me feel more loved and appreciated than ever.

So if you are stressing about the gift buying aspect of Christmas or Hanukkah or whatever you celebrate around this time of year, I encourage you to take a step back and realize what you have is more important than what you do not. Material items will make your family members happy, but what sticks with people is the feeling of love and gratitude.

If you feel overwhelmed, get small and meaningful gifts, which could even just be a letter expressing gratitude for a family member or friend. I think they are more likely to remember that than some 100 dollar gift that you had to throw together.

Even if whoever you are giving a sentimental gift to does not show emotion very well, they will be affected by it, even if they do not show it. We all like to know what we mean to others, even if we struggle with expressing it.

I encourage you to reach out to your loved ones this Christmas season, because the true meaning of Christmas is celebrating whatever way you do with the people you love.