“Maybe Christmas, he thought doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more.” – Dr. Seuss, The Grinch

Oh, Christmas time. By far my favorite time of the year. When December rolls around it means the ending of school, the beginning of a beautifully long break and time with the people I love most.

Buying presentsis always on my to-do list during Christmas. I want to buy something special for the people who love me unconditionally no matter the season. Presents are wonderful and can show people that you care, but instead of buying presents, being present will take you much farther. Being present could mean anything from not having my phone at the dinner table to staying up late with my little brothers making ginger bread houses. How will you be present?

Making treatsis a tradition in our household during the holidays. For as far back as I can remember I have loved sitting at the kitchen counter with my family decorating sugar cookies, putting chocolate on the Christmas candy and making peppermint hot chocolate to indulge in while watching my favorite movie, Elf. However, it is not the making treats that I remember most. It’s the making memories. Christmas time is so special to me because I associate it with vivid memories and moments in time. This year, how will you make memories?

Seeing the lights– there is nothing I love more. Every year when we go to my Grandma’s house we go to Carthage, Missouri, to see the huge display of Christmas lights. Even when we are home, my family will hop in the car and drive around Paris looking at all the decorated houses. This year, instead of just seeing the lights, let’s try and be the light. Be the light in someone’s life by giving them a warm hug or basket of cookies. Be the light in someone’s life by donating to them food or clothes. This is the season of giving. How can you be the light?

Don’t be afraid to embrace the things that are truly most important this holiday season.