With the holiday season and time off, I’ve been able to take a much-needed break; spend time with family and friends. And yes, watch Food Network religiously.

Nonetheless, a day spent with my nephew and niece made me realize the importance of being present and making memories.

It’s true that our lives get busy. They get hectic, stressful even. We have a hard time finding time for ourselves. We become less present with ourselves, our lives, and our experiences.

However, walking into my nephew and niece’s house this morning at 7:00am, seeing my niece’s eyes light up as she saw me and the hug I received was worth it. It’s a moment that doesn’t need to be captured by camera, but by memory. A mental snapshot for when you’re run down or missing home.

It was the best feeling when she came up to me (later in the day), halfway through playing, wrapped her arms around my neck and told me she loved me. Right out of the blue, in the middle of a game. Those are the moments you capture. Kodak moments you tuck away inside your head.

While driving home, my niece asked if we could go caroling (she recently had a Christmas concert and the songs were fresh in her head). Instead, we sang carols all the way home (our own mini concert for ourselves, although she was quick to tell me when I got a lyric wrong).

I told her we could go play outside when we got back. She asked if we could make a snowman. I quickly agreed, wanting to relieve some of my best childhood memories with her (plus, who doesn’t love playing in the snow like a kid?).

“The biggest snowman in the whole, wide world?” she asked, eyes glimmering.

“Of course!” I replied.

And that’s what we did. The snow was perfect for packing and rolling the pieces for our trusty Snowman. We finished, high-fived, and went to warm up inside. At night, she asked me if he was alive yet (Frosty reference).

In light of this, take time to appreciate these small moments over the holiday season and every day, for that matter. We get busy, but that does not mean we can’t be present in the moments that we share with others. Let’s remember that Christmas isn’t about the presents, but the presence. Be present in your lives and make memories worth storing.