The warm air that fills the house, the tasty food, and the good company.
The way the presents crinkle as you unwrap them.
Sentiment that fills your heart as you look back on old memories.
Music that brings cheer and the way the lights on the tree twinkle against the shiny ornaments.

Among these wonderful feelings, we forget to give thanks, and appreciate all that we have.
We don’t always remember how good we have it, even when we think we don’t.
We’re not dodging bullets and warfare in Aleppo.
We don’t have to wonder when the pain inside our stomachs will be relieved by a bite of food.
Many people will never know what it is to be orphaned at a young age because of disease and lack of medical attention.
A lot of us unwrap the next present without a single worry regarding our survival.

For a lot of us, it’s easy to get caught up in our every day, first world lives.
Commercialism easily besieges us with its strong and tempting clutches, and often times we give in.
This usually happens with good intentions or motives, though we still forget to celebrate and give thanks for something that is actually priceless;
the meaning of life and the ability to share love.
In fact, this concept isn’t limited to the Christmas season.

To love and the ability to be loved is a powerful gift that we’ve already been granted.
We can continually unwrap it during our lifetime.
And the best part about it is that it’s a feeling like no other.
Love costs nothing.
Love doesn't have a monetary value or a price tag.
It is sustenance in our hearts, even after the holidays pass.
Unlike a new phone or a new coat, the satisfaction that it gives lasts like no other.
You never have to 'get a new one'.

So from my heart, this is a simple reminder for the holidays:
Hug your loved ones, and remind them how much you care about them.
Snuggle with your furry friends.
Appreciate the fact that you have a roof over your head, even if it’s not the best.
Enjoy all of the food that fills the table, don’t waste it, and appreciate the fact that you have the option to pick what you want.
Open those gifts knowing that you are lucky to have the ability to receive and/or purchase them.
Don’t dread the new year, welcome it with open arms, and be happy that you get to spend another year on this Earth, surrounded by love.
These are the things that we, more often than not, forget to give thanks for.

Please remember that while yes, there are struggles with anything in life, just take a second to truly appreciate the good things that surround you.
Find the positives in everything that you do.
Love more, find happiness, and most of all, have a wonderful Christmas or best of holidays, no matter how it’s celebrated.