The holidays are almost over and we can all say "Amen." Every year around this time, I begin stressing over everything and trying to cram everything in during the few short weeks of my break. One of the things that I absolutely must squeeze in over break is my family. I don't just mean my mom, dad, and brother; I mean my entire extended family. I have a large family and each and every one of my extended family members are important to me. We are also all branching out and starting our own families (not me necessarily but my cousins and such.) Because of this, it takes a lot of planning to get us together and we often have several small holiday parties during the break to make sure everyone sees everyone. Growing up I thought this was what everyone did. I assumed everyone was close to aunts and uncles plus all the cousins that come along. I am learning now that this is not the case for everyone and that makes my constant changing of plans annoying to some people. I love my family though and they will always come first. They have always supported me no matter what and will continue to support me. They have always been there for me when I needed them. Because of this I will go to almost whatever holiday event I am asked to go to no matter what plans I have to change. Family is what matters during the holidays and my family will not be around forever. I am sorry I might inconvenience some of my friends and change plans. This doesn't mean you don't matter to me and I will make it by to spend time with you when I can. It just means that for a few nights out of my break, other people need to come first. This has not changed over the years and most likely will never change. So don't get mad when I cancel plans because of a family thing I have to go to. Just accept that I love my family and they love me and they will have to come first some nights just as you will come first other nights.