As I sit here and write this my vacation to New York is coming to a close. I spent two weeks in the state I was born and where most of my family still resides. I try to come back and visit at least once a year. I find it very important to make family a priority, whether they live around the corner or a few thousand miles away. Some people love the holidays and some people hate them. They can bring about a vast array of emotions. Regardless of how you feel about the holidays, it is a good time of the year to do some reflecting.

Do some reflecting about how your family influences you and how they make you feel on a daily basis. Whether good or bad your family has an influence on you and it is important to recognize that fact especially during the holiday season. As you sit back and reflect on the past year realize that you are very lucky to have your family. They probably play a larger role in your life then you even realize.

Each of our lives tends to be quite busy. It’s easy to let your family slip through the cracks in these busy times. While each of us is guilty of this the holidays are a good time to reconnect with your family and make them a priority. While you are doing your end of the year reflecting, take the time to realize this and make time in your schedule for your loved ones.

Money, cars, houses, jobs all come and go. It sounds so cliche but this one holds true, family is the only thing that remains when all of those other things are coming and going. I can almost guarantee that as each one of you takes some time to reflect this holiday season you will find times when these things I have mentioned have interfered or even altered the relationships you have with your family.

Don't be so naive this holiday season, take some time to reflect on the relationships you have with your family members and take some steps to improve or maintain them. Family is forever, so make the investment.