Every holiday, you can expect just about the same thing from your family. Your traditions may differ from mine, but they are still so similar. However, is it the same without that one person?

Each family has that one person that holds the family together. There is that one cousin that never fails to find something to pick on you with. That one uncle who has to be the center of attention and everyone secretly wishes they will just sit down and stuff their face. That one aunt that pulls you aside and tries to hear about all the "crazy" things you have done while being away. There is that one cousin you find yourself getting yelled at with because you might knock the food off the table. There is that one person who tries to start some kind of argument. There is even the dog who is waiting at the bottom of your feet waiting for you to drop something on accident or because you don not really like your aunt's macaroni salad. But without having all of these people and their crazy, fun and loving personalities, it is not the same.

A lot can happen in a year. You never know who will be there for the next holiday get together. You never know who you will still be talking too and call a friend when Christmas rolls around the corner next month. So why not take the time now to let them know they are appreciated? When they pull you in for a hug, do not be the first one to pull away. When your grandparents or aunt(s)/uncle(s) ask how school is going, go into detail about that one class you cannot stand and the two parking tickets you accidentally got. Oh and do not forget to tell them how poor and starving you are, secretly hinting at them to send a care package or two with some of your favorite goodies.

Next time we spend time with our family, we need to make sure we pay more attention to who is there. We need to remember the good times of those that are not there with us anymore. We need to appreciate the time that we do spend at the moment because you never know when you will get that chance again. Holidays just are not the same once you lose someone special.