When the holidays come around, the world completely transforms. The people surrounding us are (usually) a little nicer, there is a sense of togetherness and joy fills the cold December air. But despite the happiness the holiday season brings, it can be easy to get caught up in the greed that often accompanies this time of year.

This greed is evident in our malls, in our homes, online and basically everywhere during the holidays. And who is to blame? I love shopping. But allowing consumerism to cloud the way in which we view the holiday season is not what this time of year is about.

This is part of the reason that I have never gone Black Friday shopping, and I most likely never will. I'm always disgusted watching the news the next day, looking at the numerous ways in which people fumble over one another to reach the things they want.

Even though it's nice to go shopping for loved ones and bring joy to people who need it, it's important to remember that materialism is not the answer. Spending time together, sharing memories, following family traditions and reflecting on seasons past will always bring more joy to me than any sale ever could.

Our society has become a slave to capitalism, and I find it sad that most people are blind to it. Staying humble and recognizing that we have everything that we need with our family members and friends is incredibly important not only during the holiday season but every single day.

I'm not saying to exclude yourself from the festivities of the holidays but having a filter that emphasizes being humble and thankful helps to emphasize what the holidays are really all about.

Regardless of what you celebrate, how you celebrate or who you choose to celebrate with, keep spreading the love, happiness and joy that is so important to each and every person that walks this planet. Happy Holidays!