When I was younger the holidays being right around the corner only meant one thing to me - presents. We would get catalogs in the mail from places like Target, Walmart, or Toys R Us, and sit around for hours circling things that we (thought) we needed. It was all about what would be under the tree on Christmas morning and how early we would get up to open gifts. Though it never was too early because my older brother just had to sleep in. Looking back at the years that were centered around all of the gifts makes me sad that I didn't realize the true value of Christmas a little sooner.

Growing up with my mind centered around the latest toy that was out or the newest electronic on the market was a blast, don't get me wrong. As I get older though I've come to learn that the true meaning of any holiday, not just Christmas, is who you spend your time with. Think about who you spend the holidays with, would it be the same without them? Many of us wouldn't have the same foods or holiday traditions if it wasn't for Aunts, Uncles, Grandparents, and our immediate family. Talking to many people my age I realize that they too have come to enjoy the time spent rather than the gifts that are given.

As I've gotten older I have also realized that rather than gifts, I want experiences. Over the past 3 or 4 years, my family has taken a vacation around Christmas time and skipped the "gift" aspect of Christmas. How can you be mad about not getting presents when you wake up Christmas morning and get to go snowboarding? All of the memories that I have made with my family over the past few years and the memories I continue to make with each holiday travel will stay with me a lot longer than any toy or electronic that I have received in the past. These travels have also made me realize that it's not just about the holiday destination but the journey itself.

My older brother recently moved to San Francisco and it was so hard to picture the holiday season without him. By the time my mom reads this article the secret will be out that, thankfully, Jesse got to fly home for Thanksgiving. Having family that doesn't live close is a huge struggle I've started to see. Surrounding yourself with those you love over the holidays can become challenging when they are a five-hour plane ride away.

This holiday season I challenge you to take a step back from all of the gifts on the market. Put your iPhone down on Thanksgiving dinner. Wake up Christmas morning and spend it curled up watching Hallmark movies with your family. Enjoy the company this holiday season, as well as the memories, food, and holiday traditions.