A few weeks ago, I wrote an article about hating the holidays. I received a lot of feedback on that article from people wondering how someone could potentially hate the holidays and I wanted to write a follow up article to clear up my feelings about the holidays a little bit. Yes, I do hate the holidays, I dislike the music, I dislike the family drama and politics behind it, and I really dislike trying to shop in the MASSIVE crowds of people.

Yet I love the idea behind it, givings gifts to people you love.

No I am not religious and do not really understand the entire religious history behind each of them. But giving to someone you love, even the smallest gift shows you care. And I am all about that life. I love showing the important people in my life how much I appreciate them. And this is the time of year where everyone shows it.

Even though you should always show your appreciation.

I like giving because I like to make people smile. Giving your best friend, or mom or sibling a small gift, even if it is just a pair of socks or cooking them their favorite meal puts a smile on their face. That is incredibly important. Happy people with smiles, melt my heart.

I like giving surprises (even though I hate them myself). I love to surprise the people I love with a gift especially when they aren't expecting it. They just get this little look on their face where they don't know what to expect, what it is or why they are getting a gift. It is incredibly nice to just make a difference in someone's day.

I am a big fan of trying to make someone's day just a little bit better.

People struggle with sadness, anger, depression, and other unknown illnesses. Sometimes, things as simple as a smile or a wave can make a HUGE difference. Unfortunately, a lot of the time people with these illnesses are not willing to share their feelings and put up a wall to hide the fact.

Now imagine giving someone you love a gift that completely changes their lives.

Yes, I believe that giving is important for everyone at all times of the year but I believe it is especially important during the holidays. This is because there are so many people who have increased emotions and sometimes need that extra pick me up.

SO although I am kind of a Grinch during the holidays (and it is totally okay!!) I am not a complete Grinch, I still get super excited about people opening the gifts I got them along with the excitement they have from other people as well.

To me, the holidays are more about making a difference than anything else.