It is that time of year again; families come together, there is more food on the table than you could ever imagine eating and people are running through malls and department stores trying to find the perfect gifts.

When the holiday frenzy starts to take over, take a step back and remember the true meaning of the holidays: giving and being thankful.

Whether it is eating turkey with your loved ones on Thanksgiving or exchanging presents with your family and friends over the holiday season, it is a time of giving and being thankful for the things, and more importantly, the people around you.

Between running around for gifts and finding all the best deals, it is easy to forget about what the true meaning of the holidays is all about. Instead of spending all your time focusing on the latest trend or what to get that person for Christmas, how about we spend more time with one another?

"How has the new job been going?"

"What are the kids doing these doing?"

"How have the cousins been?"

It is amazing how much more we can learn about each other when we take the time to enjoy each other's company.

Yes, it has become an important tradition throughout the years to get each member of the family and each one of your friends the best gifts, but the best gift of all is the time spent together.

This holiday season, take a step back and look around. The people in front of you are the ones you love and cherish. They are the ones you choose to spend these special days with, so they must mean something to you.

Whether you get them the newest Apple Watch or a candy bar, the most important gift of all should be time spent with your loved ones. Stop stressing over the little things and enjoy what matters: your family and friends.