Recently I was walking around a store when I heard a group of young girls talking about how if they didn't receive a certain gift from their parents, Christmas would be ruined. I couldn't believe I had actually heard that. Did they not realize what Christmas was really about?

Growing up I have always loved the holiday season. Coming home for Thanksgiving where there is going to be incredible food to eat while watching the football game and knowing that the next day we will be cutting down our Christmas tree. And being part of a big family with multiple siblings I have noticed that Christmas has always been one of my favorite holidays. Now, I grew up in a pretty religious family. My parents always made it a point that we went to church on Sunday, and youth group during the week. Our parents wanted us to know who God was and what he had done for us, and how we would never be alone because he was always standing by our side no matter what happened. So when it came to Christmas time, my parents made sure we knew why we were celebrating through our own traditions.

On Christmas Eve before heading to bed, we always sit around the fire to read whatever Christmas book my mom found that year and later instead of writing a letter to Santa, we wrote letters to Jesus before putting them in this gold stocking in the center of our mantle. In these letters we would say happy birthday, things we were thankful for that happened in the last year, and any hardships we were dealing with. These were letters between Jesus and ourselves that no one else would ever read (No seriously. There are about 9 years of letters in there that have never been looked at). Then we would wake up early on Christmas morning and light candles before singing happy birthday to Jesus.

As I have gotten older I have realized that my parents weren't lying when they said life gets hard and you get busy and stress takes over your life. Being in college I have learned what it's like to be broke. To be so exhausted that the only way to keep moving is with so much caffeine you're surprised you haven't had a heart attack yet. And to be so stressed out that all you can do is wish you were a kid again. And although this year has been different with having siblings working on Christmas and having to celebrate early, I have been reminded over and over the true meaning of Christmas. CHRISTmas is to celebrate Jesus' birth and all he has done for us. Christmas is not about the gifts or the vacations you get to go on, or even being on a break from school. Christmas is about spending time with your loved ones and enjoying your time together.

When you come home for the holidays remember why you have that break from school or why you get a few days off from work. The holidays are meant to be spent surrounded by loved ones laughing, smiling and making memories together. CHRISTmas is a day meant to celebrate Him surrounded by those who love us and make our days a little better just by being around.

Happy Holidays to all of you. I hope you are surrounded by love and happiness while remembering the true meaning of Christmas.