Thanksgiving is over and our bellies are full and now we’re back to work and thinking about Christmas.

I know many people begin stressing around this time of year about getting the perfect gifts for their loved ones. We should consider ourselves lucky that shopping is actually something even on our stress radar, and not food or shelter.

I personally enjoy the holidays, mostly because of the time I get to spend with my family, not because of the bells and whistles that come with the seasons. Don’t get me wrong I enjoy decorating the tree, wrapping presents and giving gifts, but I know that is not what it’s all about. I feel like the holiday season becomes more and more commercialized each year. It’s all about buying this and buying that. Some commercials and advertisements seem to scream “your holiday will not be complete without this item.” Some feel the need to buy the perfect tree, the perfect decorations and the perfect gifts. Black Friday has creeped in as the uninvited guest at the Thanksgiving dinner table. Children are seeing this. I’m afraid each year, another little piece of the message gets lost.

I miss that warm and fuzzy feeling I got when I was a child around the holiday season. I would hope children now get that same happiness, and not just the longing for the next toy. My family and I have decided not to exchange gifts this year and simply enjoy each other’s company at the dinner table. We also do not have any young children in the family, so Santa is ok with this. 

For those of you stressing this holiday season, remember, the perfect gift is not an item you can go out and buy. It’s the laughter of a child on Christmas morning, it’s a hug from an uncle you haven’t seen in a while and it’s the smile of relief on your mother’s face after she realizes your cooking really isn’t all that bad.