The constant hustle and bustle during the months of November and December are a busy time.  Between crazy work schedules, the headache of midterms and sports it seems like time is constantly running away from you.  With the holidays coming up, most people find them to be days to finally get some sleep, eat tons of good food and watch the football game.  But are the holidays just a day off from school and work?  The easy answer would be yes, but the holidays are worth so much more.

The holidays are a time to spend with family and friends and to catch up with them.  Most importantly, it’s a time to be thankful.  Not just thankful for iPhones, Instagram or any other material things.  But to be thankful for things that matter or for things that have made a change in your life.  Holidays are often overlooked because of Black Friday sales, the memorable football games, the rushing of getting the perfect gifts and the hours of cooking for the family.  However, it’s a time for us to sit back from all the work and to just see all the blessings you’ve been given.  It’s easy to forget your blessings and get frustrated over things.  But, the holidays give you that time to sit down and reflect upon those blessings.  And spending time with family or helping someone else may help you remember to be thankful during this time.

According to ABC News, the average American will spend $700 on holiday gifts which gives a grand total of $465 billion during the Christmas season.  Often people focus on finding the right gift for the right person.  This means hours of shopping online or in a store and spending less time actually celebrating Christmas.  The time spent doing these things should be spent on celebrating the season either by listening to a few carols or watching a good Christmas movie.  And maybe not even paying for gifts but going on a big family trip together as a gift for everyone.

Work and school are stressful for everyone in any way shape or form.  Let the holidays be a time to just breathe and forget about all your worries for a moment.  It’s hard to do so nowadays with social media and what seems like constant breaking news, but maybe try to avoid those things by focusing on what really matters.  Whether it be with family and friends, volunteering at a shelter, helping a neighbor or even simply sitting at home with your PJ’s catching up on your new Netflix show.

One way to help others during the holidays are helping the families affected by the massive fire in Paradise, California.  According to the Los Angeles Times on November 27, there have been 88 people announced dead and 2700 people missing.  Many families are facing relocation, some homelessness, and most importantly loss right before the holidays.  To help these families you can donate to them through the Global Giving’s Fire Relief fund or texting “CAWILDFIRES” to 90999.

Take this time to enjoy the holidays and remember the real meaning.  Remember that you don’t have to only be thankful and spend time with family on the holidays but take advantage during your time off to do so.

Happy Holidays and see you next year!