The time of family is upon us as the Thanksgiving turkeys and cornucopias transition into Christmas trees, gingerbread houses and festive lights.  For the next few weeks as you prepare for the delicious food and presents that come with the ‘most wonderful time of the year,’ remember what the holidays are really about: family.

No matter what or how you celebrate, this is a time of coming together with your loved ones. The best way to connect with relatives you may see only a handful of times throughout the year is to bring it back to the basics.

Instead of worrying about what gifts to give or what gifts to get, take a moment to remember what this time used to mean to you as a child. Was it filled with decorating, watching Elf, or making cards to those less fortunate? If so, bring those traditions back.

Contrary to popular belief, the only thing that needs to be spent is time with your family. That is all anyone really wants. Soon, the holidays are the only time you’ll be with your family, so make it count while you can.

Some of the best gifts you can give are to those you don’t know. In many elementary schools growing up, we had the opportunity to make holiday cards for children in hospitals. This brightens the day of the children who can’t spend their holidays at home. Or, if you’re shopping and you see socks on sale, buy them and donate them to a local homeless shelter. Socks are the most needed and the least donated items. Little things like that will make a world of difference.

The holidays are not meant to stress you out. Take this holiday season back to your childhood traditions. Wear a Santa Hat while you decorate you Christmas tree, bake cookies with your mom, talk to your Grandmom about her life, make paper chains while eating a candy cane and blare holiday music.

Make the most of this holiday season and happy tradition keeping!