Two weeks from today is Christmas Day. Growing up, Christmas was my favorite holiday. I couldn't understand how anyone could not love Christmas (aside from those who don't celebrate it) and all that came with it; presents, great food and family. I'm not a deeply religious person and I'm not going to pretend like celebrating the birth of Jesus was my favorite part(I grew up in a Catholic home).

Fast-forward several years to today. Like many, Christmas now brings a whole lot of stress and even some awkward conversations with it. As I eluded to in the last sentence, I realize many people stress out around this time of year about finding enough money to afford all of the gifts, preparing extravagant meals for extended family and/or maybe you had too many cocktails and said the wrong thing to your boss at the company Christmas party.

I'm not going to lay a guilt trip on anyone and ask you to remember the real reason we celebrate or remind you how many will be without presents or the company of family and friends (I firmly believe in helping those in need if you can). While both are genuinely great things to remember, Christmas for many is a "keeping up with the Joneses" holiday. They don't wish it were like that. It just is. Remember when Tickle Me Elmo was the hot ticket item in front of Christmas in the late 90's? A $50 stuffed animal. Now it's $500 game consoles like PS4 and Xbox One.

What I would like to do is remind you to take a minute a enjoy the Christmas lights, enjoy the company of your elder family members (if you're fortunate to have them around), savor every bite of those delicious Christmas cookies and rather than think of ways to pay off your outrageous credit card bill, remember how much joy you brought to the people opening your gifts and be thankful you don't have to wear pink bunny pajamas that Aunt Clara gave you.

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