Nov 25, 2014 2 min read

Just like that, another holiday season has arrived. Christmas decorations have been adorning the malls since Halloween – possibly even before – and parking lots are already packed with folks eager to get a jump on their holiday shopping.

Despite much debate and some consumer backlash, the number of stores opening for Black Friday shopping on Thanksgiving day has grown. By now, if you are a Thanksgiving or Black Friday shopper, you’ve got your game plan mapped out, and have combed through store circulars to ensure great deals.

But before you stuff the bird into the oven, before you stuff yourself with turkey and all of the trimmings, and before you head out to stuff shopping carts full of gifts, take a minute and remember why we celebrate the holidays.

We aren’t talking about remembering history lessons about the pilgrims and the Indians, nor are we talking about Sunday school Advent instruction.

We are talking about family. After all, what is a Thanksgiving feast without those we love gathered around the table to share it with? And what is the point of those Black Friday deals without seeing friends and families’ faces light up with delight upon opening the package?

There are a great many of people who will tell you that they don’t need a tangible gift to open on Christmas morning – they just want to spend time with their loved ones.

Life is so fleeting and short, and you never know if this is going to be someone’s final holiday. So, hug your loved ones. Call your great aunts and uncles. Reach out to an old friend. Invite someone with no place to go over for dinner. Making the holiday season special for someone else makes it special for you, too.

From The Almanac’s family to yours, happy holidays – however long or short they may be.