One of my favorite Christmas traditions is with my family. It’s simple. Although we enjoy large gatherings with other family members over a fancy meal, this particular tradition is not like that. It’s nothing special, or special to anyone else, but special to only me and my family. 

That’s what traditions should be like, right? Especially at Christmastime. Holiday traditions don’t have to be special. They don’t have to be fancy. They can simply be spending time with loved ones, sitting around a table.  

My favorite Christmas memory? It includes sitting with my family and sharing laughs while watching a Christmas comedy film. Every time it comes on the TV guide, we have to put it on. It’s a must. It’s a need. It’s a requirement. We have to keep it on every time it comes on and no one is allowed to change the channel. We all subconsciously agree that we have to watch that movie, no matter how many times we’ve seen it. 

It’s December. You’re probably thinking about all the things you have to get done this season: gift shopping, events you have to go to, exams to study for (and ace), last minute work to-dos, and so on. Your to-do list may be endless, or your to-do list may be short. With everything you have to get done this season, remember to make the most of this season. Keep the good memories that come with this season alive. Keep the traditions that you carry with your family or friends this season alive. Remember that traditions, memories and community are what make this season truly memorable. These traditions are what you will look back on 50 years from now. 

This season, I choose to cherish the traditions that my family, my friends and I have. Whether it’s with family, friends, or even by myself (because yes, I think you can have traditions by yourself), I want to focus on making the most of this happy season. This month can go by in a blur. I want to savor each and every moment. I want to be able to look back on past Christmas seasons with a smile and remember how good it was. Not how perfect it was. Not how many gifts I received. But how good it was.