by Jeanette Lizondro

Created on: November 09, 2008   Last Updated: December 02, 2008

For many families the holiday season is probably the most stressful time of the year. It is also a time when we all gather to celebrate our families, co-workers and friends. Throughout the years we have intensively focused on the planning of parties, gifts and all the details to make our special events happen and we have not allowed ourselves to enjoy the true meaning of the holidays. The holiday season has taken a commercial meaning and the real definition of the holidays is no longer true.

With today's economy, maybe this is the year when we all redefine the true meaning of the holidays. We can take this opportunity to teach our loved ones how to respect our own financial limitations. A new meaning of the holidays can be created by cutting back on our shopping and unnecessary spending.

The best gift we can give to our loved ones is a memory filled with love. Plan on volunteering for a charitable organization that reaches out to the needy. The time spent with your family and friends doing something so meaningful to our society is very rewarding and does not cost anything yet the experience is priceless.

Plan on participating in activities that are free. Many churches and schools offer concerts, plays, craft shows and other activities during this time of year. Take advantage of the time spent together with family and friends during these activities by discussing what was learned from the event and how it can be applied to our lives.

Lets bring back the true meaning of the holidays. Regardless of your religion, culture, background, ethnicity or race, we should focus on what the holidays mean to us and not what to get, how much to spend on what to wear. We need to focus on our family, friends and community. Spending quality time with our loved ones and giving to our community is a gift that gives back. The satisfaction obtained from it is priceless. Lets enjoy the true meaning of the holidays and what it has to offer to us. Giving love, hope and friendship should not cost us anything. These are the real gifts of the holidays that should be shared with our family and friends.

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