Vomit. That’s what made the Hall family Christmas of 2006 memorable. I don’t know what I should thank: the dozens of Christmas cookies we all ate, or a random string of stomach flu. Either way, three out of the six kids in my family were doubled over a toilet for the majority of the day. How’s that for holiday cheer?

     Other than the infamous year of 2006, I don’t remember much about Christmas as a kid. Most everything I know about the holiday these days is told through pictures. Every image is nearly identical; most are of me excitedly opening and admiring various toys and other gifts.

     In more recent years, I remember less about the presents and care more about everything else.

     Don’t get me wrong, it’s always nice to get the newest Urban Decay palette, a new pair of shoes or whatever else I may be wishing for. In fact, maybe we aren’t thankful enough for our gifts. I live in a very privileged family. Every year, I receive gifts worth hundreds of dollars. I’m still learning how to express my gratitude.   

     But as cheesy as it sounds, maybe that’s what Christmas is all about: gratitude.

     I am almost always happy with my Christmas gifts. But the appeal of materialism in any present is short-lived.

     Last year, I spent the first Friday evening of Christmas break with two of my closest friends. It was the most fun I had experienced in a very long time. That night was something like a perfect

     Hollywood movie scene. Instead of gifts, we exchanged handwritten letters. The three of us stayed up until after 3 a.m. Our in-depth conversations taught me things I didn’t previously know about my friends. As we embraced vulnerability, I quickly realized that we had more in common in our weaknesses than in our strengths.

     When I left my friend’s house the next morning, I had never been more thankful for my friends. Having a break from school and all the stress attached to it was the best thing that could’ve ever been given to me. I was no longer busy with school, work or extracurriculars. I had the chance to be with people. I had the opportunity to do things that brought me joy.

     The holiday season is unique. It is built around joy. “Joy.” You will never find more pillows or house decorations with those three letters stitched onto them at any other time of the year.

     I know the holidays can be hard. They can be a painful reminder of people who aren’t there to celebrate with you. It can be busy, stressful even, especially as you’re surrounded by family members who aren’t always respectful or thoughtful.

     But if you’re like me, be grateful. Be thankful that you’re healthy. Take a moment to say thank you to your parents and grandparents, not just for the gifts they give you but for everything else they do for you. Find time to be with friends who love you and who want to give you their gift of friendship. Take advantage of the holiday season that is built around being together in joy and in peace.

     Luckily, my family has not had a repeat of that gross 2006 Christmas. My siblings and I have been better ever since, even if one of us eats one too many Christmas cookies from time to time, and I think that alone is enough to be grateful for.