This time of year is full of holiday festivities that tend to bring families and friends together. Thanksgiving brings food and Christmas brings presents.

Never once have I thought twice about how much my parents spend on gifts for my two siblings and me. My mom even allows me to hand-pick my presents every year so that I know exactly what I will be getting. This is mainly to avoid possible disappointments, but I will admit to being ungrateful and sometimes acting like a brat. I know that it really should not matter what I receive.

In our culture what and how much you receive determines if your Christmas was good or bad. Too many children grow up believing this idea is the key to being happy and end up feeling entitled to whatever they want.

This time of year should not be about presents. More importance should be placed on spending time with loved ones and enjoying good food.

There are also opportunities to give to those who may not be able to enjoy the holidays the same way you do. Charities allow you to support your community for Christmas by buying gifts for a family or donating food to a food pantry.

Lisa Henderson, co-founder of the blog “Over the Big Moon,” recently posted about her and her husband’s choice to cancel Christmas this year. She decided to eliminate presents for her three boys to teach them how to become more thankful. Henderson wants them to learn the joy of giving and stop them from feeling like they need new things.

Henderson’s children held a clothing drive in their neighborhood and then sent the donated clothes to a village in the Philippines. The boys also began doing kind things for one another without being asked to.

Despite Henderson’s efforts to prove that children can benefit from not having presents, she received negative comments on her blog post about her decision. Instead of being happy that three young boys were taught a valuable lesson, people felt sorry for them.

This is great example of how Christmas has evolved into a less-than-meaningful holiday.<br/>

Henderson’s children were not deprived of anything they truly needed. She said that her boys had all the clothes they could possibly need and too many toys in their playroom.

Personally, my children will be receiving very few Christmas presents; it is a decision I’ve decided on my own. Reading Henderson’s story has made me more appreciative of everything my parents have ever bought me. I honestly have gotten more out of all the times I volunteered than any present I’ve ever received.