At long last, Christmas Day is only two days away. Many of us have spent long hours shopping in order to find the “perfect” gift for a loved one or friend over the course of a month or more.

Those of us who waited till the last minute will head to nearby stores in hopes of crossing names off our list.

Whether we have completed our Christmas shopping or not by now, let’s not forget to celebrate all the blessings we have received in the last year and focus all the non-material things we are thankful for.

Also, let’s remember that one of the most important aspects of Christmas is to spend time with our loved ones and close friends. On Christmas Day, many families spend the day sharing gifts, listening to classic Christmas songs or maybe even watching a Christmas classic, such as A Charlie Brown Christmas or A Christmas Story.

Others will spend the holiday away from home but will be surrounded by friends. During the holiday season, we notice many organizations and individuals spread the Christmas spirit to those less fortunate.

Some of those groups include the Rotary Club of Picayune, who donated food baskets to citizens across the Picayune area and the various organizations and individuals who contributed to Toys for Tots to ensure children received a Christmas present this year.

When we’re sitting at the dinner table waiting to eat our Christmas meal, or opening the presents that have been sitting under the Christmas tree, let’s take a moment to cherish everyone around us and the good things that have taken place in our lives within the last year.

Let’s also take a moment to thank those individuals who are members of the military who are unable to be home for Christmas because they are serving our nation in an effort to keep us safe.