Growing up as a little kid, I loved everything about Christmas. It was my favorite time of the year. From the Christmas music to taking pictures with Santa, you can bet I was defiantly participating. Although my parents didn’t make a lot of money, receiving presents was my favorite part of Christmas. And I’d like to think maybe I was too obsessed with getting gifts. Every year I would be disappointed with what I got. And I wouldn’t hesitate to tell my parents. I never got what I wanted.

However, this one particular Christmas, in 2008, I was the most selfish. I remember opening this box that almost looked like a shoe box. I was so excited because I thought I was going to get a pair of converse I so desperately wanted. I only wanted them because everyone else had them, of course. I unwrap the box, and open it and immediately I throw it across the room. I was pissed because what was in there was NOT what I expected nor wanted at all. It was this beautiful embroidered blue quilt. At the time though, to me, it wasn’t beautiful.

I remember my mom’s hopeful eyes asking me if I liked it, and I remember replying with, “No actually I don’t. Why would you put a blanket in a shoe box? That’s the stupidest thing ever.” You could tell my mom was heartbroken. I then stormed off to my room, slammed the door, and proceeded to cry. I hated my parents for not getting what I asked for. I started throwing stuff around in my room, hoping they would hear it, feel bad, and then go get the converse I desired. They didn’t, and I’m so glad they didn’t.

I remember this particular Christmas because it is a damn good example of what Christmas SHOULDN’T be. I was raised to know that Christmas is being around those you love, and those that love you. I was raised better than what I acted. It’s about spending that quality time with your family that you may never get again.

8 years later, and I see the old me everywhere. I constantly see people brag about what they got. It’s all over Instagram, and lined up for a quick Snapchat video. “Look at the newest Victoria Secret stuff I got. OOh notice all my new clothes, and my new Apple laptop!” But honestly, who fucking cares?

Call me the Grinch if you will, but I have come to despise Christmas. It brings out the greed in people, and today it sure isn’t what it should be.

If you didn’t receive whatever you wanted, chill out. I’m pretty sure whoever got that for you, studied it hard, and worked their ass off to get it for you. I would do anything to go back to that Christmas, and hug my mom, and tell her thank you for the amazing quilt.

Christmas should be about enjoying spending time with your family, not what latest pair of Jordans you got. After all, it is the most wonderful time of the year.