With Thanksgiving 2016 now in the past, events such as Black Friday and Cyber Monday that signify the beginning of the gift-giving holidays in December have occurred and the season of shopping is upon us.

Although the commercial aspect to the holidays with numerous deals and sales can be a good way to buy a significant gift at a lower price, we should not forget the real meaning of the holidays — to show appreciate and spend quality time with those that you love. Often, we get so caught up in the commercial aspect that we don’t take the time to relax and enjoy those around us and the areas we live in.

One way this can be accomplished is to attend one of the numerous holiday festivities sponsored by our local municipalities and organizations. The first of these events occurred on Nov. 25, where thousands of local citizens came out to the Fayetteville Fire Station to celebrate the annual tree lighting.

Some upcoming events include: the DeWitt Tree Lighting on Friday, Dec. 2 at Ryder Park; Light Up Jamesville on Saturday, Dec. 3 at the Jamesville Train Station; the Manlius Tree Lighting on Sunday, Dec. 4 at the Village Centre; the Minoa Christmas Party and Tree Lighting on Dec. 4 at the Minoa Fire Station 1; and the East Syracuse Holiday Tree Lighting on Monday, Dec. 5 at the village municipal building. More information on any of these events can be found in the article on page 1 or on the organization’s websites.

So take the time to sit back and enjoy your holidays. Reach out to a neighbor to say hello. Write a letter or email to someone you haven’t spoken to in a while. Send cards to family and friends to remind them that you care. Take the time to build a snowman or relax with a hot drink by the fireplace.