By Edna Horton/nw news editor

Every year around December, one question gets asked more than any other: What do you want for Christmas?

Family — that is my answer. Twelve years ago, I lost my father to cancer. In our family, he was the one who would get Christmas started. Dad would grumble at first about how Christmas was coming and how mom would want a tree. He would say, “No Christmas this year,” but he would buy the tree and help put up the decorations. Even now 12 years later, I still miss that.

What is more important? Getting the people you love the best gift or just spending time with them?

Think about memories from past Christmases and what is remembered. Was it the awesome present you got when you were 5 or the hilarious things relatives did when they had too much of grandma’s special eggnog?

Consumerism has become more important than family togetherness. Black Friday darkens the day after Thanksgiving by touting super cheap TVs or appliances that are a must-have for that perfect gift.

People rush to these sales because they must save money on that radio for dad or the perfect toy that’s all the rage for their children. Sometimes fistfights occur over who will get the last $10 DVD player.

Some people start buying presents in September because they have so many friends and family to shop for. They add to their credit card debt by charging expensive gifts they can’t afford and spend the rest of the year paying for them. Then they start all over again the next holiday season.

It all just seems so stressful. What did people do before all this craziness started? They slowed down and sat around with grandma and grandpa, ate Christmas dinner and enjoyed each other’s company. It wasn’t all about who got Jimmy the year’s hottest video game. Instead, they asked Jimmy how he was doing in school and what sports he was playing.

When you lose someone in your family, the holidays become more precious. You start to value that time you spend with them because life really is too short. The memories of my dad the grinch are some of the best Christmas memories I have.

So, this year, instead of trying to rack your brains over what gifts to buy, spend time with family. Don’t stress out. Stop texting on your brand new cell phone, turn off the TV and talk to your family.

You may learn something you never knew. Those are the best memories anyone can have.