‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house, parents run wild trying to set all the gifts out.

The students were nestled all snug in their beds, while visions of Apple products and lump sums of cash danced in their heads.

Generosity is quickly replaced with greed during the holiday season. Throughout the years, Christmas is less and less about giving, while receiving materialistic, expensive items is becoming a popular alternative.

Christmas was originally observed to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, but due to the integration of many different religions and cultures into American society, Christmas has taken on a whole new definition.

So what does this mean? Well, in short, it means Americans, Christian or not, twisted an entire holiday and commercialized it to fit a mold supporting indulgence, greed and insensitivity.

Think about it, Christmas commercials start late October, early November– even in the later summer months! They go somewhat like, “Hey, look at this shiny, cool, new thing! Put it on layaway and spend some money now. Don’t worry, it’s for Christmas!”

Society wrongfully expects certain items during the holidays. Nice clothes, iPhones and expensive gifts are taken for granted. The funny things is, people don’t even second guess it; it’s a tenacious ritual of ungratefulness.

But no one wants to be labeled as a selfish, unthankful person. So, some may say Christmas is a time to give and receive gifts, but then why are most gifts so impersonal?

Christmas shouldn’t be just about clothes, cash and cool technology.

It seems as if gift giving is more an obligation, rather than a true desire. People give to get.

The point is, in 20 years no one will remember what they received for Christmas the morning of December 25, 2015. And honestly, they probably won’t care enough to think about it.

The jokes shared, the memories made and the experience of getting to share the holiday with the people loved most is what’s remembered and what the holiday season is all about.

Open your eyes this Christmas and celebrate life, love and joy. Donate time to something you care about. Hug someone you love. Be kind and don’t get caught up in superficial matters that take away from the spirit of Christmas.