With Christmas only a few weeks away I have been thinking about the importance of ‘unplugging’ during those special holiday family moments.

Christmas is a time to spend with those we love and for some who may live far away, it’s the perfect opportunity to travel home to see friends and family with social media has been their way of keeping in contact year round.

While social media sites, such as Facebook, are the perfect way to stay connected 24/7, 365 days a year, there comes a time when it’s important to connect with what’s right in front of us.

A recent study revealed that the average person picks up their mobile device 85 times a day. That works out to a whopping 5 hours daily spent surfing the web and on apps.  After reading this study, I began to become aware of my own incessant habit of reaching for my cell phone to check the latest social feeds.  I then realized that I’m not alone in how many “real life” moments that are being missed, which is what prompted the need for unplugging awareness at this time of year when so many magical moments are taking place.

Social media has provided us with an outlet to have our voices heard, share special moments, stay connected and create awareness of community/global issues & events. However, the constant need to be connected has somehow overshadowed the importance of being present in the moment.

While it may be second nature to post a selfie while opening Christmas presents or tweet about how many rum and egg nog you and your siblings have just thrown back, resist the urge to post that status update.  Instead, give someone the gift that doesn’t cost a cent, your presence.  Trust me, there will be no gift receipt required.