Although it is Christmas Eve, it remains a fact that many people are still rushing around in search of the best Christmas gift. Although I try my best to get all my presents early and put a lot of thought into it, I still somehow always leave some presents until the very last minute. I can remember the most special Christmas present I received as a child. I was passionate about horses, and one of my favorite hobbies was collecting Breyer model horses. I loved how they each came with their own name and stories. When I was in the third grade, I got a hand-made toy stable for Christmas. I’ll never forget the big red bow on the stable’s roof, and I’ll never forget my reaction when I saw it under the tree. At the time, of course, I never knew what it took for my mom to get me that stable. Later on down the road, I learned that my mom had made frequent stops at the toy store and paid for the stable little by little until it was finally paid in full — just in time for Christmas morning! I played with the stable every day when I was growing up. I plan to pass it on to my children one day. The stable is simple and beautiful. Whenever I look at it, I think of my mom going into that toy store every few weeks to make another payment. This holiday season I hope everyone remembers that it is the thought that counts! — Courtney Centeno, account executive