Before I tell you anything else, I must let you know that I am the future Mrs. Claus. I have always cherished the feeling that Christmas gives me. I spend the entire year waiting for Christmas because it's always been such a special time for my family. We gather together, exchanging gifts, laughs, and stories. I literally watch Christmas movies and listen to Christmas music all year long. Because of this, I am always the first to know about the best Christmas movies.

That's why I was stoked when I heard about Almost Christmas! I'd seen the trailer long before I was invited to take my best friend on a girl's night out to see an advance screening of the film. I knew she'd be just as excited as me because we love feel-good comedies. Almost Christmas is much more than your typical feel-good comedy, though. Almost Christmas actually taught me a lot. The story was beautiful and unexpected. It really tugged at my heart strings, but also kept me (and the rest of the audience) laughing the entire time. Almost Christmas is definitely a movie about family, but don't take the kids. There's a whole lot of cursing. I don't mind it at all, but it's definitely not for young kids. 

5 things Almost Christmas taught me about family 

1. It's okay to laugh with them and at them

These days, we have to pick and choose what we do or say because everyone gets offended. It's so bad that we are constantly rethinking and second guessing ourselves, even with our friends and family. Almost Christmas taught me that you are free to laugh with or at family whenever you want. Family will always be there for you. You don't have to walk on eggshells around them. If they do something silly or stupid – go head, laugh. They will most likely be laughing at something dumb you've done an hour later. Be sure to never take for granted the moments of family laughter – those are the moments you will remember forever.

2. Don't hold grudges

Almost Christmas reminded me of how damaging and pointless grudges are. Holding a grudge is very harmful to, not only your relationship with that particular person, but to your entire family. Don't ruin family gatherings with a useless grudge. Forgive, forget, and move on. Family is everything! One day, all we will have is our memories. Be like the family in Almost Christmas – get over it. Laugh it off. Tell the story later! 

3. These moments wont last forever

If there's one major message I took away from Almost Christmas it's that these moments will not last forever. Life passes us by very quickly. One minute we are here and the next we aren't. Life is very unpredictable, so it's important to cherish the moments you have with family!

4. Family always comes first

In the end, family should always come first. Family was the first to love you and will be the last ones standing when everyone else is gone. Almost Christmas taught me that family will always have my back, even if I'm being a pain in the… you know what. 

5. Respect their honesty

Almost Christmas gives a very honest look at family. I'd say that I've had the most reality checks from my family members. Family tells you the truth when the rest of the world is afraid of hurting you. And yes, sometimes it will hurt, but you have to respect their honesty. If it weren't for them, you'd probably make some really bad decisions. One hilarious thing about Almost Christmas is how brutally honest the family is! 

6. Quality time means everything

The final message that I took away from Almost Christmas was the importance of family gatherings. You never know how much someone is hurting or how lonely they are. Quality time with family could save someone's life. A little love goes a long way. Never pass on a moment to gather with family. You never know when it will be your last. 

In Theaters 11/11/16

Get your Almost Christmas tickets here: http://unvrs.al/ACTix

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