Take some time this holiday season to count your blessings and give your loved ones big hugs. And, remember what's really important.

Each week we come in here and exchange opinions on the sport we love. Can we be critical? Yes. Passionate? Absolutely.

But, here's the thing we should never lose sight of; NASCAR racing is entertainment. The results are not pre-determined (despite what some conspiracy theorists claim), but, it's important that it remain a viable player in the entertainment industry. Thus the Chase, and the winner-take-all finale. No, it's not the way it used to be, but neither is the landscape.

As Americans, our attention spans have never been shorter. Our at-home viewing experience has become as good as any theater. And, we have incredible amounts of information at our finger tips and in our pockets.

What racing is for most of us though, is an escape. A diversion. If all sports were banned tomorrow, most folks would still get up and go to work.

So, love it and argue about it, but keep it in perspective. There are more important things in life and you should take time to enjoy and appreciate them each day.