Grown-Up Christmas List

I find the task of scraping ice off of my car to be very tiresome and boring. So to spice it up I listen to my iPod, and since it is that time of the year, I was dancing to Christmas songs. If you don't believe me ask my neighbors, they stood at their windows and laughed at me while shaking their heads in dismay. Yes, they think I am crazy.

One song in particular came up during the shuffle, Amy Grant "Grown up Christmas list." This song sparked something inside my subconscious.

When I was younger I would make a Christmas list to Santa Claus, I would carefully plot out what I wanted in the exact order I wanted it, which would require many revisions. Then I would cut out pictures from the magazines and ads that were around the house and paste them to my list. After sitting with my mother so she could "proof read" my list, I would carefully put it into an envelope, seal it and mail it to the North Pole.

Honestly I haven't made a Christmas list in years. It was just something that once I hit 13 it wasn't cool to do anymore. But since I have time to think during my drive, the thought about what I really want for Christmas occurred to me.

So here it is, my grown up Christmas list in no particular order:

* I wish my grandfather was still here, so I could share the holidays with him,

* I wish for the war to be over so my cousin currently stationed in Iraq could be home,

* I wish that everyone has a place to spend Christmas,

* I wish for happiness for my friends,

* I wish that my student loans would magically disappear,

* I wish that my brother and sister to find true happiness in themselves,

* I wish for people to learn how to forgive for past mistakes but not forget,

* I wish for peace on earth (yes it is cliché, but I don't care),

* I wish for my parents to find peace and remember that their children love them,

* I wish the families that don't have enough money to put food on the table and presents under the tree don't have to make those decisions,

* I wish the families that spend Christmas in the hospitals didn't have to be there,

* I wish when people gave their word they kept it,

* I wish the good always won,

* I wish that many people could look at the world through the eyes of a child,

* I wish that I could cook a dinner as good as Ivy, or save money like Robin,

* I wish everyone remembered the true meaning of Christmas and that money isn't love, and

* I wish for love to conquer all and those that don't believe, to give it a chance.

While sitting here and looking over my list I am amazed with the changes. My list went from dollhouse wishes and Barbie dolls to world peace and happiness. Isn't it amazing how much life changes in 20 years?

I know that my list is a "dreamers list" and there is no way my cousin will be home for Christmas and I won't be able to make a Christmas dinner the way Ivy can. But I will wish for everyone to be happy and I will hope that everyone will be safe. I will take comfort in the times with my family and enjoy the laughter with my friends. I will put my stress aside to remember why we have the holiday season and take comfort in the blessings that I have.