What a question. When I was younger, there was no limit to the number of items that would appear on such a list, but when I think seriously about it, I don’t ever remember putting pen or pencil or crayon to paper to create such a list. I was a good little kid. I wanted most everything. Throughout the years, I received several things that are rotting or have rotted in landfills from Arkansas to Alaska. On Christmas mornings, and sometimes an occasionally Christmas eve, I have carefully pulled the wrapping from toy trucks, trains, games, toys of every imaginable type and so many toy guns. As a kid, I have received the usual clothes and other things I needed from Mom and Dad. In the early years, a package containing clothes was sometimes met with a smile to hide my disappointment, but I’m really not sure why, because I never remember a Christmas without more toys than I now know I needed or deserved. As time has gone by, I’ve occasionally had to put the silent, head nodding smile back to work, providing cover while silently trying to figure out where I could ever wear a particular item in public. Then, there have been the times when I have been overcome with absolute joy as I unwrapped something I really wanted or needed.
Christmas is easy, but Christmas can be hard. Christmas should be when we take time to ponder, consider and celebrate the most extravagant, loving gift ever given. It is understandable that Christmas has become the mega commercialized event that it has become, even though, sadly, many have not figured it out. God gave us the ultimate gift of Jesus because he loves us. God was the example. Jesus gave his life for us, because he loves us. Is it any wonder that we want to give to those we love? Notice, I didn’t say give things. The love you have for someone is your best gift. Your time, your smile, your visit, your kind word and your listening ear are some of your best, most appreciated gifts.
In the very beginning in Bethlehem, the Wise Men came with gifts for the child. Modern society has taken the ball, so to speak, and run with it. Countless millions and even perhaps billions are spent to convince us that the gifts each of us should expect on Christmas should be purchased from them. Following the hints provided on TV, everyone should expect cars, jewelry, vacations, cell phones, huge flat screen televisions with satellite or cable HD service in your home theater (that won’t need those digital converter boxes constantly hawked by televisions stations a hundred times a day), and a million other “things” at every conceivable price point. NO ONE, in my circle of friends, can actually afford this kind of Christmas. If we start to believe all these helpful commercials on TV, we can become quite depressed. SURPRISE!
Be very careful. There is a danger of spending more on Christmas than you can afford. The song says, “I’m dreaming of a white Christmas.” BEWARE of the plastic Christmas. That one day of extravagance has the potential to cause long lasting financial hardship. Society exerts great pressure to overbuy at this time of year. RESIST. It is hard, but RESIST. By all means, give gifts, but try not to over do it.
Alas, I digress. My Christmas list:
- A brimmed, cloth hat (to keep my head warm this winter),
- A small, two blade pocket knife (to open boxes and clean my fingernails),
- A gray hoodie (because my old one is ratty),
- A Bluetooth headset.
- I always like books, so a gift card from a bookstore would be nice.
- I would like to have software to edit video and a camera to provide the video (that one is just pie in the sky).
These are all nice things, but what I would most enjoy would be for Jeff to find a satisfying job in the new year, John and Allison to be honeymooners forever and for my beautiful Fran to feel great.
We can all have a very Merry Christmas and a joyous holiday season if we remember what is important. If you can, spend time with your family. Let them know you are there for them and you love them. If you have a friend that isn’t fortunate enough to have family they can visit, reach out to them. Do something nice for someone, just because.
Most importantly of all, take time to thank God for the Greatest Christmas Gift ever.
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