ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS

“What do you want for Christmas?” “I want this for Christmas.” We’ve all heard this numerous times. Although, in theory, we know that Christmas shouldn’t be just about the material things, a lot of us have fallen into that frenzy during the holidays. As a friend pointed out, it seems like this year people wanted to rush right over Thanksgiving and head right into Christmas. Although I had kind of noticed it myself, it wasn’t until she said it that I really started paying attention; she was right. But I started asking myself, if the economy and the news is nothing but doom and gloom why do people want Christmas to come if they can’t afford it? My own little conclusion is this; during rough times, people want to go back to something comforting like happy memories. Unfortunately not everyone has wonderful memories of Christmas, but I’m fortunate enough to have a life full of them.


I’ve always had happy memories through the years from the time I was a little girl until now. Of course now I see it was so special because I was surrounded by my fabulous family but back then it was all about the toys! I remember getting my first bike-Strawberry Shortcake with the red tassels on the handlebars, white basket on the front and that ever so comfortable banana seat. I remember riding that thing until my mom made me come back in. I do have to say that one of the best years was getting my second Cabbage Patch Kid. I already had a girl but obviously she needed a brother so Santa found him San Francisco! Santa is really resourceful I do have to say every girl remembers getting a Barbie at least one Christmas. Santa brought me the most beautiful brunette bride Barbie. She had a wonderful wedding gown, gloves, jewelry and all. Her hair was long and wavy so of course I had to make it more beautiful by blow drying it. Yeah, you guessed it, my beautiful Barbie ended up with a big melted gob of plastic on her head…it was devastating. Ken wasn’t happy either.

Just like I have wonderful memories of my childhood, I want to make sure my kids have wonderful memories as well. Dennis and I have been fortunate enough to work for companies that give Christmas bonuses. Having those extra funds definitely helped make their Christmas lists a reality. From karaoke machines to Xbox to iPods, we are blessed to have been able to give our kids what they wanted. I do have to say that my ultimate favorite Christmas memory with the girls is being able to take them to New York City during the holidays. NYC during Christmastime is definitely a magical experience. Now that Turner is with us, we get to keep doing Santa for a while!! Since he is a little bit older this year it will definitely be a lot of fun watching him open his presents. More than anything, I am thankful that we have so much family to enjoy Christmas with. I love that my children get to enjoy time with their grandparents and great-grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. I want them to not only enjoy their presents but I want them to understand what Christmas is really about. It is ultimately about the birth of our Savior and it’s about helping people less fortunate than us. I’m so proud that my girls have a compassionate heart and have no hesitation when it comes to helping others. I just pray that God continues to help us teach our children so they can then make wonderful memories with their children.

So what do I want for Christmas? I already have it. It fits perfectly. I don’t have to return it. I don’t have to worry I’m not going to like it. We have our health, a wonderful family, a roof over our heads, food on the table, love and happiness. Merry Christmas!