What is Your Grown-up Christmas Wish?

Growing up, the holiday season was always celebrated with joy and excitement, filled with presents, festive decorations, and sweet traditions. However, as we age, these moments can sometimes become overshadowed by commercialism. For me, the true meaning of Christmas has evolved, leading me to embrace a more meaningful and minimalist approach to the season.

Stepping Away from Commercialism

Early in our marriage, my husband and I decided to forgo exchanging gifts. Our Christmas traditions now involve attending church, enjoying a delightful meal, and spending quality time with our extended family. We also indulge in homemade cookies for his siblings, which brings a sense of warmth and comfort. The absence of the holiday crowds and the pressure to buy unnecessary items has been a true relief.

While my husband and I do enjoy the convenience of gift-giving in other contexts, we find that the commercial aspects of Christmas feel unnecessary. For us, the beauty lies in the family gatherings and the thoughtful gestures that do not involve undue spending or stress.

Gift Giving: Purpose and Meaning

Even though I do not exchange gifts with my immediate family, I still give presents to my sisters and nieces and nephews. These are usually monetary gifts, as I find the journey to holiday shopping maddening. Between Thanksgiving and New Year, the crowds, pushing, and excessive indulgence can be overwhelming and unpleasant. So, I choose to simplify and focus on what truly matters – the joy and meaningful connections.

Personal Wishes Beyond Christmas

While I do not have an unmet Christmas wish, some may argue that my wish deeply impacts me. I have very real and personal aspirations that are tied to my family and health. For instance, I wish that experts in cancer research could find a cure before the loved one who has been my partner for 47 years loses her battle with this disease. The pursuit of a cancer cure holds immense significance for me, as it would mean a significant win in the fight against a disease that often takes loved ones.

Another heartfelt wish of mine is to finally move out of my mother’s house, fostering a healthier and more independent living situation for my daughter and myself. This move would serve as a symbolic step away from toxic familial dynamics and into a new chapter of our lives. The desire for peace, especially regarding our relationship and living conditions, highlights the importance of creating a healthier and more positive environment.

A Diverse Range of Wishes

From a broader perspective, my personal wishes reflect hopes for the world as well. I wish for more tolerance, less greed, a fairer and safer planet, and a world that listens to and acts upon the visionary words of Greta Thunberg. It is clear that change is needed, and I hope for a future where all can thrive without hunger, homelessness, sickness, or persecution.

As an adult, my Christmas wish list contains both personal and global aspirations. These wishes are not just about material items but about the greater good and the well-being of those close to me and the world at large. While some might view these as ordinary or even radical, they represent a deep-seated wish for a better, more inclusive, and healthier future.

Conclusion

In summary, as a grown-up, my Christmas wishes are a blend of personal aspirations and global hopes. Whether it is finding a cure for a loved one’s illness, moving into our own home, or wishing for a brighter future for the world, these wishes underscore the true essence of the holiday season – the human connections and the desire for a better tomorrow. Christmas, to me, is about more than just gifts; it is about the meaningful moments and the aspirations that can positively impact our lives and the world around us.