My Grown-Up Christmas List

Dear Santa,

I can’t believe it’s been a year since we last talked. The news of the day has been trying. There’s war. There’s people struggling to get by. The world needs you now more than ever. We need your kindness and caring. We need your hope and optimism for a better tomorrow. Mostly, we need your faith.

I know my name has showed up more often than not on the naughty list. I have no one to blame but myself. In case you’re still in a forgiving mood, here’s my Grown-Up Christmas List:

–For my wife: Patience to deal with my crazy self. Maybe something shiny too to let her know that I appreciate and love her.

For my daughter and her fiancé: Calm and Joy. They’re planning a wedding and possibly buying a condo/townhouse this year. Remind them to slow down and enjoy the moment. It goes by fast. Remind them to enjoy each step along the way.

For my middle son: After six years in the United States Marines, he’ll be going back for his bachelor’s degree. Give him Encouragement and Hope.

For my youngest son: Resilience and Perseverance. He’ll be graduating college in the spring and will be continuing on for his masters degree. Help give him the confidence to push forward and see his goal to completion.

For those in need: Food, shelter, love.

“Then he looked up at his disciples and said: ‘Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you will be filled. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh.’” –Luke 6:20-21.

For those in power: Compassion and Empathy.

For my friends: A laugh to get through the rough spots, a smile to remember the good times, and peace to stay in the moment.

For me: Oh, oh, I’m good Santa. You’ll find me in front of the Christmas Tree giving praise to God and enjoying the moment. Thanks for listening.

We’ll be sure to leave out the milk and cookies this year. We’re making the special chocolate chip cookies that you love. Be sure to take a couple extra ones for Rudolph and the gang.

And don’t be a stranger. Come back soon.

Your Friend Brian.

. . . . . .

My Grown-up Christmas List
Do you remember me?
I sat upon your knee
I wrote to you with childhood fantasies
Well, I’m all grown up now
And still need help somehow
I’m not a child, but my heart still can dream
So here’s my lifelong wish
My grown-up Christmas list
Not for myself, but for a world in need

[Chorus]
No more lives torn apart
That wars would never start
And time would heal all hearts
And everyone would have a friend
And right would always win
And love would never end
This is my grown-up Christmas list

[Verse 2]
As children, we believed
The grandest sight to see
Was something lovely wrapped beneath our tree
Well, heaven surely knows
That packages and bows
Can never heal a hurting human soul

[Chorus]
No more lives torn apart
That wars would never start
And time would heal all hearts
And everyone would have a friend
And right would always win
And love would never end
This is my grown-up Christmas list

[Bridge]
What is this illusion called?
The innocence of youth?
Maybe only in our blind belief
Can we ever find the truth

[Chorus]
No more lives torn apart
That wars would never start
And time would heal all hearts
And everyone would have a friend
And right would always win
And love would never end, oh
This is my grown-up Christmas list

[Outro]
This is my only lifelong wish
This is my grown-up Christmas list