Grown-up Christmas List

Do you remember sitting on Santa’s knee and whispering your Christmas wish in his ear? This picture is evidence that at least I sat on his knee. Whether or not I whispered in his ear that I wanted a walking doll for Christmas only Santa knows ‘cause I can’t remember asking him!  Either way, I’m happy to report that I did get my walking doll. All Christmas day, and no doubt for weeks and months to follow she walked right beside me. All I had to do was hold her hand and at the right angle and with the right pressure, she moved her legs. What a thrill! And thanks to the Internet, she is as beautiful now as she was then! Wish I still had her!

But that was then and this is now. Somehow sitting on Santa’s knee, brushing my cheek against his bushy beard and telling him my heart’s desire isn’t acceptable at my age. That doesn’t stop me from having a secret wish list, but if my childhood memory is correct, I can’t share it, for if I do, it won’t come true.

Grown-up Christmas lists take on a look far different than our childhood ones. They are more intimate in nature and often resonate with a longing that surpasses childhood fantasies.  I encourage you to pause for a few moments and listen to a beautiful voice singing this heart-warming song. There is much truth in the words, and although some may feel it lacks a spiritual theme, we would all do well to take the message to heart.

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.
Can you still 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.

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

What is this illusion called
The innocence of youth?
Maybe only in that blind belief
Can we ever find the truth.
There’d be no more lives torn apart
That wars would never start
And time would heal all hearts
And every man would have a friend
And right would always win
And love would never end.
This is my grown-up Christmas list.
This is my only life-long wish.
This is my grown-up Christmas list.