All I Really Want for Christmas

Peace On Earth...Is That Asking Too Much?

Photo by Joshua Sukoff on Unsplash

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Christmas means different things to different people at different times.

I know this from personal experience. I’ve been a little kid, an adolescent, a young adult, an older adult, and now a senior citizen. (Doesn’t seem possible, but here I am.) In many ways, I’m still exactly the same person I was 40 years ago. A bit of a hippie, I came of age in the 70s when the “make love not war” generation was waning. Vietnam was over, and the counterculture began to fade, but never ultimately died out.

Modern-day hippies are known as bohemians and naturalists. I identify with these folks who renounce runaway capitalism, corporate greed, and political corruption while promoting peace, social responsibility, and respect for the planet. I believe pot should be legal, along with the separation of church and state, same-sex/interracial marriage, and abortion. (The latter being between a woman, her doctor, and her creator.) The Man¹ has no business getting involved.

Based on these opinions, I probably need to embrace my gray hair, start smoking weed again (I’d probably sleep better), and buy some graphic tees that espouse my beliefs.

Credit: Vulture

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Christmas was simple as a kid. It was all fun without the work. I started exchanging gifts with family and a few close friends as a teenager. I enjoyed it at this age because my part-time job allowed me to spend what I wanted on who I wanted. Plus, I had plenty of extra energy for this busy time of year.

When young adulthood happened, I was married and starting a family, so the holiday workload increased exponentially: cleaning, cooking, baking, shopping, wrapping, hiding gifts, etc. That agenda continued into older adulthood, minus the burden of keeping the legend of Santa alive (which was a huge relief, btw.)

I used to buy presents for my immediate family and close friends. Sadly, my list has dwindled as my grandparents and parents are now gone. My siblings have a favorite candy that I send every year. I’m no longer in touch with the few friends I once exchanged gifts with. They started new lives in faraway places many years ago. We still trade the occasional Facebook ‘hey, how’s it going,’ but that’s about it.

My kids send links to the items they want, so no physical shopping occurs. No more fighting traffic on snowy roads, searching through messed up racks for the right size or color, standing in long lines at the checkout, dealing with pushy shoppers, and so on.

God, it was exhausting!

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Today’s shopping depends on available funds and a strong wifi connection. Once the goods are delivered, it’s just a matter of wrapping and tagging. I prefer gift bags because they’re reusable and easy. However, if you really get into the wrapping part (like I used to) or need some guidance, here’s a helpful link:

Wrapping Christmas Presents Like a Pro

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It’s amazing how your perspective changes with age. The childhood selfishness of wanting your own stuff turns into a fevered desire to please others. Over time, the requested toys, electronics, and game systems become coveted brands of clothing, footwear, and accessories. Gift cards to the ABC Store², a favorite restaurant, or a preferred airline are popular items. Who doesn't love eating out and traveling?

However, in reality, these are all things they can acquire on their own. Thankfully, everyone is gainfully employed and can support their basic necessities plus the ‘extras.’

So, what do I really want to give them?

World peace, that’s what.

• Societies free of prejudice, bigotry, misogyny, and hate, where people work together for the common good. Less ‘me’ and more ‘we.’

• How about a world that’s safe from crime and perpetual war or political parties that respect individual rights for all people and works diligently to protect those rights?

• I want to give them a healthy planet that will remain as long as it’s in existence because the inhabitants value and promote a sustainable world.

Those would be gifts that keep on giving long after we’re gone. Long after the material goods have become worn out, obsolete, closed down, and ceased to exist. Not only preserving humanity and Mother Earth but ensuring every person's quality of life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness.

It’s way past time to end the culture of greed, corruption, economic inequality, and destruction of our natural world. This should be our legacy to all future generations bearing our DNA. It’s our responsibility. And imagine how happy and grateful they’d be, knowing we made the right choices.

Imagine.

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I’d like to wish everyone a peaceful and blessed Christmas.

I realize this is a difficult time of year for many people for many reasons. We lost a beloved brother-in-law this year, adding him to the ever-growing list of family members who are no longer with us. If you’re struggling with a loss, illness, or another issue that makes Christmas 2022 less than festive, please know I’m also thinking of you.

No one loves a good party more than me (and we have a few scheduled over the holidays.) But, after the hustle-bustle, take some quiet time to reflect on what you’re leaving behind in the old year and what lies ahead. Don’t set unrealistic resolutions, but take baby steps toward achievable goals that make sense. That’s my plan.

The resident House Panther (below) loves Christmas and the assorted-sized boxes that arrive at the door almost daily. He works hard to fit into them all because he considers himself the ultimate gift. (Which he is, of course!)

Also, if you have a moment, please share in the comments and listen to Bryan Adam’s hopeful rendition of ‘Christmas Time’ (with lyrics, also below).

I’m taking time off and will be back in early January.

Take care of yourselves.

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LET US KNOW YOUR THOUGHTS:

“Name the one thing YOU want most this Christmas.”

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Christmas Time - Bryan Adams - Lyrics

We waited all through the year
For the day to appear
When we could be together in harmony
You know the time will come
Peace on earth for everyone
And we can live forever
In a world where we are free
Let it shine for you and me

There's something about Christmas time
Something about Christmas time
That makes you wish it was Christmas every day
To see the joy in the children's eyes
The way that the old folks smile
Says that Christmas will never go away

We're all as one tonight
It makes no difference if you're black or white
'Cause we can sing together in harmony
I know it's not too late
The world would be a better place
If we can keep the spirit
More than one day in the year
Send a message loud and clear

There's something about Christmas time
Something about Christmas time
That makes you wish it was Christmas every day
To see the joy in the children's eyes
The way that the old folks smile
Says that Christmas will never go away

It's the time of year everyone's together
We'll celebrate here on Christmas day
When the ones you love are there
You can feel the magic in the air
You know it's everywhere

There's something about Christmas time
Something about Christmastime

Something about Christmas time
Something about Christmas time
Makes you wish it was Christmas every day
To see the joy in the children's eyes
The way that the old folks smile
Says that Christmas will never go away

There's something about Christmas time
Something about Christmas time
Makes you wish it was Christmas every day
To see the joy in the children's eyes
The way that the old folks smile
Says that Christmas will never go away

Please tell me Christmas will never go away.

1. "The Man" is a slang phrase used in the United States that may refer to the government or to some other authority in a position of power. In addition to this derogatory connotation, it may serve as a term of respect and praise. - Wikipedia

2. ABC Store