Editorial/Opinion
What do you want for Christmas? All of us have been asked that question hundreds of times in our lives. From when, as squirming, nervous children we were placed on Santa’s lap at some winter gathering or shopping mall, to our parents straight up asking us as we grew older.
As we grow older, a friend, significant other, spouse, and eventually our children or grandchildren will ask that question. Sometimes it will come out of curiosity. Other times out of the need to know if they should be heading out to the store.
What do you want for Christmas? How you answer that questions depends on many things. A younger child thinks of sweat treats and the latest shiny bauble or toys. They think of unwrapping boxes and the mountain of discarded wrapping paper, of shining lights on the Christmas tree.
As children age, the list may get smaller, but more expensive with electronics and the latest gizmos and gadgets pushing out the old reliables of dolls, wagons and bicycles.
As adults we perhaps ask for money toward a trip, or look forward to friends and loved ones giving us gifts related to our hobbies and passions. We might even subtly, or not so subtly, leave clues, such as sharing the link to the tools, kitchen appliances, hunting gear or craft supplies that we we would like to have but feel guilty about getting on our own.
What do you want for Christmas? At some point in our lives, our wants and needs change. We go from wanting more things, to recognizing that in the end, it is just more stuff to get rid of as when we eventually downsize.
As we flip back through scrapbooks or watch old recordings we are struck by how much our children have grown and how quickly. Others of us mourn the loss of a parent, spouse, sibling or other loved one. Grief doesn’t take a break over the holidays.
As time goes on, we begin to appreciate more and more that with the fleeting time we are given, every second shared with loved ones should be cherished and treasured as the gifts they are.
That’s a nice sentiment, and if you throw in a ruggedly handsome Christmas tree farmer and a business woman returning from the big city to her hometown for the holidays, it would make for a heck of a good Hallmark movie. But really, what do you want for Christmas?
You can never go wrong answering with a paraphrased quote from the gospel of Luke, “Peace on earth and good will to men,” or similar line.
Although a solid go-to answer, it is up there with parents asking for “Good little boys and girls” from their children as being something of a cop-out response.
You can talk of wanting people to come together in the joy and celebration of the season. Christmas has always held a unique place as not only marking the birth of the Savior for believers, but also holding an important place for those of a more secular mindset.
The music and laughter of celebrations bring light and joy into the darkest times of the year. It reminds us that we are not alone and gives us a reason to think of others. It reminds that it is always better to give than to receive and the obligation to look out for those in need.
Or maybe, the answer to what we want for Christmas is all of that and even more. We want good will and brotherhood among men. We want to celebrate and proclaim Joy to the World. And we wouldn’t object to a thoughtful gift in our stocking or under the tree — or for that matter in our front driveway.
It is OK to want things for Christmas. Just as it is OK to shed a few tears in between the laughter and trappings of the holiday season.
Whatever you want for Christmas, may your holiday be a bright and joyful one.
Central Wisconsin Publications Editorial Board consists of publisher Kris O’Leary and Star-News editor Brian Wilson
