My Grown-Up Christmas List

 

"Well I'm all grown up now. Can you still help somehow? I'm not a child, but my heart still can dream."- Monica

I kind of stole this from a friend, but I have actually always loved this song, particularly this rendition. 

When you're a child, Christmas is so often a magical holiday even when you learn there's really no Santa Claus.  For one day a year, people make a wholehearted effort to focus on their friends and family.  Joy comes from the face of the recipient of that present that you pounded the pavement for hours searching for.  Food and drink are aplenty.  You can sing corny songs that have been around forever and no one looks at you crazy.

Yet, I'm knowing more and more adults who don't celebrate or acknowledge Christmas because it is a "kid's holiday."  Screw that.  

I still express a childlike enthusiasm for this time of year. Christmas songs are on my Ipod. I have presents to wrap today.  Grandma got pies and cakes waiting for me.  Good times.

So for 2011, going into 2012, I am sharing my grown up Christmas list. 

1. A permanent full-time job.

2. Healthy additions to my family. (Not me, I swear.)

3. A willingness to take greater chances in the coming year that will reap for even greater reward.

4. For my friends and family closest to me to share in this willingness.

5. Positivity surrounding me as much as possible.

6. More money.

7. Tyrese.

8. All that stuff they sing about in the aforementioned song. 

9. Tyrese. (Hey, may just get it right if you say it twice.)

All I Want For Christmas Is You

"Make my wish come true. All I want for Christmas is you..."- Mariah Carey


It's Friday. I wanted to share a feel-good song. I love Mariah. I'm happy she is getting a BET Honor. I love this song. So I figured that I would share it. Muah. See you later. 

The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don't Be Late)

"We can hardly stand the wait. Please Christmas don't be late."- The Chipmunks

I am a Christmas person.  I look forward to blasting the Christmas music.  I do the Christmas tree and send out Christmas cards.  Yes, I am that person.

But, for some reason, this year, it’s taking a little bit more effort for some reason.  My Christmas shopping was completed weeks ago.  Last night, I forced myself upon the throngs of shoppers in the local Meijer to seek out a Christmas tree and decorations.  And when I got home, I arranged them in a way that I deemed desirable.  And it turned out pretty.

Today, I am sitting here gathering the materials to write out my Christmas cards for the year.  Normally, this is a day or weekend after Thanksgiving event, but alas, I was at home.  Actually, that’s normally when I put up my tree too.

Maybe I’m just thrown off by my strict adherence to that timeline in previous years.  One thing I do know is that my apartment does feel a little cheerier.  Plus, I feel it’s important to compel yourself to engage in those activities which you know you will ultimately enjoy especially when the only person who may benefit is you and the only reward is a smile.  We tend to force ourselves to participate in everything else.