My Christmas Wish List

                   

Hi peeps,

It’s only 10 more days for Christmas!  I haven’t been feeling to “Christmasie” this year, not that I feel like the Grinch but the excitement just isn’t there anymore.  There is a nip (22C at night) in the air though that always heralds Christmas in Trinidad and Tobago and this evening, I felt a little, tiny Christmas sensation deep, deep down in my heart.  As I write it’s still tiny but you know what?  It’s there!  Yippee! 

About 10 days ago, I got a call from a cohort who asked what I would like for Christmas?   It was such a nice gesture…it brought a wave of warmth to me ole heart.  Well, I never think of what I want for Christmas, so I told her my stock answer, “everything and nothing”.  She persisted that there must be something that I want so to appease her I explained that I would think about it and I’d leave my list on Facebook, where she and I usually meet.  Today, when that tiny Christmas sensation was felt deep, down in my heart, and my toes got that tingly feeling I get when I am all excited about Christmas, I thought I should share my Christmas Wish List with you too!  Lucky, you! 

1      A car

2.      A bigger apartment

3.      A better job so that I can afford to buy a car and rent a larger apartment

4.      A Christmas holiday out of Trinidad and Tobago

5.      Someone with whom to share Christmas

6.      2 bottles of good champagne

In all seriousness though everything and nothing” is difficult to find so if you really want to share that Christmas spirit with me, give me the things that really touch my heart.  Give a child in your community a gift, perhaps a really nice outfit that he can wear to church or a new dress to make that little girl feel special.  Share that Christmas spirit on my behalf with a family who may not be able to afford the ‘extras’ that make a Christmas meal so special. Give a gift of a ham or chocolates or give mom a hairdo and dad a barbershop haircut or maybe just give a little cash so the family can decide how best they would like to celebrate.  The memories of growing up, having a guest at our Christmas table each year are still strong and still bring great joy.  Try inviting someone and pretend I am there too.  We’ll have a great time! 

Now, know how I love dogs, so donate to your local animal shelter in my name.  I am always devastated when I meet an adult who cannot read since I know that so much is being missed by not having this essential skill and one can live vicariously through a book.  So, if you’re in Trinidad and Tobago gift me via the Adult Literacy Training Association (ALTA) or find your literacy centre and give what they need.  O’ yes, I also want you to introduce a youngster to the library, membership is free and joining opens a world of wonder!  Yes, that will make me smile.   Go talk with that elderly woman or man sitting there in church.  Wish them "God's peace" and mean it.  Thank-you for that gift!

There is another thing I really like and would take most kindly to at this time of year.  Can you guess what that is?  No, no, no I can’t wait for you to guess so I’ll tell you now!  Hugs!  Yes, hugs are the best and it is said that you need 8 per day to survive well!  My arms are open and waiting!  Yes, Santa, I’ve been a good girl!  Stage whisper:  “that might be the problem, Santa”.  Ha! Ha!

Well folks, there is my Christmas Wish List.  When you decide what you are giving me, just cross it off the list.  Wouldn’t want to get 2 cars now (smile). 

What’s on your Christmas Wish List?  Share your list with all of us.  You might be surprised what turns up in the stocking!  Yes, yes, one of the gifts  on your list!  I'm excited!

Until