At this time nine years ago, I was probably flipping through the Toys ‘R Us Wishbook circling every toy and game that I was hoping to get for Christmas. It was always nearly impossible to get me out of bed to wake up for school at 8:45 every other day, but on Christmas morning I would jump out of bed as soon as 5 A.M struck, without any problem. At this same time of year, 9 years later, I am hoping for the gift of one more holiday with my cancer ridden Grandmother. As you grow up, the things you wish for during the holiday season change. They change from selfish requests to more selfless ones. Your Christmas wishes change from things you want, to feelings you want to experience. They switch from things you want for yourself, to wishes you have for other people to get better, and to hold on just a little bit longer. By no means am I saying that materialistic things are no longer appealing, but if I could trade all of the materialistic gifts I have ever gotten in, in return for one more holiday with my Gram, I would. If I could exchange all of the Ugg boots I begged for when I was 12 years old for my friend to no longer have a broken heart because of an undeserving boy, I would. If I could trade every Barbie Dreamhouse I’ve ever gotten in for my parents actual dream house, a log cabin in the woods, I wouldn’t think twice about it. As you get older your wishes for materialistic things diminish, while your wishes and desires for the people you love flourish in a way you once didn’t think possible.
If I could go back in time and talk to that little girl marking every toy and game she wanted to put on her Christmas list, I would ask her to put the pen down. I would ask her to spend a few extra minutes talking to her Grandpa about what his Christmas’ were like when he was her age, because the way he lights up when he tells stories is beautiful. I would ask her to pick out a toy that perhaps she could give to someone who’s house Santa wouldn’t be able to make it to. That time you spend listing out every new American Girl Doll outfit you want could be spent picking out the perfect outfit to donate to Toys for Tots. Because one day, you are going to outgrow those shoes. One day, you are going to outgrow those toys that once meant the world to you. But one thing you will never outgrow is the feeling you get when you help people, and the way it feels to make somebody else’s life that much better. As you grow up, the real gifts in life are moments, such as sitting at the Thanksgiving table with 20 of your relatives while your Grandpa says grace. My Mom’s exhausted smile when everybody compliments her on once again hosting another flawless holiday is a gift I will cherish throughout my whole life. I may not be jumping out of bed at 5 A.M anymore on Christmas morning (my new anticipated wake up time is 7 A.M), but by no means have I outgrown the feeling the holidays bring me. They are still the most magical time of year for me, but thankfully, I can say it’s because of a lot more reasons than just presents wrapped up with pretty bows.