What I Really Want for Christmas

I've been thinking a lot about Christmas and what it really means to me. I won't lie, I'm always thrilled to see the brightly colored presents perfectly wrapped and topped with a bow. However, I always have trouble answering the question, "What do you want for Christmas?" Quite honestly, many things come to my mind. Problem is that a majority of the things that I want only one person can give me- my Heavenly Father. Not only that, but I truly love giving more than receiving. Sure, I loved picking out my new Toms and showing my husband which clothes I would love to wear. I'm excited to see the surprises he has in store for me! But if I could hand the Lord a Christmas list this is what it would look like: 

1. The knowledge that mine and Nic's future is a good one, and that we will always have the money we need and the health to keep us going for many years to come. 

2. Pregnancy happening a lot easier next year. 

3. The comfort that I will get pregnant and when I do, the baby will be healthy and my body will function correctly. 

4. The security of Nic having a great job with the money and benefits we desire.  

5. Finding the perfect balance between spending time with my husband, working, sleeping, going to the temple, upholding my church callings, and seeing friends. 

6. Finding confidence in myself and loving ME for who I am. 

7. Daily opportunities to share the gospel. 

8. The knowledge that somehow, someday, I will make a difference. 

9. A sneak peek into my future just so I can have the assurance that I will be happy and a good mom. 

10. My family always being close to me and living long, healthy, happy lives. 

As I have been pondering this list of mine I have asked myself, "Why can't I ask for some of these things?" Obviously a few of them are things that won't ever happen, like me having a sneak peek into my future. But I can always ask for comfort knowing that my future is in good, loving hands....the Lord's hands. Right?

On another note, the world is making it so difficult to bring the true spirit of Christmas into homes. It's all about gifts, food, traveling....basically just spending money. What happened to the Christ in Christmas? I'll admit that I have struggled with applying what Christmas is really about. I love spoiling my husband and I have gotten caught up in purchasing the perfect gifts for him. I have loved decking the halls of our home with the cutest decorations. In some ways I have allowed the world to cloud the spiritual part of my brain and heart, and have forgotten how to invite the real Christmas spirit into my home. 

I wish Christmas lasted all year long. Not so much the gifts and spending money... but people do seem to be more jolly. I wish the world could keep that spirit alive the other eleven months of the year. It would make the world a much better place to live. If only the people who benefit from the Sub for Santa could be taken care of all year long. If only charity was important to everyone all the time. 

Anyway. Venting session is over now. I apologize for the jumbled thoughts and sloppy presentation. 

So, in response to the popular my question... What I really want for Christmas is the spirit to reside in my home and my loving husband by my side for the rest of eternity. That's it.