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I’m far too advanced in life to have a list of wished-for presents, although I remember those days fondly. My husband and I don’t exchange gifts now, as we try to “gift” each other all year-round with loving surprises and planned-for trips. We stopped exchanging gifts with adult family members about ten years ago, too. We all have everything we need!
We’ve simplified the holiday to a few meals with loved ones and old friends, one fabulous office party, and some treasured time away from the pressures of work. (Sandy owns his own software business, though, and is always subject to a Christmas Eve phone call.).
My holiday wishes are simple and extravagant at the same time. For my family, continued good health. For our home life, another year of peace and enjoyment of each other’s company.
The tragic murders in Connecticut make my “wish” for my country rise up to the top: fewer guns, saner gun laws, more easily-accessed help for troubled minds.
Being a fully normal and mostly-conforming American consumer, sure I want new boots too! I’ll write about those things later. For today, I’m wishing for healing, and a rational change in how we think about guns. Like President Obama said on Sunday, “Surely, we can do better than this.”
Hi Patti
you are right you know ! it's all about Family gatherings, peace, joy and love
Ariane xxxxx
Lovely, Tamera. I think of you that way.
I second all those things, Patti! A friend of mine who works in a state medical facility is just brokenhearted over all the cuts that have been made. They can barely help with basic needs and so, so many fall thru the cracks. It reminds me to love and be more gentle with all those around me. ~Sarah
What an excellent wish list!
I was quite moved by President Obama's remarks about the tragedy. You could tell he was deeply affected by what happened, as a President and a Father. I still cannot process what happened or why such things do happen.
Agreed. Completely. It's hard to express how fervently.
Except for the prezzies. I need at least one to feel like it's Christmas.
Have a wonderful holiday. See you in January!
My wish–let me be an instrument of peace.
Right now all I want is good health for my family. Without that nothing else matters.
The perfect wishlist! I like your approach to Xmas, it's just like ours, what's the point of wild, over-blown gestures, it's much better (and easier on the pocket) to show your love for one another all year round. x
What Citizen Rosebud said. Peace.
For Christmas this year, we decided to revive some old traditions: a tree, a few gifts and holiday baking. We are far from family so we had to do something! 🙂
I concur with simplify. It feels more peaceful and humane, with a wish for the same for all people and the planet.
You write clearly and with wisdom about what needs to change in our country. Action is needed now.
I agree. It's absolute insanity that a gun can be purchased at Walmart, along side fishing rods and soccer balls. As a country we should be ashamed and galvanized into action to challenge the notion that anyone should be able to carry a gun. A gun for self protection? How 'bout we radically tighten up gun laws and keep guns out of the hands of sociopaths. We'll all be a lot safer.
Wish list? Peace. Love. Abundance for all. And maybe a new pair of glasses.
Oh Patti. I absolutely agree with you. So sensible on all accounts!
Connie*
Hi patti–we have also downsized Xmas–it is so liberating! My husband says its Christmas every day for me–and he's right!
On the recent events, I am putting my money where my mouth is and donating to whatever it takes to get rid of this violence problem.
Yes, we've hit the point among the adults in my family where present-giving is almost impossible now, because we've mostly got all we could reasonably want, which is a good thing, obviously, but makes this time of year stressful when it comes to gifting.
This particular massacre is hitting me so hard, worse than any other I can recall, and it makes me shudder to think of how *many* I can recall. (That it came the day after my m-i-l's funeral probably isn't helping, because all I can think of is that if it was so very hard to lose somebody — expectedly — at the end of a fairly long and very rich life, how do you cope with losing a little child, or an adult in the prime of life so suddenly and senselessly?) I don't even know how to explain to my baffled British friends and family why the gun laws are so crazily permissive in the US.
LOL at the song! Thanks for that : >
Sounds like a great wish list, Patti. I keep thinking this year about the song "Nothing for Christmas" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vK06SgtXin0
I wish sometimes more for nothing than all the consumerism and miserable stresses of Christmas. I hope you have a good one with loved ones.
: >
Hi Patti, I am so sorry I missed Visible Monday…I thought of you guys. I am with Bella….I pray for peace on earth among all people. As a teacher, I am deeply concerned for the youth of our country and that means we must address many hard issues. But I am still processing how to write about it…it might mean for me starting a second blog…we will see. May the next week be a special one for you and your family!
I agree 100 percent, and I am trying to spread that message with lots of emails to my representatives in Congress, and yes, even the White House. They're all on Facebook – send messages!
And buy boots.
agreed too, "peace on earth" in east and west and health for my dears and for me, that the most important. other presents are appreciated.
happy holiday for you patti!
I LOVE YOUR WISH LIST, PATTI. I wish for Health, Happiness & Love above anything else. Also your wishes in connection to the Connecticut gunning, were beautiful & heartfelt, too. I am also loving the image for this post.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!
Check out my latest post from today. Thanks.
What a level headed and sensible approach to Christmas, Patti, and a heartfelt plea for changes in your country which I completely endorse. xxxx
Agreed and amen to that.
More than ever "Peace on Earth" is the best Christmas wish.