If you’ve been following my blog for any length of time, then you probably know I make a ‘Santa Baby Christmas List’ every year-a whimsical and sassy way of letting the world know just what I’d like if I could have anything. Like the song, it’s frivolous and unrealistic, but it’s fun.
Right after Thanksgiving I started to give some thought to my list, wondering what I should include this year. I pondered it and tossed around some ideas, but honestly, I just wasn’t feeling that ‘Santa Baby’ vibe this year. I couldn’t think of anything I really wanted and I was distracted and a bit ill at ease about the whole thing. I’m in a place right now where I’m fairly content with my life. I just don’t feel the need for a lot of stuff.
This has been such a volatile year in the markets, the country’s economy is out of whack and I have a couple of dear friends who’ve hit enormous difficulties being out of work for the past two years. They are wiped out-the safety net is depleted, they are seriously struggling and it’s not getting any better. I am fearful for their future. I also am worried about my 83 year old mom who is suffering with some serious health problems relating to her kidneys, bad heart valves and clogged arteries. I’ve been doing a lot of praying lately. So in the spirit of not being insensitive towards my hurting friends, my mom, and others out there who are suffering from the same economic catastrophes, I’ve decided to waive the Santa Baby Christmas list this year.
What my thoughts keep reverting back to this Christmas season is the simple things. How I love books. And a warm bed with cozy blankets and pillows and a warm fire with my sweet dog curled up next to me. How I enjoy walking through the St. Francis Woods with Xander on crisp winter mornings, soaking up the serenity and solitude my soul is crying out for. How I love being with my kids and just having them around me. How I enjoy coffee with precious girlfriends, creating art and laughing till it hurts. How I love curling up on the sofa with a warm blanket and the dog and my family and watching a marathon of The Office or some other show I’m really in the mood to see.
I don’t need anything fancy this year-ever really. But what I would love more than anything is to have my friends catch a break from the universe and land that job that’s gonna make it all better. I need my mom to have more good days than bad ones. I need her quality of life to improve so she smiles more and has the energy to do the things she’s used to doing everyday without getting out of breath. These are the things I need. Are you listening Santa? God? That’s all I need.
Why Jane 