When I was in high school I had two friends from church who told me they got everything on their Christmas list. EVERYTHING. What did a “cool” Christmas list look like in 1986? I don’t remember their whole list, but here are a few things I remember:
- a waterbed (they were cool back then)
- new Jordache jeans (all the rage)
- a VCR (yes, the old tape kind)
- the soundtrack for Pretty in Pink (on cassette)
I remember being jealous when the day after Christmas these two girls confirmed their parents had fulfilled their wishes. I also felt a little sad for them. I mean what’s the fun of opening Christmas presents if you already know what’s inside?
I also laugh at the things we thought were cool back then. Fads come and go, which makes me think of my own Christmas wish list.
This year I have a few things on my wish list that I’d like. They include some WWII non-fiction books and a few fun bath items, because soaking and reading is one of my favorite past times. My own list isn’t as large as it used to be, mostly because I’ve been practicing being more thankful–even before Thanksgiving.
During the Christmas season it’s easy to be more focused on what we want, rather than what we have. And while it’s okay to be eager to see what gifts await you under the tree, our greatest gifts aren’t wrapped with bows.
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows” (James 1:17).
What to feel really thankful? Take a moment to think about what would happen if God took these “gifts from above” away. Frightening isn’t it?
Considering this gives me a whole new outlook. It also makes me more eager to create a new type of list.
One of the things I’ve been doing lately is thinking of 10 things I’m thankful for as soon as I wake up in the morning. It’s amazing what this does for the outlook of my day.
My thankfulness list doesn’t include my bed, jeans, dvd, or iPod, although it could. Mostly I’ve been thanking God for my health, for money to pay the bills, for good friends, for a husband and children who love me, and for my salvation. These are things that mean the most–true gifts from God.
What’s on your list? I’d love to hear. There will always be little things we’d like to have, but remember to take time to thank God for the large gifts in your life you don’t want to live without.
I list at least five gratefuls every day in a journal of sorts. Does SO much for my attitude!
And ALL those things were on my wish list too when I was in high school! (I graduated in ’85)
Some of the things I am grateful for are a new home, God’s blessings, my kids, my wonderful husband, and the writing gift God has given me.
I did not grow up doing Christmas lists…it has only been like the last 5 years I have even done Christmas gifts, well before that, I was 5 years old.
Anyhow…..it has made it so I think that Christmas gifts are fun, but not as important as some people make them.
I usually still only get one gift for christmas….and it is something I am thankful for.
I am really thankful for good health this year. Earlier this year we had a scare which meant possibly that I would possibly have a mutant gene hat could cause cancer. When we were negative, I felt like I was given my life back!