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 OK 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).
Want 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 ten 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 player, 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.
12 Days of Christmas Giveaways Day 9
I’m celebrating Christmas with my favorite blog readers by giving away a different book pack each day! Today’s book pack is the Teen Girl Pack, which includes: My Life, Unscripted, Life Interrupted, and Praying for Your Future Husband. Winners will be announced on my blog on Christmas day!
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I am thankful for my salvation, Grace, Peace , Joy, family, food, heat, my home, church & being able to pay my bills.
My wish list? I’d love to get my camera refurbished.
But my thankfulness list? I have a beautiful family (hubby + three kids), a roof over my head which I like (most of the time), full kitchen cupboards, and lots of love.
I’d love a Roomba vacuum. I know appliances aren’t on every girls list, but they are on mine!
My Christmas wish this year… Be able to buy my kids new clothes (they haven’t had anything new since last year).. To be able pay off a loan that we took out to pay off our bills.. To have fully stock pantry and freezer
My thankful list: I deserved death but God loved me so much that He sent His one and only Son in the a drowning world to us and gave us a reason to party… My wonderful husband who works long hours to provide for us.. My three blessings who I have the awesome privilege of teaching. My church family who stepped in and provided Christmas gifts for my kids when they found out how tight finances are.. The apartment we live in (although it is over 30 years old and falling apart) it still provides us protection from the elements…
I am hoping to get a rescue kitten for Christmas. To know I saved the life of a precious animal would be wonderful.
If GOD took away all of the gifts He has given us, (remember this includes Salvation) we would be in HORRIBLE MESS. For He sees to our every need as His children. (Not every want). I am thankful for my salvation, the parents He chose for me, my siblings, and my own children, my steps who are like my own, grands, greats, and great-grands. For enough food to eat, a roof over my head, clothes, and a car that will get me places. All of the great things He has put on this earth for us to enjoy. All we have to do is look around us. As for gifts I have all of the things(listed) so really don’t need anything but for the gathering of my family on Christmas Day, which will happen, GOD willing. I would like to have a new pole light for a dark corner of my living room for my other one broke, but can survive without it. 🙂 Would love to win this pack for my teen granddaughters. By the way I think kids get way too much for Christmas. We got hardly anything when we were young but it was appreciated very much and for a long time. Now-days as soon as most kids what they ask for , then they are already thinking of something else they want. I think less is better. MAXIE mac262(at)me(dot)com
A perpetual item on my wish list is a stand mixer. Someday I’ll get it. Otherwise, I don’t tend to have too many items on my list. I tend to put my kids and husband’s needs above mine!
I can’t think of a thing I need. I just want my family to be healthy, employed & know Jesus…..
I would love a tablet!
I would love an e-reader. I would really like what’s left of the family to get together. HAPPY HOLIDAYS
That my two daughters (18 and 16), my son (10), my fiance’, and I will all be together for Christmas this year, because we are separated due to lack of housing.
Would love to have the repairs done on our home . . . new tubs, bathroom sinks, back porch roof, tires. : ) Got a new nozzle for our shower! 🙂
I asked for an electric mattress pad!
I would love to win!
For my husband to find a job.
My grown up Christmas list is much less materialistic than my childhood list. I’m happy with being with family & friends and thankful that I know the true meaning of Christmas. Merry Christmas & Happy New Year Tricia!
I would like money to help pay some bills.
I have some books, a used kindle (I’m not sure I would like one so I would rather not have someone pay a bunch of money for something I don’t end up liking), a few kitchen items, a few different movies, and a family tree software to track all my family. Thank you for the give away and Merry Christmas.
My wishlist……..Books of course, cowboy boots, and new bedding.
My wish is for heat…to keep the kids warm. Otherwise, I am happy with just spending quality time with my kids 🙂
Merry Christmas !
-kym
Thankful for these last ten yrs of growth since Suicide Loss. He has been faithful where I was, where I am and where I’m going.
My van fixed, though I know we cannot afford it right now.
Linda Finn
I just want all my kids and grandkids safely home for Christmas! Not a big fan of gifts. I like to give them but feel it is way too commercialized! It would be more fun to do a family trip each year instead.
My Christmas list includes a Kindle Paperwhite. 🙂
I don’t really have a wishlist. Quality time with friends and family is all that I need.
My selfish list is: a Franklin COvey Daily Planner, knitting items/notions/supplies, accordian pocket folders in legal size or 8/1/2 x 11′, Zicam, Emergen-c and Airborne, DAve ramsey bundle, clear page protectors, one or 2 more file boxes that hold legal sized papers/folders,a back up drive,a new battery for my camera.
My really selfish list is a laptop, sewing machine, and Kitchen Aid mixer
ANd my SUPER selfish list: enough money to get out of debt, a place to call my own (my own home), a car and a kitten & puppy
My wish is to cherish life everyday and be grateful for what we do have.
My Christmas list this year:
A kindle (loaded is a plus)
Next month’s rent
Superhero underwear
My wish this year is for my daughter to be healed. She has been battling medical & psychological issues (resulting from an initial medical injury) and noone has been able to diagnose or treat her. I pray for God’s healing hand on her life. I pray for people to pray for her and to see God being glorified through all of this. Her Caring Bridge page is: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/melinabishay
I told my husband I don’t need anything, all I want from him is for us to take a weekend trip somewhere, that he plans on his on. To make it a surprise.
If only wishing for more time would make it come true. My wish is for many happy memories made with my kiddos.
My wishlist includes being able to buy my family the things they need and want! I’m happier knowing they have what they need and want before getting myself what I want or need. I usually feel guilty if I know they need/want something and I don’t put them before myself!
A Keurig.
What’s on my Christmas wish list…I would love some brown boots and I always love homemade gifts from my babies!!
New paint and kitchen countertops/cabinet refinishing. We have been in our home almost 20 years and it needs a facelift. Told my husband and he started last week! I am super excited, but it adds to the craziness trying to do it before Christmas!! The countertops are waiting. We are content to stay in our smaller home, just spruce it up every now and then.
On my Christmas list this year (and believe or not the answer to this can never be books. everyone ignores that! lol) : a wireless printer or bluetooth keyboard. and time with family and friends. and most of my family and friends are back east so part of my Christmas wish is that they have a safe and wonderful Christmas!
I have the most important gift of all – my salvation! My thankful list is a lot like yours, Tricia: family, friends, bills paid each month, a warm home, enough to eat, my health isn’t good – but better than a lot of people’s, books, music, computer, stereo, & TV.
On my wish list: confirmation that a family member is a Christian, better health for me, other family members, & friends, less important: another car, a trip to the Polynesian Islands, inside painting of my condo, tile on my bathroom floors, refinishing of my dining room chairs (belong to my grandmother), roof or awning over my patio, double-pane windows, front door with glass (to let the sun shine in).
bonnieroof60(at)yahoo(dot)com
Peace… And socks… 🙂
For my daughters who are struggling to come home and to hear from my oldest son.
It’s kind of funny. I don’t really have a wish list. I know my daughter can’t afford anything, and I don’t really have anyone else. I would like some training underpants for my granddaughter, and a couple of safety gates so she can play without getting hurt. I can’t really afford these things, so was hoping someone else would get them for her, but nobody feels they are “Christmasy” enough. One thing I have wanted for decades is one of those great big wind chimes that play the low tones (not the high pitched ones), but they are so expensive and not really necessary for living, but one can always hope!
I would like my daughter and granddaughter to be able to spend Christmas day with me. If I win this set, I will give it to my daughter. She is 20 now, but could use this set. Her husband has moved on since he has decided he doesn’t really want to be married, nor take any responsibility for supporting her or the baby.
My greatest wish for Christmas is that both my son & daughter and all the grandchildren could be together with us for Christmas while grampa still is able to know and recognize all the children. Also wish that everyone be blessed this Christmas season.
I don’t have a list. I have no around to have Christmas with.
Tricia,
Thanks for being so positive and inspirational!