I started to think about Christmas—past, present and future, as many of us do during this time of year.    As a child, I remember writing up my Christmas list for Santa Claus, and I decided to do it again.  But I am older now.  I don’t want toys or dolls.  I don’t want a transistor radio.  I don’t want a fancy new dress.

This is all I want for Christmas.

I want those affected or detained by wars or violent turmoil to be set free.  My mind will never forget the faces of those captured at a random music festival or those forcefully pulled from their homes.

I want to know that where I live is kind and friendly to all people, no matter what our differences are.

I want to not be afraid of the nightly news.

I want teachers and those who mold the future of our children to be held in the highest regard and esteem and be paid accordingly.

I want every school aged child or young adult to never have to do mass shooter drills again.

I want nurses and medical professionals to not be overworked and stressed because they can’t provide the level of care they need to for their patients because of budget cuts, mergers or shortages.

I want the homeless to have a place to live.

I want the elderly to be able to afford their medication.

I want animals to never feel the pain of hunger, mistreatment or abandonment.

I want my husband, my children, extended family and friends to live healthy, happy, long lives.

I want to enjoy the rest of my days on earth.

That’s all I want for Christmas.