DOWN HOME: Blessings erase wishes on list_122203

Posted: 12/19/03

DOWN HOME: Blessings erase wishes on list

My Christmas "wish list" probably drove my family nuts this year.

Around our house, we're big on drawing up lists of gift suggestions. You know--stuff we'd like to receive for Christmas or birthday.

Maybe we don't have enough imagination, but I like to think we do this because, if we're going to spend the money, we want to give something the recipient really wants.

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Posted: 12/19/03

DOWN HOME: Blessings erase wishes on list

My Christmas “wish list” probably drove my family nuts this year.

Around our house, we're big on drawing up lists of gift suggestions. You know–stuff we'd like to receive for Christmas or birthday.

Maybe we don't have enough imagination, but I like to think we do this because, if we're going to spend the money, we want to give something the recipient really wants.

Also, we're not really the kind to go in for big-ticket items. For example, you won't find “high-definition plasma-screen TV monitor” on anybody's list. We all love music, but you won't see “personal digital music recorder” on a single list until ubiquity and market forces drive the price way, way down. And although I personally think the best way to improve my looks at my age would be to sit me behind the wheel of an Audi TT, I wouldn't even dream of writing “expensive German sportscar” on my list. Even when I've got a sugar buzz from eating too much Christmas fudge.

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MARV KNOX
Editor

This year, Joanna and I wrote our Christmas lists on the December page of the kitchen calendar. I checked mine the other day, and it included three items–a burnt orange knit cap to keep my head warm when I run, a videotape of “Greater Tuna” and something else–a CD, I think it was. Not much to go on.

But it's not a symbol of my altruism, either. Our family is blessed. We already own everything we need and much more besides. We don't wait for Christmas or birthdays to buy shoes and books. We couldn't even think up a place to put another TV set, and everyone has fair access to the computer. We get rid of clothes because we get tired of wearing them. Small wonder thinking up a “wish list” is such a chore.

But that got me thinking about what I value most at Christmas:

bluebull The assurance that Jesus is our Savior and his love is unconditional and eternal.

bluebull The laughter of our daughters, Lindsay and Molly, as we sit around the dinner table.

bluebull Jo's head on my shoulder as we snuggle on the couch.

bluebull The look on Mother's face when all the family gathers under one roof.

bluebull A thousand voices singing “Silent Night” by candlelight at our church on Christmas Eve.

bluebull Jo and the girls in our family sedan, listening to Karen Carpenter sing “Ave Maria” as we drive around looking at the lights.

bluebull Hot coffee, a blazing fire and the soft glow of our Christmas tree.

bluebull Cards and pictures from friends we've known across a quarter-century in places we've lived all over the country.

bluebull Reading “'Twas the Night Before Christmas” to the girls for the 21st Christmas Eve in a row.

With blessings like that, how could I “wish” for more?

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