One of the Christmas songs playing on the radio during the
Christmas season is called My Grown Up Christmas List, sung by
Amy Grant. Many say this song grates on their nerves when they hear it. Some
will say it is the most overplayed Christmas song on the radio. I happen to
think it is a beautiful song, with a profound message. The song isn’t
necessarily about HER wants at Christmas time, rather the list in the song is
directed towards the world, "a world in need" to quote the lyrics. The most profound part of the song are the following
lines:
No more lives torn apart.
That wars would never start.
And time would heal all hearts.
And everyone would have a friend.
And right would always win.
And love would never end.
This is my grown-up Christmas
list.
And everyone would have a friend.
Christmas is a time for wishing for good things, a time to
ask for things we wouldn’t normally ask for any other time of the year.
Children write their lists for Santa and include all the latest toys,
electronic devices, and much, much more. But what about adults? Did you write a
list for Santa? Did you ask Santa for anything this year?
On Friday, I prompted my students to write letters to Santa
and our Elf, Charlie, would deliver them to the big guy. While my students were
hard at work (which still amazes me!!!), one little boy came up to me and so
seriously asked me, “Ms Allyson, aren’t you
writing a letter to Santa? How will you get presents under your tree if you don’t
tell him what you want?” I asked that young boy to get me the stationery and I,
too, would write my own letter. I found it hard to do. Write a letter to Santa
telling him what I want for Christmas. You see, I am an age in life where I
really do not want for anything. I have everything I need: healthy, successful
children, a loving relationship, my family….these are things Santa can’t really
deliver.
I wrote my letter, and it went something like this:
Dear Santa,
My name is Ms.
Allyson. I love having Charlie in our classroom
I really don’t
know what I want for Christmas this year. I guess if
each of my wee
ones get what they want, I will be happy. As you
know, this is
my favorite time of year. Thank you for being such a
wonderful man.
Love,
Ms Allyson
The kids asked to share their letters, and so we did. When I
read mine, the kids all looked at me and said, “Ms Allyson, that’s not a real
Christmas list. Why don’t you ask for a new car?” It was at that moment that
the teaching kicked in and I explained that as you grow up, the things you want
for Christmas aren’t necessarily things that Santa can bring. I explained that
the best gift I could get, would be for each one of them to be happy and
content with whatever Santa brings them, but that I hoped they each got at
least one thing on their list. Whether they understood the point right there in
Room 101 on Friday, I do not know. They are, after all, still wee ones. But I
know, in my heart, that one day they will get it. Perhaps it
will be when they are old enough to fully appreciate the song, My
Grown Up Christmas List.
Until tomorrow, my friends…..may we always remember that we
can all wish for things on Christmas, because after all, we have the Spirit of
Santa in us, and we have the power to see to it that we have those dreams that
will come true!
Think Thankfully!!!
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