Every year since I was a small child, I've made a wish list. This was a great parenting tool. Every time my brother or I wanted something we saw in a store or on TV or in the paper, my mom would say, "Let's put it on your wish list." She'd write it down and we wouldn't fuss as much.
As an adult, I increasingly feel like telling people what to give me is tacky. On the other hand, having my brother's wish list makes shopping for him much easier; I don't know him all that well these days, and the list helps.
My wish list this year is simple. I risk sounding both pretentious and sappy with this, but there are only two things I want:
- A better world.
- Connection with other people.
These may seem grandiose, but they're not impossible, and there is a place for you.
A better world.Do something this holiday season that makes the world a better place. That could mean making a financial contribution to a worthy cause, buying a stranger's coffee, or volunteering in one of the many holiday endeavors you'll find in any community.
Connection with other people.Send me a letter or an email; there are few things I love more than getting mail. The card is always my favorite part of the gift.
I'll be doing both of these this season.
I'm trying to make a list of causes to financially support. (My original intention was to find eleven, one each for Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's, and each of the eight nights of Chanukah. Not only am I having trouble thinking of eleven, but two are time-limited and have to be done before Christmas.) I keep debating with myself about whether or not I should post about the causes I'm choosing to support. On the one hand, I want to encourage other people to support worthy causes. On the other hand, there's that whole thing about how much more valuable tzedakah is when it's given without anyone knowing you've done it.
I'll also be making an effort to write real holiday cards this year, instead of a simple, "Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!"
This is not to say, however, that material gifts won't be appreciated or given. I'm making my list and checking it twice right now, and it's not like I'll be sending back any fabulous gifts you may be inclined to get for me.