After Christmas, I often hear people talk about what gifts they wanted versus what they got. So, if you got the opportunity this year, what would you ask Santa for? That is – what would you ask him for that’s realistic? As a youngster, I thought of many things, but most were out of the question. I recently heard a clever request a young boy made while sitting on Santa’s lap. He wanted a check for $1,000. I wonder what Santa thought? His mother, standing nearby, whispered he better think of something else. Do you think he got that $1,000? The mother who told me the story assured me, “No, not in this universe!”
Hubby occasionally asks me what I would do if I won the lottery! If I did win, I wouldn’t want anyone to know. I wouldn’t survive being hounded for money! I easily feel guilty, so I would probably end up with emotional issues. I was raised to be a frugal person, so it’s difficult for me to part with money. That means I wouldn’t be persuaded to give it away – and then I’d feel guilty about not doing so! But what if I did win the big one?
Would I get a new house? Maybe. But I’m comfortable in my home and genuinely dislike moving since I’ve moved over 24 times as a former military wife. Enough is enough. Maybe I would get some domestic upgrades. More modern, new double-paned windows would be nice. Our water heater is nearing the end of its useful life, but Hubby says he’s taking care of that. The carpets in the bedrooms could be updated. Of course, I could do those things now, but I guess I’m too lazy – and it isn’t that important.
My wardrobe could use a do-over. I like casual, comfortable clothes. A few weeks ago, I went shopping and tried on a thing or two. I found it depressing. Sleeves are now a must for me to cover up my flabby upper arms. As I surveyed the new styles, the reason for showing off the shoulders with extended sleeves occurred to me: Most people’s shoulders are halfway decent looking – no matter their age. I loved the voluminous tops that were worn untucked. That, of course, is no longer the case as some slender idiot thought the front should be tucked into the waist, exposing the paunch I wanted to cover up! Just when fashion style becomes desirable, someone has to come along and ruin it.
Cosmetic surgery has some appeal. (As the years pass, I seem to look more and more like my mother.) One does need to be careful, however. Some people look great after messing with their facial features, while others look kinda weird. I assume with enough money, any mistakes could be corrected, but I’ve seen some horrible surgical results on the faces of celebrities. I wouldn’t mind dying my eyebrows because plucking out the grey ones is getting more bothersome. Of course, I could do that now.
Would I buy more expensive food? Maybe. I love Chilean sea bass, for example, but I would probably overdose on it and wouldn’t like it anymore. Mostly, I eat more than enough of anything I want. Hubby recently had the bright idea to feed our eight-year-old outdoor (feral) cat a little less each day. He claims Gypsy Rose (GR on the street) is getting too heavy, and he’s concerned she won’t have the agility to avoid the numerous predators that stalk her at night. I personally think her “fat” is just winter fur – but, in any event, he and the cat are both watching their weight.
Spend more money on travel? No, I do enough now. Yes, traveling in an exclusive, high style or mode could be attractive – but think of all the interesting folks you wouldn’t get to meet. Isn’t encountering different types of people part of the joy of travel? Oceans, mountains, trees, and monuments are all enjoyable to look at – but the unique people you meet are what you remember.
Would I get a new car? Probably not. I like our car, and although it is six years old, it only has 16,000 miles on the odometer. Also, I am no longer nervous about where I park it. It does have a few tiny dings, but nothing noticeable. I now park closer to the building I want to enter instead of out in the “North Forty” to protect it from damage. Nope, it’s safe and comfortable, and I’m used to driving it. I would be sad to see it go.
Spend more on entertainment? I would buy more books rather than borrow them like I do now from the library. I sometimes have to read frantically to finish them before the loan period runs out. Of course, I could do that now, but I guess I’m too frugal. I used to love to go to the movies but seldom do anymore. Why? Because I can eventually see the film on TV in the comfort of my home and enjoy my own microwave popcorn, lazy boy recliner, and – best of all – pause it if I need to use the bathroom. I also don’t have to climb over a bunch of legs or stretch my neck to see around the tall person sitting in front of me. One time I was relieved to see someone of average height taking that seat. Rats! When she sat down, it turned out she had short legs and a very long upper torso!
Spend more money on jewelry? I like jewelry, but I keep losing it no matter how careful I am. I once had to go into a highly undesirable neighborhood for my job. I was wearing diamond and sapphire earrings. My manager advised me not to wear them into that area because I might get my ears cut off. No, I didn’t wear them and I still have my ears. Hubby has given me some beautiful jewelry throughout the years. I’ve lost some, and it makes me sad. However, I still have gold earrings and a bracelet he bought for me in Greece. Although I seldom wear them, I frequently look at them.
Donate more money to charity? I believe in giving to organizations such as Wounded Warriors, Tunnel to Towers, etc., and we do. In my opinion, our first responders, and especially our soldiers, do not get enough credit and respect. This seems to be a holdover from how soldiers were treated after the Vietnam War. I remember watching the planes carrying returning POWs flying over Ogden, Utah, where I lived, and on television later, seeing them departing from those planes. For many of those soldiers, their patriotic contribution did not end there. Many developed serious subsequent illnesses and mental breakdowns and witnessed the disintegration of their families caused by their having served. Our country owes them big time! I wouldn’t donate large sums to the big charities. I don’t trust the bloated, inefficient administration of the funds under their control. The same thing goes for some religious organizations – but not all. And regarding charities for animals, I grew up on a farm. So, although I care very much for animals, to me, a charity for them is over the top.
I recently read an article about someone who spent little on himself during his lifetime and gave away millions when he died:
“A very frugal man left a whopping $13 million to local charities after he passed away. He worked for the Veterans Administration for 30 years and quietly passed away with no announcement or obituary notice because he felt they were too expensive. The modest Indianapolis man left behind no immediate family – telling his executor to donate his money to charity – but not specifying which one. When the executor began phoning charities to see which could use a million dollars, he quickly found enough to fulfill his client’s legacy. Believe it or not, some organizations missed receiving their million dollars by thinking the offer was a scam!”
I worked at a military base around Christmas a long time ago. The office party was getting into high gear that day. A little woman walked in with a scarf on her head, carrying a container of freshly baked cookies. No one paid her any attention until she cleared her throat and said, “I am Mrs. Westmoreland, and I brought homemade cookies for your party.” Her husband was General Westmoreland. We were astounded – and so impressed by her thoughtful charity.
So, if Santa Claus could grant you your one wish, what would it be? Something lofty and noble – or something special you want for yourself or a loved one. Your comments are welcome and appreciated. Wishing you all the Happiest of Holidays!
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That child that asked Santa for $1,000 bucks is my grandson. To be assured he is not getting that from Santa, Mom, or Grandma! He has come up with some other ideas.
Here is what I want from Santa: Peace, comfort, happiness, safety, and good health for me and my family & friends! Everything else is secondary. So Merry Christmas Roberta & hubby! May your days be filled with comfort and joy!
Thanks Roberta,
This story allows you to reflect and determine what is important to you especially during the Holidays! I am sure most of us have different ideas and uses for this special gift from $anta. It reminded me to stop thinking about what makes me feel happy and fulfilled and to just do it! My ask for is to travel and enjoy life with family now before it’s too late!
Merry Christmas,
W
All I want Santa to bring me this year is…
…a FERRARI !!! Red, of course.
My only wish for Christmas is family time. I love Christmas time, the lights, music; most people are happy and that is my hope for my family. I feel blessed to be here this Christmas and am grateful for the promise that child in Bethlehem gives to all of us. Sorry for sounding so corny, but it is what is in my heart today.