I've become less materialistic as I've grown up, there's no doubt about that. It has become a chore to actually write a Christmas list. Most of the things I wrote down this year included gift cards (boring, I know) and random other home decor items to help brighten up my room or make my apartment not appear so as though a bunch of college males decorated it (Still love you, Roomies!). With all of that said, there are quite a few things I'm actually asking for this Christmas that can't be fulfilled by any gift-giver (in no particular order of importance).

1. World Peace

I'm sure it's on everyone's list, or maybe it's just the hippie in me talking. The statistics regarding violence and hateful acts from this year are appalling. According to newsmax.com, only five states in the whole USA haven't had a mass shooting this year and there have been more mass shootings than there have been days! Now setting aside the USA for a second, there was also the attacks in Paris and several African countries as well as conflicts/wars between many different countries. Just as importantly, but on a smaller scale, animals are abused, children are beaten or abducted, people are robbed and houses are burglarized, there is a rising trend in the norm of everyday violence, people ridicule others for their way of life, innocent bystanders are gunned down from gang-related violence, etc. Imagine what a world it would be if you could wake up and not see a notification on your phone about violence or hateful acts that we are unfortunately so used to seeing. Imagine not having to lock your car door because no one would steal anything from you. Imagine walking without fear. Imagine not having people harass you at parties or try to fight you. Just the thought of this world seems so distant, but it shouldn't have to be.

2. A Sane President to be Elected

I know none of the candidates are actually considered clinically insane, but you know what I mean. I'm not going to mention any names, but there are a few candidates whom I am making reference to. This country needs someone who can be a leader. Someone who can keep us moving forward. Someone who is respectful of all genders, classes, races, and religions. Someone who won't be fueled by greed. Someone who won't be the laughing stock of the world. Someone we can look back on and be proud that they were the face of our country. This choice lies within our hands. We as voters can research our candidates, their policies, and their past decisions in regards to business and politics. We are fortunate enough to now live in an era where we can find out the truth instead of just listening to the opinions of others or those on the media.

3. Bona Fide Women's Rights

In my opinion, we are really lacking in this department. I'm mainly talking about equal pay and maternity leave. Women in this country are paid less than men for jobs with the same description and the USA is pretty much the only developed country that doesn't have an established maternity leave. In my opinion, both of these things really need to change. It's truly unfortunate that we live in a society that is all about work and doesn't give new mothers the time they deserve to spend time with and breastfeed their child/children. It is also unfair and unjustifiable that women go through the same process as men, work just as hard as men, and may end up being 79 cents on the dollar compared to men (according to iwpr.org). We live in the 21st century and I think it's time for some much needed change.

4. Respect for All

We really need to have more respect for everyone and treat everyone equally for that matter. Unfortunately, common courtesy is a disappearing art. It's not uncommon to come across quite a few a**holes when you drive, less and less people are holding doors for each other, and people are bullied everyday. In this case, it's time to turn back the clocks a little and remember what it means to be courteous and respectful.

5. The End to World Hunger

Setting aside the functionalist theory as to why world hunger exists, this is really something I'd like to see disappear. It pains me to think that people are starving in other countries as I see people throw food away everyday at my job. It doesn't seem right that their can be such a discrepancy in the amount of people being overweight and the amount of people being malnourished in this world. Many people have their ideas of how to solve it and I personally think we have to change our entire system and world to see this end. I know this isn't an easy task, but it's a task that should be tackled.

6. Friends to Keep Me Together While Apart From My Beloved

It's probably something a lot of people would like help with. I'm not going to pretend like I'm the only one who won't or doesn't have this problem. There are tons of people who have hundreds, if not thousands of miles between them and the one they love the most. People have to spend holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, and other occasions apart every day. This is just going to be my first go-around at this and I could use all the help I can get and a friend's presence and shoulder to lean on when times get tough for me. I'm honestly not sure how one carries out their everyday activities without having the one they love beside them and I could use some help with this because she's going to be gone five months studying abroad in South Africa.

7. People to Stop Supporting "Big Ag"

This is definitely the vegan supporter-of organic-agriculture, buy-local-when-you-can talking in me. I'm not a fan of factory farming and the effects it has on our world at all. You can reference my article on "10 Documentaries Bound to Make You Eat More Mindfully" if you want to specifically know what I am talking about. The current food system in the USA is pillaging the Earth of its resources, serving up addictive food-like products, and using extremely harmful pesticides to name a few. I think it'd be wonderful if people could vote with their forks and choose to not support this current system and to help usher in a more sustainable one.

8. The Abolishment of Cancer

Honestly, I don't think too much needs to be said here. It's a terrible disease. Yes, some forms of it are preventable and people should eat healthy foods to help prevent these, but no one deserves to be susceptible to genetics or left up to sheer happen-stance. Scientists, if you've discovered a cure and are keeping it hidden purely for the sake of companies making a huge profit, please stop and reveal it.

9. The Ability to Rewind a Day

How great would this be? Maybe just be able to rewind one day a year. I've had many amazing days in my life (most of them have been within the past five months or so of my life) and it would be awesome if I could choose one, rewind it, and live it again. I know this could be pretty hard to choose, but it shouldn't be a hard task and would be able to help people relive their favorite day they had that year. And yes, it would be without consequence and everything would play out the same way in life.

10. Everyone to Be Healthy

As a whole, our society could definitely stand to be healthier. This isn't meant to be offensive in any way, I'm just stating the truth. Being healthier will help us be happier and spend less money on health care among other things. It would be awesome if everyone would stick to their resolutions this year (the ones that will inevitably be relatable to health) and keep them year round; I personally think everyone will be healthier and happier, which will result in less disease and a more cheerful country.