When I was little, I used to make the best Christmas wish lists. I'd have a neat, organized letter patiently waiting for Santa long before he actually needed it. He'd know exactly what I wanted right down to the exact color. If I thought it was something Santa needed to buy or "make", I'd even let him know where he could find it and how much it would cost.

Once I got to middle school, and even high school, I would print off a list complete with pictures and web links. I even would make pinboards on Pinterest so my parents would know exactly what I wanted and how to get it. How thoughtful of me, right?

Making wish lists were easy. And they were always the same. I always asked for shoes, clothes, movies, books, and jewelry. Occasionally I'd throw in something crazy like an iPod Nano, a camera, or a new iPhone.

So why is it so different this year? Why can't I just come up with a few dozen things that I have to have. That would be so cool to own. That would look so cute on.

Because, I'm getting old.

I'm at the point in my life where I am broke. And I mean really broke. I have to pick and choose what I spend my money on. Nowadays I can't just decide to spend money on a really cute sweater when I need to somehow pay the bills, and eat.

Then it dawned on me, my priorities have changed. Is this how the real world is going to be? Um, I'd like to go back to being 16 now and not having any responsibilities. Thank you.

Now, my ideal Christmas wish list would look a little something like this:

Dear Santa,

I know you're really busy. I hope this isn't too much to ask, but this year I could really use -

1. Money to pay for my monthly rent

I don't know how expensive it is to live in the North Pole, but where I live, a roof over your head doesn't come cheap. And it definitely isn't always easy coming up with that money, when you have no money.

2. A magic button to make all of my college tuition debt disappear

Did you know that in order for me to get a job, I have to have a college education? And that a college education costs me around $100,000... I know I know, it's crazy.

3. Groceries

Groceries aren't cheap...

4. Gas money

I have to drive, a lot. Gas prices are pretty low right now... so maybe that'll be an easy one to check off? FYI, my fuel tank capacity is about 12 gallons.

5. A good job

By good job, I mean one with decent working conditions, reasonable hours, flexibility, and in an interesting field. Okay honestly, any job would be nice right now.

6. Experiences

I've begun to learn that more than material items like money or gifts, it's memories that really make a difference in your life. Money can always be spent, and then it's gone forever. That's something I know all too well. I want to go places and do things. It's the experiences you have that will last you a lifetime.

7. Time for love

But it's not just the experiences you have, it's the people you have them with. As life becomes busier and more complicated, time becomes harder. And I wish it wasn't. If I could only have one thing this Christmas, it would be to spend time with the people I really love. It's a simple request, yet not always an easy one.

Well, let me know if you have any trouble!

XOXO,

A 20-something year old trying to make it on her own and find her way

While toys and games are fun, jewelry and clothes make me feel pretty, and books and movies are interesting, I think I'm looking for more this Christmas. And while being debt-free and having money to pay for life expenses sounds relieving, it's more than that too.

"Maybe Christmas", he thought, "doesn't come from a store. Maybe Christmas ... perhaps ... means a little bit more!"

I think Dr. Seuss was onto something.

"He who has not Christmas in his heart, will never find it under a tree." - Roy L. Smith