Do you remember sending letters to Santa when you were younger? Asking him for all sorts of fun toys and games and electronics? I sure do! It was tradition to send him a letter asking him for those things. As I got older, I started to realize that what I wanted for Christmas wasn't something that he, or anyone, could wrap up in a box and stick under the tree. What I want is so much more. My heart hurts as I read and remember the news and all the tragedy that has happened this year.

I think about the situation in Aleppo, Syria. The shooting at Pulse earlier this year. The attack in Berlin, Germany. All awful situations that just make my heart cry. If I could ask for one thing, it would be for all this war and hate crimes to stop. For there to be peace and love. Tolerance. Things that this world has long forgotten about. Or at least, it very much feels like it.

I think about death that has struck too many people this year. I think about the family and loved ones who are left behind to deal with those emotions this time of year. Something that I can very closely relate to myself. If I could ask for one thing, it would be for peace and healing of their hurting hearts. Losing someone you love is one of the most difficult things to have to deal with. Especially during the holidays. If I could give them the peace that they need during this time, I would.

I think about all those who are having financial hardships this year. I think of the families who can't afford to get their kids things for Christmas or have to go with very little. I think of families who are struggling to just make ends meet with the bare essentials. And the kids who don't understand for whatever reason. If I could ask for one thing, it would be to give them what they need to help their families. To give them the Christmas that they surely deserve. Whether it's food or clothes or a place to stay or just genuinely nice things for their family.

Those are just three situations of many that I wish I could have a hand in this holiday season. I leave you with only three, but now I want to turn it to you. Yes, you, reading this article right now. What's on your grown-up Christmas list this year? If you could ask for one thing in a situation, what would it be? Let me know in the comments below.

Merry Christmas everyone. May you have peace and joy this Holiday season. May you be surrounded by those you love the most. And take a moment to pray for those who need it.