It is truly the most wonderful time of the year, with Christmas right around the corner. Children have begun to make their Christmas list and write letters to Santa, as others have started planning their Christmas Eve and Day activities. The spirit of Santa Claus brings so much joy to children, and there are so many different traditions revolving around him that each one is special in its own way. When I was younger, I loved going to see him at the mall and telling him whatever major gift I was hoping for that year. Writing him letters and sending them off to the North Pole was one of my favorite activities, just like leaving out the milk and cookies was another. As I got older I began to print out my Christmas list and would pin it on the fridge for my parents to see. I may have stopped writing him letters and leaving out the milk and cookies, but the spirit of Santa Claus hasn't left me.

Since I was younger, my Christmas list has changed. Instead of asking for Barbie dolls and Webkinz, I've started asking for things I need for school or in my day to day life. This year, I wish for so much more than that.

I wish for happiness. For everyone to live lives full of compassion and to be compassionate towards others.

I wish for acceptance. For every person to have the right to love and marry whoever they please without the fear of oppression.

I wish that every family who has sent a loved one overseas gets to enjoy the holidays with them, and for every law enforcement officer and soldier to return home safely.

I wish for every person to respect themselves, and for all generations to respect each other.

I wish for every person to feel loved and appreciated. Whether you write a positive message on a public sidewalk or lend an ear to someone who needs to be heard, because you can accomplish anything through spreading love.

I wish for the importance of health to be bestowed to those important to me, and those who I do not know. So everyone can live long and beautiful lives, and use the gifts they were given to bring joy into their own lives as well as others.

I wish for an end to world hunger, so that no child or adult will ever have to live with a fear of starvation.

This is my grown up Christmas list.