Sarah Nigbor

It’s two days before Christmas and I have plenty left to do. Grocery shopping (which you know I hate), present wrapping, cooking, baking, cleaning, writing my Christmas cards (yes, I am behind) and somehow finding time to sleep. Ha! I have a feeling I will be awake to hear the sound of prancing reindeer hooves on my roof. I asked Santa for a personal assistant, but I’m not sure that’s in the elves’ wheelhouse.

With all the flurry, sometimes it’s easy to overlook the true meaning of the Christmas season. Christians are celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, who was sent to earth to save us from our sins. There really is no greater gift than that. It’s quite mind-boggling, when you really think about it.

I have also taken time this holiday to count my blessings, because that too can get lost in the hustle and bustle and stress of everyday life. It’s tough to feel grateful when you’re being blasted from your warm bed at 4:30 a.m. by a screeching alarm clock on a cold winter morning. I’ve made a conscious effort this year to replace crabby, complaining negative thoughts with a positive one. As Mary Poppinsish as that might sound (and I am no Mary Poppins), it has helped.

I find myself noticing small things more, things that bring me quiet joy. A hot cup of coffee, a beautiful sunrise, the neighbor’s Christmas lights, the fact that my dog didn’t eat the bathroom garbage for two days in a row. That’s a record. When all the little things in life are added up, they become part of a big, beautiful feeling.

Since I don’t think I’m going to get that personal assistant for Christmas, here is my wish list for everyone. Santa might not be able to help with it, but maybe you can help with a couple.

1. For people to attend more public meetings, so they actually know what they’re talking about on social media, public comment and letters to the editor.
2. For people to be kind, instead of accusing, rude or huffy right away when presenting a question or request.
3. For people to remember they might not always know the inner battles people are experiencing. Again, see No. 2.
4. For our elected officials (especially at the state and national level) to learn to work together for the common good, not the good of their respective parties.
5. For people to read more FACTUAL news, rather than only viewpoints that align with their own.
6. For people to have an open mind and realize they might not always be right.
7. For people to forgive, because hanging onto hatred and hurt only hurts you, not the one who caused it.
8. For Minnesota drivers to learn the left lane is for passing, not camping out.
9. For my children to stop using the words “bruh,” “slay” and “nunya.” And that a hamper isn’t just décor.
10. For the extended car warranty people to stop calling me.

Most of all, I wish for you all to be healthy, happy and successful in 2024. Merry Christmas, Journal readers! I am grateful for you.