The 12 Posts of Christmas, Day 11: What I Want Most for Christmas

Inside: While it might be a little late to put in my request, here’s what I want most for Christmas this year.

What I Want Most for Christmas

The other day Mom and I were headed out to go shopping. As we pulled up to our first stop, I opened my purse to look inside and discovered I’d left home without my wallet.

“I can’t believe I did that,” I said, referring to my forgetfulness.

“There’s a reason we’ve been diverted today,” she said.

We decided to head home by way of a route which would take us by the gas station so she could get gas. After she filled the tank, she walked into the convenience store, and I sat alone with my thoughts, watching the people around me. A forty-something man stood at the door of the store, holding it open for the longest time. I looked further out into the parking area and noticed an elderly man shuffling slowly toward the building. The man holding the door waited patiently, exchanging pleasantries with the elderly man as he entered. A few minutes later, it was the elderly man leaving, holding the door for someone heading for the entrance. “Come on in,” he said cheerfully, smiling.

And they weren’t alone. People continued to open doors, exchange greetings, and it moved me.

“This is who we are,” I said to myself. “This is what Americans do.”

I’ve been doing some thinking on this, why that simple little scene brought tears to my eyes. And I have come to realize what I want most this Christmas.

Goodwill.

That’s right. Like angel tidings and Christmas songs.

Goodwill.

You know, friendly disposition. Benevolence. Kindness.

Sure, peace on earth would be great–not to sound like a beauty queen on the pageant circuit. But in practical terms, peace has got to start somewhere. Goodwill is a place to start.

Being kind goes a long way these days. Particularly in a year when we’ve seen the worst of people. What I long for most is to see the best of us. Good deeds, yes, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. Friendly greetings, smiles, and lots and lots of opening doors. Being decent to one another. Really caring for other people, even those difficult to love.

Goodwill.

That’s what I want most this Christmas.