The Holiday Season/ dear santa

Today, for the first time in what is called the holiday season, got a bad taste in m mouth from it. I actually find it entertaining what we as Americans think of as a Holiday. 

In the Month of December alone, we send out cards to everyone we know telling them about us our achievements and anything else we feel the need to include, but as we receive them, that first day of december , instantly begins the "Oh wow, who has time to get these out in time?" "They spelt that wrong!" and anything else we feel like adding about their christmas cards. Yet, we stress about the picture we are going to use, (I too suffer from this I dont like the picture we chose this year) what to write and who all to send it too. 

Then there are the lines at the stores, who feel they HAVE to create major discounts and offer you sales as you search for the christmas presents for your family and friends. (where are these sales for birthdays and anniversaries?) 

By the time this is all finished you could careless about the Christmas Eve dinner, and the true meaning of Christmas just that it is over, thank heavens no more christmas music! Then the idea you are going to have to take down the tree put away the decorations and pick up the wrapping paper spread across the floor. 

Well, welcome to an American Christmas people, one of not only faked cheer of those trying to check you out at your nearest grocery store saying "Happy Holidays" for the 60th time in a row, but also one of stress filled lines lives and late nights. 

So Dear Santa, 

I am finally ready to write you and ask you what I would enjoy most for Christmas. I have been around the world this year emotionally, physically and mentally. Learning of cultures, work, people, and myself.  Coming to find joy, peace and happiness in the most simple things. So as you prepare for Christmas this year, I would hope that you could keep in mind to bless this holiday Season and everyone involved in it to see the simple small things and appreciate them. Search them out, learn gratitude for them and never forget them. For these simple things, running water, toilet paper, soap, comfortable beds... make our lives run smooth keep us healthy, and make a difference. Santa, I know that sounds absurd, but by remembering all that we are blessed with, we remember why it is we send our christmas cards. To keep people involved in our lives, saying to them, " I still appreciate your friendship even though we cant talk much." It will help us remember why we give each other gifts, they are gestures of love and hope for the future we can all share together. To remember why it is we love our families so much, when we spend all day Christmas with them. Most Important to remember Our Savior and all that he has done for us. 

Thank you so much, and best of luck this Holiday Season,

Love, Hayley