Trares
Some things never change.
For kids at Christmastime, their wishlist to Santa is one of the most important projects of the entire year. How will Kris Kringle know what to bring if you don’t write a letter?
These lists are usually a generous mix of realistic and fantastical requests — from a new action figure or doll to some brand new clothes to a pony or motorcycle.
But there’s always something that finds its way to the top of the wish list.
Anthony has been working on his list for months now. Culling his ideas from TV commercials and advertisements sent in the mail, his dream Christmas started coming together.
My memories drifted back to when I was a kid, when the massive JC Penney catalog arrived in the mail. Inside were pages and pages of everything you could ever hope to get from Santa — NFL footballs, G.I. Joe fortresses, Transformers play stations and so much more.
My brother, sister and I would take turns (begrudgingly, and not always equitably) passing the catalog around to write down the gifts we hoped to get. Those requests then went to Santa, by way of grandparents, aunts, uncles and our parents.
They still send catalogs in the mail — only this year, they’re from places like Target and Amazon. But just like I used to do, Anthony would meticulously go page by page, circling whatever spaceship or LEGO set that caught his eye. From those ideas, he wrote out his list to Santa.
His requests were similar to favorites of years past: Star Wars toys, Pokemon cards, soft pajamas to last him through the winter.
But one gift was at the top of his list — a video game called “Super Mario Bros. Wonder.” Apparently, it’s the talk of his class; he’s made it clear in no uncertain terms that this is THE top Christmas present of the year.
Once again, I couldn’t help but think of my own early Christmases, and the year I asked for what would be my all-time favorite gift. The Nintendo Game Boy had come out earlier that year, and it was all I wanted.
I begged and pleaded with my parents (I was past the Santa stage at that point), but knew it was a longshot. My siblings and I always received very nice stuff, but the futuristic video game system probably was too much.
On Christmas morning, there were oodles of pretty-papered presents piled under the tree. We opened up toys and new clothes — truly a holiday bounty. But no Game Boy.
I was disappointed, but tried not to show it, putting into practice the gratitude my parents had taught me. We were ready to move on to our stockings when my mom scrunched up her face, pointed to a spot behind the curtains and asked, “What is that?”
It was the Game Boy. Like Ralphie in “A Christmas Story,” I was enthralled with my ultimate gift. The rest of the day, and for weeks and months after, were focused on that game system. That Christmas still stands out as my favorite childhood holiday season.
As an adult, I realize the importance of Christmas is giving, not receiving. Many people are struggling this year, and even those who want to get big gifts for their kids and loved ones can’t. We’ve tried to teach Anthony the value of thanks, and the importance of doing what we can for others.
But, at the same time, it’s hard to not want that childhood joy for Anthony. I have a suspicion Santa will be bringing that Super Mario Bros. game, and that Anthony’s eyes will light up when he opens it, just like mine did. I want to see his excitement, his happiness and hopefully his gratitude to see his Christmas wish come true.
As a dad, that’s at the top of my list.
Ryan Trares is a senior reporter and columnist for the Daily Journal. Send comments to [email protected].
