What do you want for Christmas? I heard this question several times in the past weeks from my wife, as well as other family members. I heard this question last year around the same time. And the year before. And before that. And before…

I am sure that sometimes there was something I wanted to receive as a gift and the answer to that question was easy. But not this year. I started thinking about what I want for Christmas, until I came to a shocking realization that I have to think of a gift. This is crazy: I have to think of an object and create a desire for it within me just so somebody can do the ritual of wrapping that object in pretty paper and put it under the tree. And then I will do the ritual of taking from under the tree and unwrapping an object that I am not sure that I truly want.

Sure, there are some things that I would like to have and if someone gives them to me as a gift, I will genuinely appreciate it. For example, there are some books that I would like to add to my expanding library. But, the size of my family library is rather prestige, and my reading list is not that small. So, even if you give me a book that I truly want, I will truty appreciate it, but still, it will take me months (or possibly years) to get to it.

I know what it is to desire something. It is when you need it. Then you appreciate it most when you get it. After I got married seventeen months ago (today is the anniversary date), I gradually gained weight, thanks to my wife’s wonderful cooking. As a result, all of my dressy pants got less and less comfortable to wear. They still fit, but very uncomfortably. Every Sunday, I would hurry home to change into regular jeans.

There would be a great idea for a perfect gift, but my wife and I went shopping on Black Friday, and I bought myself a few dressy pants that will last me for a while. So, here I am, stuck needing nothing and not having an answer to the original question. What do I want for Christmas?

If you or someone you know are in the same boat with me, please consider giving the gift away, somewhere where it will be truly treasured. A project that is very close to my heart is Water for Haiti. The church that runs the project has their own missionaries in the area in Haiti, and they want to help the local community by providing clean water, which is very much needed everywhere, but especially there for victims of earthquake and cholera. That is what I want for Christmas! If you are giving in someone’s name, you can print a certificate, sign it, and give it to whoever is the reason for you donation. That will make your Christmas gift more tangible.

Another great idea is giving an animal to a poor family through some charity, such was World Concern. When I grew up in Ukraine, I knew a lot of people where a big chunk of their food supply depended on their animal, whether a goat, a cow, a pig, or a chicken. So, I know this would be a huge blessing for some family in need.

And there are plenty more good ideas.

If you truly want something for Christmas, then I don’t mean to guilt trip you by this post. Do tell them what you want! But if you find yourself in the same situation as I do myself, where you have to think hard to come up with something you would “want for  Christmas,” then I urge you to join me in the desire to have our gifts redirected to someone else. They need it more!

P. S. This video was a blessing for me, and it portrays thoughts similar to mine above, but in a more artistic way. Enjoy. May the Lord be with you always!