Making a Christmas list is not for me

A few weeks ago my mother-in-law told my wife we needed to get our Christmas lists to her soon. 

My wife relayed the message to me and I cringed — I hate making Christmas lists. I always have and always will.

I understand why people want you to give them a list. I know they are handy tools for those seeking gifts for others. 

I like using Christmas lists so that I know the gift I am giving is something that person wants or needs. I don’t want to give a gift that will not be used.

That being said, I will launch into the portion of the column that my wife would describe as me “being difficult to deal with.”

When I was much younger there were many things I thought I wanted. Unfortunately by the time Christmas rolled around I forgot what they were and failed to put most of the items on my list.

As I got older I developed a sense of contentment and didn’t really want a bunch of stuff. I was appreciative of the gifts I received, whether it was a canister of chocolate covered pretzels or a video game console — I was just happy people were thoughtful enough to get me something.

That has continued on into my adult life.

Sure there are some things I would like to have. The toys are more sophisticated — I traded G.I. Joes and Transformers for power tools and electronics long ago — but if all I got was a canister of chocolate covered pretzels, I would still be happy.

Yes there are things I want, but they don’t really belong on a Christmas list. 

Can you really ask your in-laws to pay off your student loans? I didn’t think so.

I already have the things that are most important to me. 

I have a loving wife who puts up with me no matter how difficult I might be — and I can be very difficult at times — I have a nice house to call my own and I have a job I thoroughly enjoy. 

What more can I ask for?