The birthday wish

What do you want for Christmas? Does that sound like a familiar query?

In other words, what would we like to have or give in honor of Jesus' birthday?

While pondering what I wanted this year -- and it happens each Christmas -- I could think of few material items I wanted. Then I discovered why.

I remembered a familiar Hallmark movie that touched my heart. Most of all it reminded me why I was unable to think of what I wanted for Christmas.

The movie was about a young woman, Julie, the struggles of her poverty-stricken family and their love for each other.

John desperately wanted to buy a dress for Julie, his daughter, as a birthday gift, but the family was extremely short of funds. After a futile attempt to obtain an advance on his salary, he decided he could acquire the necessary money if he pawned off his beloved violin. John accomplished the deed, and proudly presented the cash to his wife, Kay, to purchase the dress. He mourned the loss of his musical instrument but felt wonderful, visualizing the happiness of his daughter on her birthday.

While walking by the pawnshop, Kay recognized the violin showcased in the window. She immediately went inside and purchased it. Although Julie loved the dress, Kay knew she would fail to derive pleasure from it knowing the sacrifice her father made.

Family and friends came to the birthday party and Julie opened her meager gifts. A huge present stared into her face. When Julie opened the package, her father's violin lay inside.

John was astounded and asked the whereabouts of the intended dress. Julie looked lovingly at John and said, "Dad, you know my most coveted gift on my birthday has always been listening to you play for us," and she handed him the instrument.

It was finally time to cut the cake and make a wish for her birthday.

Julie smiled with tears streaming down her face, and hesitated to make the wish.

"Come on, Julie, hurry and make your wish," everyone said.

"I can't," she cried. "There's nothing I want. I already have everything, and it's all right here -- with you."

What a powerful statement!

All we really need -- aside from necessities -- is being with and sharing our love with those we cherish.

I thought of Jesus' birthday. Each year people try to please one another with gifts, which require unreasonable shopping time and money. We often overdecorate and have all the outer vestments of the holiday. If we fail to receive what we've asked for, we're sometimes disappointed. Gifts are often given out of obligation.

It would be wonderful if we could revamp our thoughts on what makes a joyous and blessed Christmas season. I doubt it's the "extravagant" gifts, the competitive ornamentation or even the Christmas parties.

All the trimmings of the season are fine if you genuinely enjoy participating in the work involved, and many do. But it's common sense that all the trappings can't make up for camaraderie and sharing. If one's family is unavailable or deceased, people can determine to incorporate friends and others around them as their family at Christmas. Accept invitations.

Each Christmas when I'm asked what I want for Christ's birthday, I'm often at a loss for words. For I feel a gift would be the time to attend more spiritual celebrations, assist with food pantries, buy gifts for those truly needing them and perhaps serving a meal at a care center.

This year when friends and family ask what I want for Christmas, I will say, "Nothing, I have everything I want right here. I have all of you" -- and I hope they listen.

Ellen Shuck is director of religious education at St. Mary Cathedral.